Donald Trump is set to take the oath of office for his second presidential term at noon local time today, marking a significant moment in American politics. The inauguration ceremony will take place indoors at noon (5 pm GMT) and will also see Vice-President-elect JD Vance taking his oath ahead of Trump. The event has been eagerly anticipated, with Trump's address promised to be "more optimistic" than his first inauguration speech in 2017.
In 2017, Theresa May, then Prime Minister of the UK, was the first foreign leader to meet Trump at the White House shortly after his first inauguration. This year's ceremony, however, has drawn different international reactions. French President Emmanuel Macron will not attend, though Italy's Giorgia Meloni might secure a one-on-one meeting with Trump before the event. The National Rally party from France will have three representatives present.
Within the United States, the political landscape surrounding Trump's second term inauguration appears different. Prominent left-wing activists suggest that a second Trump administration requires new strategies to achieve their goals. While massive protests characterized both Biden's and Trump's first terms, expectations indicate that such demonstrations may not materialize as intensely this time around.
“The novelty of mass mobilization has kind of worn off,” – Jamie Margolin (The Guardian)
Adding to the complexities of transition, Trump's incoming team had not informed the Department of Justice about the new acting attorney general as of last night. This uncertainty comes amidst reports from The Washington Post that Elon Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) initiative will face a lawsuit shortly after Trump's inauguration.
The ceremony itself will feature a performance by singer Deborah Cole, adding a cultural note to the proceedings. Carrie Underwood expressed her honor at being part of this historic event through a statement shared with CNN.
“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.” – Carrie Underwood (CNN)
Pope Francis has offered prayers to Donald Trump ahead of his inauguration, underscoring the global attention this event has commanded. On a domestic level, President Joe Biden commended public servants for their dedication and highlighted the challenges they face.
“Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day. They are the lifeblood of our democracy,” – Joe Biden (statement)
“Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.” – Joe Biden (statement)
As Trump prepares to deliver his address, he aims to convey a message of renewal and confidence in America's future.
“I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success. A tide of change is sweeping the country. My message to Americans today is that it is time for us to once again act with courage, vigor and the vitality of history’s greatest civilization.” – Donald Trump (expected inauguration speech)
In Europe, opinions vary on what Trump's presidency might mean for international relations and trade. Alex Leary from The Wall Street Journal emphasized the need for caution in approaching potential trade policies.
“We don’t want to open up a trade war,” – Alex Leary (The Wall Street Journal)
“Let’s see what Trump implements in the first 100 days. But it’s a bad idea to voice prejudice and hasty judgments now … let’s see what tariffs he even has in mind. What is clear is that he wants to protect his economy and that’s what the Germans and the Europeans need to do too.” – Alex Leary (The Wall Street Journal)