Donald Trump, after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, announced a significant policy shift by declaring that the US government will officially recognize only two genders—male and female.
Trump stated his administration aims to create a “merit-based” and “colour-blind society,” marking a change in federal policies regarding gender and diversity. This initiative includes rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, a stance that has already influenced several US corporations such as McDonald’s, Walmart, and Meta, which have scaled back their DEI initiatives since Trump’s election victory in November.
Key Announcements in the Inaugural Speech
- National Emergency at the Southern Border
Trump announced immediate actions to address illegal immigration, declaring a “national emergency” at the southern border.- Halted all illegal entry.
- Commenced the deportation of “millions of criminal aliens.”
- Reinstated the “remain in Mexico” policy.
- Abandoned the “catch and release” practice.
- Deployed troops to secure the border and designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
- Economic Focus and Energy Policy
Addressing inflation, Trump criticized overspending and escalating energy prices. He declared a “national energy emergency” and reiterated his “drill, baby, drill” slogan, emphasizing the use of domestic oil and gas reserves to tackle energy costs.
“The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices. That is why today I will declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill,” Trump asserted. - Response to Los Angeles Wildfires
Trump highlighted the inadequate response to recent wildfires in Los Angeles, criticizing the lack of defense against disasters.
“Fires have tragically burned through houses and communities without even a token of defense. This can’t be allowed to happen,” he said. - Golden Age of America
Declaring the beginning of a “golden age,” Trump referred to his inauguration day as “Liberation Day” for the country.
Ceremonial Details
The inauguration ceremony was held at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, where US Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath to Trump. JD Vance was sworn in earlier as the 50th Vice President of the United States.