Trump set to take charge as 47th US President today

Washington: Donald Trump, set to take charge as the 47th President of the United States, returned to Washington on Sunday morning, marking the beginning of an extraordinary inaugural weekend. The incoming president, whose return to power follows a tumultuous political journey, arrived aboard a C-32 military aircraft from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, ahead of Monday’s swearing-in ceremony. This moment signals not only Trump’s return to the White House but also the revival of his “Make America Great Again” movement that has cemented his grip over the Republican Party.

The weekend’s celebrations began with a lavish 500-member reception at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia on Saturday night. The event featured fireworks and a spectacle that underscored the incoming president’s flair for grandeur. Trump’s Cabinet nominees, Pete

Hegseth and Lee Zeldin, were among the distinguished attendees. Trump, joined by his wife Melania, addressed the crowd and shared a nearly 15-minute video highlighting the night’s festivities, complete with a signature Trump dance move at the end.

The festivities continued with a packed schedule in Washington, where Trump stayed at the historic Blair House, located across from the White House. The president-elect’s Sunday agenda included a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a rally at Capital One Arena. The rally, titled “Make America Great Again Victory Rally,” marked Trump’s first major speech in the capital since his controversial January 6, 2021, address. Thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate his return, with performances by artists like Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the Village People adding to the spectacle.

Unprecedented security measures have been implemented for Monday’s events, with approximately 25,000 law enforcement personnel deployed to ensure safety. Unlike the turmoil following the 2020 election, officials do not anticipate protests or violence. Instead, the atmosphere in Washington reflects a mixture of celebration among Trump’s supporters and apprehension among his critics.

The swearing-in ceremony, traditionally held outdoors on the Capitol steps, has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to frigid temperatures. The scaled-down event will host around 600 attendees, a stark contrast to the 220,000 tickets initially distributed for an outdoor inauguration. Trump’s team has arranged for a live broadcast of the event at Capital One Arena, allowing up to 20,000 supporters to witness the occasion.

The inaugural parade, another hallmark of presidential transitions, will also take place indoors at the arena, marking the first time since 1985 that this tradition has been adapted due to weather conditions. Trump emphasised that these changes would not diminish the day’s significance, promising “a beautiful experience for all.”

Trump’s inauguration has drawn a roster of high-profile attendees and performers. Elon Musk, who spent over $250 million to boost Trump’s campaign, will address the rally, along with Vice President-elect JD Vance, UFC CEO Dana White, and conservative figures Charlie Kirk and Megyn Kelly. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is also expected to attend, amid speculation over Trump’s potential actions to overturn a looming ban on the app.

Musical performances will include country stars Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood during the swearing-in ceremony, alongside other notable artists like Jason Aldean and Gavin DeGraw at the inaugural balls. Three official balls—the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Starlight Ball—are set for Monday evening, continuing a tradition of inaugural galas.

Trump’s journey back to the presidency has been nothing short of remarkable.

After losing to Joe Biden in 2020 and leaving Washington under a cloud of controversy, he staged a political comeback that saw him dominate the 2024 Republican primaries. His victory in November’s election was decisive, with an Electoral College margin not seen since Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection.

Despite this victory, Trump remains one of the most polarising figures in US history, with nearly equal numbers of fervent supporters and vocal detractors. His inauguration speech, expected to focus on themes of unity, strength, and fairness, will offer a glimpse into his plans for bridging America’s deep political divides—an ambitious goal given the current climate.

Outgoing President Joe Biden spent his final full day in office in South Carolina, a state pivotal to his 2020 primary win. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden attended services at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston to honour Martin Luther King Jr Day, which coincides with Inauguration Day. In his farewell address earlier in the week, Biden warned of the dangers posed by an “oligarchy” of ultra-wealthy interests and expressed hope for the nation’s democratic resilience.

Biden’s departure marks the end of an administration that sought to restore traditional governance following Trump’s first term. Yet Trump’s return signifies a dramatic shift, with promises to undo many Biden-era policies and reinstate several executive orders from his initial presidency.

Trump has outlined an ambitious agenda for his first day back in office. Following the swearing-in ceremony, he is expected to sign multiple executive orders aimed at fulfilling campaign promises. While specifics remain unclear, potential actions include reversing Biden’s climate policies, launching a mass deportation program, and expanding domestic energy production. Trump has also pledged to pardon individuals charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riots.

The inauguration will conclude with a celebratory luncheon in Statuary Hall, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

This tradition, dating back to 1897, symbolises the peaceful transfer of power and offers a moment of bipartisan unity—a theme Trump has pledged to prioritise, albeit sceptically viewed by many.

Trump’s inauguration will be attended by a mix of domestic and international figures. Heads of state are not traditionally invited, but Trump extended invitations to select foreign leaders, including Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, who share his right-wing political ideology. However, not all invited leaders are expected to attend.

The event has drawn interest from global allies and adversaries alike, with Trump’s musings about acquiring Greenland and other bold geopolitical moves leaving many uncertain about his second-term priorities.

A meeting of the Quad—the US, Japan, India, and Australia—is scheduled shortly after the inauguration, underscoring Trump’s focus on countering China’s growing influence.