Donald Trump Inaugurated as 47th President, Emphasizes Strength and Reform

In a historic ceremony held on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking the beginning of his second, non-consecutive term. The event, relocated indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to extreme cold weather, saw President Trump take the oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. “Today marks the return of a leadership focused on putting America first,” Trump declared in his inaugural address, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to robust executive action and national strength.

The inauguration began with a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, attended by President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and their families. Following the service, the traditional tea reception at the White House was held with outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. “This peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of our democracy,” remarked Trump, reinforcing the importance of upholding democratic traditions.

Musical performances added a celebratory note to the occasion, with artists like Carrie Underwood, Christopher Macchio, and Lee Greenwood captivating the audience. Lee Greenwood, renowned for his patriotic songs, commented, “It’s an honor to perform on such a momentous day for our nation.” The event was marked by high spirits and a sense of anticipation for the new administration’s direction.

In his address, President Trump highlighted his key priorities, including immigration reform and enhancing American strength on the global stage. “We will declare a national emergency at our southern border,” he announced, underscoring his commitment to securing the nation’s borders. Trump also pledged to reinstate policies aimed at deterring asylum seekers, a move he believes is crucial for national security.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses. Michelle Obama and Nancy Pelosi were notably absent, sparking discussions about political divisions. However, the presence of international dignitaries like Argentinian President Javier Milei and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng highlighted the global significance of the event. “This inauguration underscores America’s influence on the world stage,” observed political analyst Laura Hamilton.

Security measures were significantly heightened due to past incidents and the cold weather. Thousands of military and law enforcement personnel were stationed around key locations, ensuring the safety of all attendees. “Our primary focus is to maintain a secure environment for this historic event,” stated a senior security official.

The day’s events concluded with the traditional inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, followed by several inaugural balls in the evening. “It’s a celebration of democracy and a new chapter for America,” said Vice President JD Vance. The festive atmosphere reflected the administration’s promise of rejuvenation and progress.

As President Trump begins his second term, his emphasis on strong executive action and reform sets a tone of assertiveness and change. “We are entering a new era of American strength and prosperity,” Trump declared, signaling his administration’s focus on delivering swift and decisive action. The coming months will reveal how these promises translate into policy and impact the nation. GMTNewsng

Trump Likely to Grant TikTok 90-Day Reprieve Upon Assuming Office

President-elect Donald Trump indicated on Saturday that he is “most likely” to grant TikTok a 90-day extension to negotiate a deal that could prevent the popular video-sharing platform from being banned in the United States.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump shared that while no final decision had been made, he is considering granting the reprieve after his inauguration on Monday. A law set to take effect on Sunday, which prohibits mobile app stores and internet hosting services from distributing TikTok to U.S. users, was passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden last year. The legislation required TikTok’s parent company, based in China, to sell its U.S. operations to an approved buyer within nine months, with a provision allowing the sitting president to extend the deadline if a sale is underway.

“I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate. You know, it’s appropriate,” Trump told “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker in a phone interview. “We have to look at it carefully. It’s a very big situation.”

He added, “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco clarified on Friday that the Biden administration would leave the implementation of the law to Trump, as his inauguration coincides with the day after the ban takes effect.

In a statement released on Friday, TikTok requested “a definitive statement” from the Biden administration confirming that it would not enforce the law or impose fines on app store operators like Apple and Google if they continued to offer TikTok beyond Sunday.

Without such assurances, TikTok warned it “will be forced to go dark,” though the company did not specify whether it would voluntarily suspend its U.S. operations or cease services after losing access to its service providers.

The White House dismissed TikTok’s statement as “a stunt.”

“We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday,” Jean-Pierre stated. “We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them.”

As of Saturday, Apple, Google, and Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s data on its servers, had not responded to inquiries regarding their plans for Sunday. GMTNewsng

Source: Time

• Trump Gears Up for Historic Day One Executive Actions Focused on Border Security and Immigration Reform

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump is preparing an unprecedented slate of more than 100 executive orders set to launch on his first day in office, January 20, signaling a decisive shift in U.S. policy priorities. The move, described by Republican insiders as a “shock-and-awe” strategy, aims to swiftly address border security, deportations, and a host of other campaign promises.

During a private meeting on Capitol Hill, Trump and his top adviser, Stephen Miller, detailed the ambitious agenda to Republican senators. The plan focuses on immediate actions that could reshape immigration enforcement, energy development, and federal workforce regulations. “There will be a substantial number,” confirmed Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota.

Key among the proposed measures are those targeting the U.S.-Mexico border. The executive orders will include completing the border wall and establishing detention facilities for migrants pending their deportation. These initiatives aim to streamline the immigration process and reinforce national security. “This is about restoring order and lawfulness to our immigration system,” Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma noted.

The Trump team is also expected to reverse many executive orders from the Biden administration. This rollback will include reintroducing policies from Trump’s first term, such as the “Remain in Mexico” program, which requires asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their claims are processed. “These measures will ensure a secure and orderly process for those seeking entry,” Lankford added.

In addition to border security, the executive orders will touch on various other areas. Proposals include revising federal workforce rules under Schedule F, adjusting school gender policies, and reviewing vaccine mandates. Allies of the president-elect believe these actions will reinforce conservative values and streamline government operations.

The executive actions, though extensive, are part of a broader legislative effort. Trump and his allies are working on a budget reconciliation package that includes funding for these initiatives, estimated at $100 billion. This legislative push aims to secure the necessary resources to implement the proposed changes effectively.

Senators briefed on the plan have expressed optimism about the swift execution of these orders. “It’s a clear message that the new administration is ready to deliver on its promises from day one,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The prompt action is intended to provide immediate results and set the tone for the administration.

While some of the executive orders may serve symbolic purposes, the majority are designed to have a significant and lasting impact. The Trump administration’s focus on law and order, coupled with a streamlined government approach, is expected to resonate with supporters and address long-standing concerns.

President-elect Trump’s ambitious day-one agenda underscores his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises and enacting meaningful reform. By leveraging executive orders, Trump aims to bypass congressional gridlock and implement policies that prioritize national security, economic growth, and conservative values. GMTNewsng