Pardons and Populism: Trump’s First Day Back in the White House
Jan 21, 2025
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Guests Peter Baker, Chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, and Jonathan Swan, a White House reporter for the same paper, delve into the drama of Donald Trump's spectacular return to the presidency. They analyze his divisive inaugural speech that eschews traditional unity in favor of a nationalist vision. The conversation highlights Trump's swift executive actions, including controversial pardons for January 6 rioters, signaling a stark policy shift and a robust rallying of his supporters towards bold changes.
Trump's second inauguration signifies a dramatic shift in American politics, as he positions himself as the nation's savior amid division.
His first day in office showcased immediate policy reversals and pardons for Jan. 6 rioters, emphasizing a confrontational governance approach.
Deep dives
Trump's Inauguration: A Day of Historical Significance
Donald Trump's second inauguration marked a significant moment in American politics, demonstrating an unusual transition of power. The scene in the Capitol reflected a dramatic shift, with Trump and his supporters firmly positioned in the narrative of recovery and triumph. With the outgoing president, Joe Biden, and vice president, Kamala Harris, seated nearby, the dynamics of power were palpably tense. Trump's inaugural address further emphasized his centrality as a leader, asserting that he was the solution to the nation's issues, positioning himself as a savior while echoing themes of a divided America.
An Aggressive and Unifying Message
Trump's inaugural speech diverged from traditional expectations by focusing on a national narrative steeped in division and urgency. He emphasized a radical departure from previous policies, pledging immediate action to restore American values by promising to eliminate government programs that promote diversity and inclusion. Additionally, he announced policies that signaled a strong stance on immigration and social issues, indicating a willingness to roll back progress made during Biden's presidency. This departure from more diplomatic language echoed a lack of overtures to his opponents, instead presenting an aggressive agenda for the new term.
Immediate Actions: Executive Orders and Pardons
On his first day in office, Trump quickly enacted executive orders that rescinded numerous policies from the Biden administration, signaling a swift transformation in governance. Notable actions included efforts to reinforce stringent immigration policies and a declaration that sought to reframe the concept of citizenship. Trump also made headlines by issuing pardons for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riots, establishing a clear message to both supporters and detractors about his priorities. The decisions made on day one highlighted not only a return to his prior stance but also set a tone for his second term, emphasizing power and a readiness for retribution against perceived political adversaries.
On Monday, in the culmination of an extraordinary political comeback, Donald J. Trump was officially sworn in as president of the United States for a second time.
Mr. Trump’s return comes just four years after being voted out of office, and being impeached for trying to overturn that result.
Peter Baker and Jonathan Swan, who cover the White House for The Times, discuss the message Mr. Trump sent in his inaugural address and the actions he took during his first hours in office.
Guests: Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times; Jonathan Swan, a White House reporter for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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