Donald Trump Sworn in for Second Term, Vows to ‘Liberate’ America from ‘Radical Establishment’

Donald Trump was sworn in as president of the United States for a second term in an unprecedented ceremony held indoors at the Capitol rotunda due to freezing temperatures.

The event, traditionally held on the Capitol steps, marked another dramatic chapter in America’s political landscape as Trump resumed office at noon local time (17:00 GMT).

In his inaugural address, Trump doubled down on familiar grievances against his political opponents, pledging to “liberate” the nation from what he described as a “radical and corrupt establishment.”

His speech painted a sombre portrait of the country’s state, railing against perceived injustices and signalling a confrontational approach to governance.

“My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal, and all of these many betrayals that have taken place, and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and indeed their freedom,” Trump declared.

He promised to usher in what he described as a “golden age of America.”
Trump, who holds the distinction of being the first US president convicted on criminal charges, used the occasion to denounce what he called the “weaponisation” of the justice system.

Ironically, his own rhetoric often includes threats to jail political rivals.

The president also took aim at key political figures, including his long-time adversary Nancy Pelosi, whom he accused of mishandling the aftermath of the Capitol riots.

“She’s guilty as hell,” Trump remarked, referring to Pelosi’s leadership during the contentious period.

He didn’t spare fellow Republicans either, labelling Liz Cheney a “disaster” and mocking her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris after the 2020 election.

Trump also ridiculed Adam Kinzinger, another Republican critic, calling him a “crying lunatic” and a “super crier.”

The address also hinted at executive actions Trump plans to undertake, notably a state of emergency declaration at the southern border with Mexico.

While Trump paid lip service to unity, his rhetoric largely reflected his campaign’s combative tone.

He pointedly criticised the leadership of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who attended the ceremony sitting only steps away.

Trump’s re-election, steeped in controversy and polarisation, promises a continuation of the aggressive political style that defined his first term.

As the nation grapples with deep divisions, Trump’s body language indicates that the next four years under his leadership are poised to be as turbulent as ever.