David Smith, Chief Washington correspondent for Guardian Australia, shares gripping insights from Donald Trump’s second inauguration. He recalls the atmosphere inside the Capitol, contrasting it with the first term. The discussion reveals Trump's theatrical politics, including the dramatic exit from the Paris Climate Agreement. Smith analyzes themes from Trump's inaugural speech, raising questions about his narrative of political resurrection and divine belief. He also dives deep into immigration and national security, reflecting on supporters' sentiments and future implications.
Trump's inauguration as the 47th president reflects a significant moment in American politics, highlighting public sentiment and division toward his presidency.
The signing of executive orders, especially on climate policy, illustrates Trump's populist priorities and his theatrical, non-traditional approach to governance.
Deep dives
The Return of Trump and His Inauguration
Donald Trump has been inaugurated as President of the United States for a second term, marking a significant moment in American political history. The inauguration took place in the Capitol Rotunda, a location that held a contrasting historical significance due to the January 6th insurrection. The event featured a parade at the Capital One Arena, where Trump celebrated his victory with a large crowd, emphasizing a return to his characteristic showmanship. The atmosphere was marked by an enthusiastic reception from supporters, who reacted strongly to his speech and executive actions, indicating a clear divide in public sentiment around his presidency.
Executive Orders and Climate Policy
Immediately following his inauguration, Trump signed a series of executive orders, the most notable being the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. This decision resonated with his supporters, who celebrated a return to policies that prioritize economic concerns over climate action. During a performance-like ceremony, Trump showcased his penchant for dramatics, underscoring the divide between his administration and more traditional political norms. This act of signing executive orders in a sports arena, reminiscent of reality television, highlighted his unorthodox approach to governance and his continuing commitment to promoting a climate denial narrative.
Dynamics with Former Presidents and Billionaires
The inauguration was notable not only for its festivities but also for the dynamics observed among former presidents and influential billionaires in attendance. The crowd's reactions were telling, as boos greeted figures like Barack Obama, while cheers welcomed Trump, indicating the strong alignment between him and his base. Prominent tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos were positioned close to Trump, signifying their increasing influence in American politics. This blending of political leadership and business interests reflects ongoing tensions within the Republican Party and raises concerns about the role of oligarchs in shaping governmental policies.
Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th president of the United States and has vowed to ‘put America first’ in his inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol rotunda. The chief Washington correspondent, David Smith, tells Reged Ahmad what it was like inside Trump’s inauguration ceremony and what the new president’s executive orders reveal about his populist priorities for his second term Please fill out our audience survey here: theguardian.com/fullstorysurvey
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