Though Donald Trump would have relished an inauguration on Capitol Hill with thousands in attendance, roaring in approval at every word, his decision to opt for an indoor event was pragmatic. The East Coast is currently in the grip of an unforgiving cold wave; even Atlanta has been shivering under sub-zero temperatures for most of the day. Braving the elements outdoors was simply not an option. In many ways, the closed-door event mirrored both the man and the moment. Nestled beneath the iconic Capitol dome, the Rotunda is an awe-inspiring, circular hall modeled after the grandeur of the Roman Pantheon. Rising majestically to 180 feet at its center, it exudes a surreal ambiance befitting momentous occasions in the Republic’s history. The walls are adorned with John Trumbull’s striking paintings—”Declaration of Independence” and “Surrender of Lord Cornwallis”—capturing pivotal moments that forever altered the course of human civilization. Indeed, today’s inauguration may well be another such defining chapter in the annals of this great Republic.
Within the Rotunda, the most powerful men and women in the country were assembled. Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Mark Zuckerberg stood together—a rare sight to witness all five on the same stage behind an incoming President. In front, dignitaries from all walks of life were lined up—from Presidents of countries to envoys to business magnates—all eager to be seen close to the incoming President. Trump’s entire family was present, and it was remarkable to see young Barron towering over everyone—literally. The Bidens, the Harris family, and past Presidents, with their customary dignity, took their seats to witness an inauguration they would have preferred never happened. Each of the former Presidents in attendance had faced their own challenges while occupying the White House and had set the country on a new course. Still, all the ex-Presidents on the podium knew in their hearts that this second term of Trump, after such a resounding victory at the polls, could mean something entirely different. Traces of awe, apprehension, and resignation were evident on their faces. At the same time, the proceedings were marked by conspicuous grace and dignity. Except for a slight audio glitch towards the end when Carrie Underwood was about to sing, the ceremony was flawless, given that the event organizers had less than two days to move the proceedings indoors.
The transfer of power in a democracy is never seamless, especially when stark ideological divides exist between the parties. The beauty of democratic rituals, such as the inauguration, lies in their ability to facilitate a peaceful transition with decorum and tradition. In essence, rituals—whether social, personal, or religious—serve to impose a semblance of order on the inherent chaos of change. The carefully orchestrated dress code, the meticulous seating arrangements, the solemn priestly invocation, the hallowed Presidential oath, the farewell to outgoing leaders, and the traditional signing of executive orders—all these ceremonial elements are designed to channel any underlying tensions into a shared sense of purpose. The outgoing President and the outgoing Vice President may harbor strong reservations about their successor, but they must sit with a composed expression, extend a handshake to the man they believe should not be there, and endure a speech whose vision and thrust may starkly contrast with their own. Rituals, in their codified grace, help smooth rough edges and compel individuals to partake in actions they might otherwise resist.
Donald Trump’s speech, lasting twenty-nine minutes, was entirely predictable. The iconic slogan “Make America Great Again,” which birthed the acronym MAGA, formed the backbone of his address. Without directly mentioning Biden by name, Trump took aim at every facet of the previous administration—from healthcare to inflation, immigration, education, and international affairs. His solution? The unwavering pursuit of American greatness through his agenda. Unlike in 2017, when some Republican party members voiced dissent, this time there was no such discord. Over the past eight years, Trump has solidified his position as the undisputed face of the Republican Party, leaving little room for opposition. Whether such centralized power in the hands of one individual is beneficial for democracy is debatable. However, in my view, such authority can be advantageous, particularly when swift action is required.
The next four years will be crucial for America. Donald Trump is eager to leave behind a lasting legacy in his second term—unless, of course, he decides to act on his occasional jokes about extending his tenure through legislation. You never know. There is no doubt that Trump’s leadership will continue to be unconventional, reflecting his unique persona. As a businessman and negotiator, he believes in identifying and pulling the right levers to get things done. However, one thing will remain consistent: his unwavering commitment to putting America first. Neither his rhetoric nor his actions will deviate from the vision and promises he made to the American people. His policies on immigration, trade deals, and bringing manufacturing back to America are likely to have a positive impact. However, his withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, disregard for climate change concerns, and push for unrestricted oil drilling may yield short-term economic benefits but could result in significant long-term repercussions, not just for America but for the planet as a whole.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the new administration is the role of tech czars. Elon Musk, known for his outspoken views on various issues, maintains a direct line to the President. With his vast wealth, media influence, and significant clout, Musk holds an unparalleled ability to shape policy. Rarely have technology moguls played such a central role in national governance. By bringing Musk and other tech leaders into his inner circle, Trump acknowledges that technology is no longer merely a tool for productivity but an integral part of modern life, shaping the way people live and make decisions. In a significant move, the President has temporarily lifted the ban on TikTok for seventy days—an apparent acknowledgment of the platform’s widespread popularity in the United States and its role in connecting him with the millennial demographic during his campaign. The CEO of TikTok was in attendance at the inauguration.
Now that the inauguration is over, regular business will commence tomorrow as the new administration takes effect. I am very optimistic and look forward to the coming months and years.