On Jan. 20, 2025, at around 11:45 a.m., Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Many notable public figures in politics, business and entertainment were present at Trump’s Inauguration Day, including Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and George Bush.
After being sworn into office, Trump delivered a roughly 30-minute-long inaugural address. This speech was similar to his first inaugural address, in which he focused on immigration, border control, energy and the automotive industry. Here are some executive actions we can expect from the Trump administration within the next four years.
Immigration
Trump started off by stating that he will “declare a national emergency at the southern border,” earning him a standing ovation. This is an issue that many of his supporters feel strongly about. He went on to say that he will reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy that he put in place during his first term. This policy is meant to end “catch-and-release,” instead prompting immigrants to wait in Mexico during their U.S. court proceedings.
Trump also addressed issues of immigrant crime and the cartel. “Under the orders I sign today, we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations,” he said. Through the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, Trump plans to use federal and state law enforcement to eliminate foreign gangs and criminal networks.
Trump’s administration promptly shut down Former President Joe Biden’s “one legal entry program,” which allowed migrants to enter the U.S. legally by scheduling appointments on an app. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, all existing appointments have been canceled.
Energy
Many voters were swayed by Trump’s promise to tackle inflation. Quickly into his inaugural address, he notes overspending and energy prices as the cause of escalating energy costs. Trump has declared a national energy emergency; thanking the auto industry for their support, vowing to “make America a manufacturing nation once again” and revoke the electric vehicle mandate.
“The American dream will soon be back and thriving like never before to restore competence and effectiveness to our federal government. My administration will establish the brand-new Department of Government Efficiency,” he said.
Gender
One of Trump’s first executive orders will focus on gender-related policies. “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female,” he said.
Trump also mentioned the military, stating that he will sign an order to stop those enrolled from being subjected to “radical political theories” and “social experiments while on duty.”
Renaming
Trump has previously mentioned his desire to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” He believes that the name should reflect U.S. efforts in the region.
He also vowed to rename Denali — the tallest peak in North America. “We will restore the name of a great president, William McKinley, to Mount McKinley, where it should be and where it belongs,” he said. Controversy previously arose with Obama changing the mountain’s name to Denali in 2015, which aligns with Alaskan culture.
Panama Canal
He also plans to take back the Panama Canal. “The United States — I mean, think of this — spent more money than ever spent on a project before and lost 38,000 lives in the building of the Panama Canal. We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made, and Panama’s promise to us has been broken,” he said. Trump also mentioned that China is now operating the Panama Canal — despite the U.S. not giving it to them — and it’s time we take it back.
Trump concluded his speech delivering a promise that he will restore “America’s promise” and rebuild it into the nation that we once loved. He vows to bring back unity; noting that America will be respected and admired again.
“We will dream boldly, and nothing will stand in our way. Because we are Americans, the future is ours, and our Golden Age has just begun. Thank you. God. Bless America. Thank you all,” he said.
