Billionaire businessman Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday, January 20, 2025, as the 47th president of the United States, marking the beginning of his second term in office.
Trump, who secured a decisive victory over outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 2024 presidential election, took the oath of office during an indoor ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. The event, which began at 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time, was attended by a large crowd of supporters despite the frigid weather in Washington, D.C.
In his inaugural speech, Trump pledged swift and decisive action, promising a “barrage of executive orders” on his first day in office. “Every single day, I will very simply put America first,” Trump declared, adding that the “golden age of America” would “begin now.”
Criticizing the outgoing administration, Trump accused President Joe Biden of prioritizing the defence of foreign borders over American interests. “The Biden administration refused to defend American borders, or our people,” he asserted.
Before leaving office, Biden issued pre-emptive pardons to protect several individuals from prosecution, including former Covid-19 advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci, officials who testified during investigations into the January 6 Capitol riot, and some members of his close family.
Trump, confident in his return to power, has vowed to reshape the nation’s policies with what he described as “historic speed and strength,” setting the tone for a presidency aimed at ushering in what he called a new “golden age” for the country.
