The Return of Trump: A Divisive 2025 Inauguration

Mel Rising Dawn Cordeiro

News Editor

Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, marked his return to the White House after a contentious and polarizing campaign that spanned several years. Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election shocked many, as he secured the office for a second term after previously serving from 2017 to 2021. His inauguration ceremony inside the Capitol Rotunda was a moment of celebration for his supporters and a cause of concern for those who oppose his leadership.

Trump’s 2024 campaign focused heavily on themes of “America First” and national security, rallying voters with promises of economic growth, strict immigration enforcement and the restoration of what he framed as the country’s lost greatness. His victory, however, was not without controversy, as the election was marred by claims of voter suppression, misinformation, and claims of electoral fraud which are familiar echoes from his first presidential run.

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In his inaugural address, Trump doubled down on his populist platform. “Together, we will continue to make America strong, prosperous, and secure,” he proclaimed. “We will never apologize for our greatness and will always put America’s interests first.” Though these words ignited cheers from the crowd of his supporters, they also reaffirmed the divide that has come to define much of his political career.

As in 2017, Trump’s inauguration in 2025 was met with both fervent enthusiasm and intense opposition. There were protests in Washington D.C. and across the nation, with many activists voicing their concerns about issues ranging from racial justice to climate change to LGBTQ+ rights. The Women’s March, a movement that gained significant traction during Trump’s first term, was once again a major presence, with thousands gathering in the streets.

During the swearing in ceremony, it was noted that Trump did not place his left hand on the Bible, though it is not a requirement to do so. Melania Trump held the Bible used during Abraham Lincoln’s 1861 inauguration as well as the Trump family Bible, he opted instead to leave his arm at his side. Though it is not a requirement to do so, as Article VI of the U.S. Constitution states that “all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a Qualification to Office or public Trust under the United States,” it is a common tradition to swear oath on the Bible, which Trump did during his first term in office.

Looking ahead, the question on many minds is what Trump’s second term will entail. Will he shift his approach to governance or continue along the lines of his first presidency, which was marked by aggressive rhetoric, deregulation, and a contentious relationship with the media?

It is possible that Trump’s second term could be characterized by a renewed focus on the issues he emphasized during his campaign: a more aggressive stance on immigration, changes to the economy that favor American manufacturing, and an emphasis on American energy independence. However, the possibility of another bitter battle over his conduct in office looms large. The 2024 election, much like his 2016 win, was accompanied by legal and ethical questions that could continue to challenge his leadership.

Ultimately, the 2025 inauguration has solidified the political divide in the United States. Trump's supporters see him as a champion of their values, while detractors view him as a threat to democracy. As the 2025 inauguration unfolded, it was clear that the country remains deeply divided, and that Trump's presidency is far from a unifying force.

In a country grappling with internal division, the 2025 Trump inauguration has underscored the growing polarization, as millions of Americans continue to navigate the uncertainty of his second term.