Donald Trump is beginning his second term as the 47th President of the United States. After first serving in 2017, he returns to the White House at the age of 78, with a renewed promise of “a brand new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity, and pride.”
Due to adverse weather conditions, today’s inauguration ceremony, set for January 20, has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda—marking the first time in four decades that the event won’t take place outdoors. The inaugural events, including the procession and parade, will begin later this evening in the UK, starting at 5 PM and continuing at 8 PM UK time.
As he embarks on his second term, Trump has outlined several key initiatives and goals he aims to achieve, some of which he has made public before his inauguration. Here’s an overview of what he has promised to change:
1. TikTok and National Security Trump has voiced his concerns about TikTok, citing national security risks. He announced that he would issue an executive order to delay a ban on the app and work on reaching an agreement to protect U.S. interests. On Truth Social, his personal social media platform, he encouraged companies not to allow TikTok to remain blocked, citing the need to secure a deal that would safeguard American security.
2. Immigration and Border Control Trump has pledged to initiate the largest deportation program in U.S. history, aiming to shut down the southern border to undocumented immigrants. He has also promised to reinstate the controversial “Muslim travel ban,” which restricted entry from several predominantly Muslim countries. Trump has indicated that his administration will prioritize border security and take a tough stance on immigration.
3. Declassification of Assassination Files In a push for greater government transparency, Trump announced plans to declassify records related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. He called this a first step toward reversing the over-classification of government documents and ensuring more openness in U.S. governance.
4. Purchasing Greenland Trump has reiterated his desire to purchase Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. In a post on Truth Social, he emphasized the strategic value of Greenland, stating that it would benefit greatly from becoming part of the U.S. and that America would protect it from foreign threats. Despite his previous failed attempts to buy Greenland during his first term, he remains hopeful about revisiting the idea.
5. Women’s Rights and Abortion Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade by Supreme Court justices appointed during his first term, Trump has expressed his support for the resulting stricter abortion laws in some states. He clarified, however, that he would not pursue a federal abortion ban but instead focus on offering free IVF treatments to women struggling with fertility issues.
6. Education Reforms Trump has advocated for significant changes in the education system, including cutting funding for schools that promote “critical race theory,” “transgender insanity,” or other controversial topics. He also expressed his intent to end school vaccine or mask mandates, signaling a shift in how education-related policies could be approached under his leadership.
7. Taxation and Economy Trump’s economic plan includes the elimination of income tax on tips, as well as sweeping changes to the tax system. He has promised to reduce inflation, though specifics on how this will be achieved remain unclear. Trump has hinted at revitalizing the U.S. oil industry to make energy more affordable and has expressed opposition to offshore wind farms, which he claims pose environmental risks to wildlife such as whales and birds. His administration also plans to cut taxes while raising tariffs on imports.
8. Climate Change and Environmental Policies Trump has continued his stance on climate change, labeling it an “expensive hoax” but pledging to prioritize clean air and water for U.S. citizens. While opposing some environmental initiatives like offshore wind farms, he aims to foster energy independence and focus on fossil fuels.
As Trump steps into his second term, his promises reflect his ongoing commitment to a strong, secure America, though many of his policies are likely to face opposition in both public and political spheres. His approach to issues like immigration, national security, and the economy will shape the next four years of his presidency.
