Reuters/AFP :Donald Trump was sworn in for a historic second term as president on Monday, pledging a blitz of immediate orders on immigration and the US culture wars as he caps his extraordinary comeback.
With one hand raised in the air and the other on a Bible given to him by his mother, the 47th US president solemnly took the oath of office beneath the huge Rotunda of the US Capitol.
Beginning his speech, Trump thanked his predecessors and Vice President Kamala Harris, saying: “The golden age of America begins right now.”
He said the US would flourish again and be respected all over the world from now on.
Trump said the US would now allow itself to be taken advantage of, saying: “During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first.”
He said his government would “reclaim” the sovereignty of the US, restore safety and “rebalance” the scales of justice.
Trump said his “top priority” was to create a free, proud and prosperous nation. “America will soon be greater, stronger and far more exceptional than ever before.”
He said he returned to the presidency confident and optimistic that “we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success”, adding that a “tide of change is sweeping the country and sunlight is pouring over the entire world and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before”.
Trump said there were “plentiful” challenges facing his administration but they would be “annihilated by this great momentum that the world is now witnessing in the US”.
Going on the attack, he said: “Our government confronts a crisis of trust. For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair.”
He criticised the prior government for failing to protect American citizens while “providing sanctuary and protection to dangerous criminals … that have illegally entered our country from all over the world”.
Trump criticised the US public health system for not delivering in times of disaster and still consuming resources, along with the education system.
“All of this will change starting today.”
He said his reelection was a “mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal … and to give the people back their faith, wealth and democracy and indeed their freedom”.
Trump vowed: “From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”
He said that over the past eight years, “I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250-year history, and I’ve learned a lot along the way.”
Recounting his Pennysylvania assassination attempt, Trump said: “I was saved by God to make America great again,” prompting a standing ovation from those in attendance.
Trump said his administration of “American patriots” would bring hope, prosperity and safety to citizens of every “race, religion, colour and creed”. “January 20th, 2025 is Liberation Day,” he added.
Paying tribute to his voters from the African-American and Hispanic communities, he said: “National unity is now returning to America.”
“Good morning,” Trump said as he earlier entered the Capitol accompanied by ex-president Joe Biden. Asked how they felt, Biden responded, “Well.”