On January 20, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States — marking his stunning return to power after a non-consecutive term. Bitter cold forced the historic event indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, but the symbolic weight was undeniable.
In a rare, almost surreal moment, President Biden and Trump shared a polite exchange outside the White House. “Welcome home,” Biden said. Trump, shivering, laughed, “It’s colder than when we ski.” A flash of humor between rivals — brief but telling.
Trump’s return followed Biden’s emotional withdrawal from the 2024 race, endorsing Kamala Harris amid growing concerns over his health. But it was Trump who captured the nation’s attention, winning 312 electoral votes and unleashing a tidal wave of executive orders.
He pardoned hundreds tied to January 6, pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement again, and declared the government would recognize only two genders. His cultural declarations — from renaming Denali back to Mount McKinley to proposing the “Gulf of America” — raised eyebrows.
Love him or loathe him, Trump is back. And this time, he’s wasting no time rewriting the rules.