In normal circumstances, a presidential inauguration in Washington symbolizes a routine transfer of power. However, Donald Trump’s return to the White House marks a significant departure from tradition. In his inauguration speech, Trump declared, “The Golden Age begins now,” emphasizing his mandate to “reverse the many betrayals” of America by previous administrations. Trump’s victory, though decisive, was not overwhelming in terms of the popular vote. He secured 77.30 million votes (49.9%) compared to Kamala Harris’s 75.02 million (48.4%), a slim margin of 1.5%. In contrast, Joe Biden’s 2020 victory was more substantial, with 81.29 million votes (51.3%) to Trump’s 74.22 million (46.8%).

Three factors, however, have made Trump’s win politically significant. First, it marks only the second time since 1988 that a Republican presidential candidate has won the popular vote, the last being George W. Bush in 2004. Second, the Republican Party has secured majorities in both houses of Congress, minimizing legislative resistance to Trump’s policies unless reversed in the 2026 midterm elections. Third, Trump’s support increased even in heavily Democratic states like California and New York, though he lost those states overall.

Unlike his first term, Trump begins his second presidency with substantial political capital. His approach to governance emphasizes “politics over law,” prioritizing the popular will over established legal frameworks. This perspective has already influenced the judiciary. Two of the three federal criminal cases against Trump have been dropped, with the argument that a sitting president cannot be criminally convicted. The third case, involving payments to silence a porn star, resulted in a guilty verdict, but Trump avoided a prison sentence due to his presidency. Additionally, Trump has pardoned individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack.

In terms of policies, Trump is expected to intensify measures against illegal immigration, including potential mass deportations at the southern border. Domestically, his administration is likely to target initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. On foreign economic policy, Trump is advocating for tariffs, not just for economic reasons but as a political tool to assert America’s interests. He has suggested imposing tariffs on nations that oppose his policies, including allies. For example, he proposed taxing Danish exports if Denmark refused to sell Greenland to the U.S. or using economic pressure on Canada for political leverage. These statements underscore his "America First" approach, where tariffs are seen as a means to achieve broader political objectives.

Disclaimer: This Image is taken from AP Photos.