For the first time in over a century, a former U.S. president has taken the oath of office for a second time after leaving the White House. Donald Trump, now both the 45th and 47th president, follows in the footsteps of Grover Cleveland, the only other president to serve nonconsecutive terms.
The inauguration ceremony was held indoors due to the freezing temperatures, marking the official start of what has been called a political comeback for the ages. Just six months after a criminal conviction in a hush money case, Trump has rewritten history yet again. He’s now the first former president—and the first felon—to return to the Oval Office. This comeback underscores his enduring political appeal and ability to weather controversies that would have ended most political careers.
Despite a decade of trials, both literal and figurative, Trump is stepping back into the spotlight seemingly stronger than ever. The Republican Party now firmly aligns with his vision, with establishment voices largely sidelined. Meanwhile, influential leaders in finance, tech, and even world governments have been lining up to meet with him during his transition, a stark contrast to the resistance he faced during his first term.
Trump isn’t wasting any time. Within hours of taking office, he’s expected to sign executive orders targeting illegal immigration, rolling back diversity and inclusion initiatives, and removing protections for transgender individuals. His broader agenda includes implementing sweeping tariffs, enacting mass deportations, and slashing the size of the federal government.
It’s a new chapter in Trump’s already storied political career, and it’s clear he intends to hit the ground running.
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