“My fellow citizens, the golden age of America begins right now.” This was the first sentence of the inaugural address of President Donald Trump, the forty-seventh president. On Monday, Jan. 20, President Trump, surrounded by politicians, business leaders, and family, became only the second president to return to the Oval Office for a non-consecutive second term. Millions worldwide watched the event as he took the oath and returned to power.
Inauguration Day has remained fairly similar throughout the decades, as the presidential power is transferred peacefully. The event was moved inside this year, as weather conditions did not permit for it to be held outdoors. It was last held indoors in 1985 for President Reagan’s second inauguration.
After being accompanied to the capitol by outgoing President Joe Biden, President Trump was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. The President recited the oath of office over two Bibles– the Lincoln Bible, used at Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration, as well as a Bible gifted to President Trump by his mother. Shortly before, Vice-President J.D. Vance was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Then, the President-elect gave his inaugural address in which he discussed the future of America and his plans for the next four years. President Trump shared with spectators, “Under my leadership, we will restore fair, equal, and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law.”
In terms of his rhetoric, President Trump made many bold and attention-grabbing choices. He began his speech by using various metaphors and comparisons to inspire patriotic feelings in his listeners. For example, he used powerful rhetoric when describing the new era of America, “A tide of change is sweeping the country.” Then, President Trump used blunt and inartistic language to describe his future plans, creating a sense of drama and magnetism. The president-elect shared, “I will end the practice of catch and release.”
Upper School English Teacher, Mrs. Mary Ditaranto dissected President Trump’s speech: “He speaks directly to his audience. He is very clear in how he speaks to his audience. He was very blunt and to the point.”
While the inauguration was attended by many of the nation’s and world’s leading politicians, some notable figures decided to miss the event. Most notably not in attendance were former first lady Michelle Obama, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and former second-lady Karen Pence.
Following the ceremony, former president Joe Biden, along with his wife, Jill Biden, departed the capital for Southern California, and President Trump was allowed to begin signing his first executive orders as President. President Trump wasted no time signing his first official actions as President in the President’s Room. On the first day of his second term in office, Trump signed orders that included those that addressed the US-Mexico Border, immigration, international trade, the names of Denali and the Gulf of Mexico, and much more. He also pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization and pardoned many individuals.
President Trump and his family also attended three Inaugural Balls: the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Starlight Ball. These balls are celebrations of the upcoming presidential term, and happen the evening of the inauguration.
Each of the balls has different purposes, for example, the Liberty Ball is centered around recognizing the supporters of the president. Performances at the balls included sets by a myriad of musicians including Nelly, Rascal Flatts, and Gavin DeGraw.
Among the groups in attendance at the inauguration were a contingent from Palm Beach County’s Police and Fire Departments. This was the group’s second time in the capitol, as President Trump invited them during his first inauguration as well. Included in the group was Officer Gabrio Badolati, the husband of Upper School Administrative Assistant Mrs. Lisa Badolati. Officer Badolati was invited to the event as a member of the Palm Beach Honor Guard, who marched at the occasion.
Mrs. Badolati shared her husband’s role at the event, “Because of the small space of the arena, they narrowed the number of groups invited down to seven. My husband’s police department was able to march.”
She continued stating, “I am extremely proud that my husband has had the opportunity to be a part of two Presidential Inaugurations. This was a very special and historical event to be a part of.”
Other members of the Benjamin community were not in attendance but watched the event on television.
Senior Giancarlo Di Leo, one of these viewers, shared what he thought of the inauguration, “I thought the inauguration was very interesting and surreal since this was the first time that I was able to comprehend its significance. I thought the speech by Pastor Lorenzo Sewell was extremely empowering.”
President Trump’s term will end in 2029.
