Trump 2.0: Risen like a phoenix, mandated to rule on his terms of engagement

THE PEOPLE of the United States delivered their verdict, choosing Donald Trump to lead them.

- NILOVA ROY CHAUDHURY

Formally sworn in as the 47th President of the USA on January 20, 2025, the oldest man ever to assume the office of US president, Mr Trump is a man on a mission, in a hurry to leave his imprint, which will resonate not just across the USA but across the world.

There was not even a hint of violence after the presidential poll result; the transition was completely peaceful. There was no attempt to try and stage a coup as Mr Trump himself had done four years ago, when he lost the election to President Jo Biden. However, some of the aggressive intent unleashed during his campaign is now being formalised in the agenda for governance that he is putting into action.

Mr Trump has hit the ground running, signing close to 100 executive orders on his first day, including immediately withdrawing the United States from the Paris Accord, on climate change, and the World Health Organisation, where the reduced funding will impact research and cooperation among countries on future pandemics. Domestically, he has moved swiftly and forcefully to end illegal immigration and participation of transgender people in the armed forces.

Throughout his campaign there was very clear messaging from Mr Trump, that he meant to make America great again, by reviving its economy, whether by removing illegal immigrants who are taking away American jobs, or by slapping prohibitive tariffs on nations which do not abide by his agenda to regain American pre-eminence, including taking back their "illegals". That, and making strategic acquisitions, are his primary means to make America more secure.