At first glance, Donald Trump’s inauguration appeared to be a standard transition of power, marked by the usual exchange of courteous applause between political opponents. However, this was merely a superficial display. Beneath the surface, Mr. Trump’s address wasn’t about reconciliation; it was an assertive proclamation aimed at rallying his right-wing supporters against perceived adversaries, effectively dismissing the unity that the inauguration traditionally symbolizes. He painted a bleak picture of a faltering nation that only he could restore to greatness. He went so far as to declare two national emergencies, promising to deport “millions of criminal aliens” and to exploit the “liquid gold under our feet” through aggressive drilling. His alarming call to reclaim the Panama Canal from China suggests he might be willing to reshape the global order, potentially with forceful measures.
Trump, in a flurry of executive orders, seems set to escalate the climate crisis, challenge the constitutional promise of birthright citizenship, and diminish legal protections. Gone are the inspirational speeches of past presidents like Kennedy; Trump’s message was straightforward: enemies, both domestic and foreign, beware. Where Roosevelt once kindled hope, Trump delivered fear.
Attempting to brand himself as the visionary leader of a new American era, Trump’s speech shouldn’t be taken at face value. He started with high-flown rhetoric, declaring “the golden age of America begins right now,” and wrapped up with his typical grandiosity, claiming his fellow citizens were “on the verge of the four greatest years in American history.” Trump remains the consummate showman; his previous term in office demonstrated how a politician could cover his fragile ego with bullying tactics, bringing American democracy to a precarious brink.
It’s been quite the comeback for Mr. Trump, now once again the 47th president, having survived two impeachments, a criminal conviction, and an assassination attempt. By tapping into a sense of frustration and loss among some citizens, his rhetoric about restoring national greatness resonates deeply. Due to inclement weather, Trump delivered his address inside the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol rather than on its steps, keenly aware of imagery’s power. He preferred the sight of a rally filled with devoted followers over the audience of billionaires, tech executives, and oligarchs seated before him.
This populist stance belies an unreserved oligarchic movement. Trump’s ability to convince regular voters that he is their advocate while casting Democrats as disconnected elitists is quite remarkable, given his staggering conflicts of interest. Over the weekend, he amassed billions through his branded crypto token, a boon linked to his regulatory controls. It’s troubling that his disinformation tactics foster division and erode trust, supplanting facts with identity-driven politics requiring unwavering loyalty.
Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement is not entirely unique, yet he himself stands apart. His narcissism, thirst for adulation, disdain for critics, and willingness to manipulate government power for personal vendettas distinguish him as an exceptional figure not easily replicated in U.S. politics. The close outcome of the 2024 election underscores the sharp divisions in American politics, with Republicans narrowly gaining power, highlighting a significantly fractured electorate.
The depth of this division is epitomized by Joe Biden’s dramatic last act, where he used his pardon powers to shield his family members and several public servants from Trump’s potential retribution. Trust in institutions over individuals to dispense justice is a cornerstone of the rule of law. America should heed this warning: straying from these principles risks undermining the very foundations of democracy.
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