Any presidential inauguration is a climactic day in American history.
Yet January 20, as Donald J. Trump is sworn in for a second White House term, promises to mark the start of a presidency poised to shatter norms, ignite fierce debates, and shake the very foundations of American democracy. In the run-up to his historic second election win, bombastic declarations and political upheaval saw Trump carry out a campaign promising to bring about sweeping changes within hours of his return to the Oval Office.
Whether it be declaring he would act as a "dictator for a day" to ending the Ukraine war within 24 hours of his White House return, the world now holds its breath for what a second Trump turn will bring. His ambitious and often polarising plans have already sent shockwaves through Washington, DC and across the world. Promising to "make heads spin," Trump and his Republican-controlled Congress appear determined to implement their agenda immediately.
From immigration crackdowns to climate policy reversals, the second Trump administration seems poised for a whirlwind of executive orders, bold claims, and legal challenges. Among Trump's most ambitious boasts is ending the war in Ukraine within a day of taking office. While the specifics of his plan remain vague, he has repeatedly claimed that he would leverage his "great relationship" with Vladimir Putin to broker a peace deal.
"They'll listen to me. Zelensky, Putin - they all know I'm the dealmaker," Trump stated during a campaign event. Critics argue, however, that any deal would likely come at a steep cost to Ukraine's sovereignty. Sources close to the Trump team have hinted that his strategy might involve cutting US military aid to Kyiv as a bargaining chip.
"It's not about picking sides; it's about America First," said a senior advisor. Many believe his vows to end the war in "24 hours" is just another of Trump's fanciful falsehoods, although he has already spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has denied that the president-elect has been in contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though rumours persist of back-channel conversations.
The international community watches with bated breath, unsure whether Trump's unconventional approach will result in a diplomatic breakthrough or a geopolitical disaster. Trump's "dictator for a day" rhetoric also includes a promise to purge what he calls the "deep state." The first day of his presidency is expected to bring a wave of terminations across federal agencies, targeting individuals Trump believes undermined his previous administration.
"Anyone who was part of the witch hunts, the hoaxes, or the fake impeachments - you're fired," Trump declared in a campaign video. Justice Department officials, intelligence agency leaders, and even members of Congress who opposed him are reportedly at risk. This looming purge has prompted speculation that President Joe Biden might issue preemptive pardons for specific individuals, including high-profile Republicans like Liz Cheney, who broke ranks to criticise Trump. Cheney, a staunch critic of Trump, has been a lightning rod for his supporters' ire. While Biden has not commented directly, insiders suggest that such pardons are being considered as a way to protect political dissent.
"Trump's retribution tour is going to start on Day One," said a senior Democratic strategist. "Biden may see this as a necessary move to preserve the democratic process." As Trump plans to reestablish control over the federal bureaucracy, many in Washington are preparing for a chaotic first day. Reports suggest that Trump's transition team has compiled a list of "loyalists" to replace outgoing officials swiftly. "Trump's not coming in to play nice," said Steve Bannon, a former White House strategist. "This is a war against the establishment, and he's bringing the army."
Beyond America's own shores, the businessman's global trade agenda is equally concerning for the EU and others. His plan revolves around bringing inflation under control and protecting American manufacturing. His strategy? Tariffs. While on the campaign trail, he told voters he would impose a universal tariff of up to 20 per cent on all foreign-imported products.
"Outside of love and religion, it's the most beautiful word there is: tariff," Trump told a North Carolina rally. A tariff is a tax levied on foreign goods entering a country, with the domestic importer expected to foot the bill, at least on paper. Trump has threatened to levy a 60 per cent duty on Chinese products and up to 200 per cent on cars produced in bordering Mexico.
While such measures don't require Congressional approval, critics warn they could ignite trade wars and hurt US consumers. "Higher tariffs mean higher prices for everyone," an economist cautioned. Despite these concerns, Trump's base supports his tough stance. "It's about time we put America first," said a rally attendee.
One of Trump's marquee issues - immigration - is set to take centre stage on Day One. His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, announced plans for an executive order to "secure the southern border" and launch "the largest mass deportation of illegal immigrants in American history." Trump's preparations for a border blitz are well underway.
Key appointments include Tom Homan as "border tsar," South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, and Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy. Miller, a divisive and also far-right unifying figure from Trump's first term, is widely associated with some of the administration's harshest immigration policies.
Yet, Trump's plans to end birthright citizenship - a right enshrined in the US Constitution - could face significant legal and logistical hurdles. Constitutional scholars argue that such a change would require a constitutional amendment, not just an executive order. Advocacy groups are bracing for a fight. "This is a direct attack on human rights," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has already signalled plans to sue.
Trump's disdain for international climate commitments is well-known, and his team is already drafting orders to exit the accord. His climate agenda is clear: prioritise US oil and gas production. "We're drilling, drilling, drilling," he told Sean Hannity last year. He also aims to fast-track fracking and block Biden-era projects like wind energy expansions.
Environmental advocates are sounding alarms. "Abandoning climate leadership will have catastrophic consequences," warned Greenpeace. Still, Trump's supporters see this as a return to energy independence and economic growth. Trump has long hinted at pardoning those convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot. "Oh, absolutely, I would. If they're innocent, I would pardon them," he said at a recent event, adding, "I am inclined to pardon many of them… though maybe not all."
With more than 750 rioters already convicted and over 1,500 arrested, the scope of such pardons could be unprecedented. Trump's team has said these decisions will be made "case-by-case." Critics, however, warn that pardoning those involved in one of the darkest days in US democracy would further polarise the nation.
"Pardoning domestic terrorists is a step too far," one Democratic senator. Meanwhile, Trump loyalists frame the rioters as patriots unjustly punished, making this a politically explosive issue. With his sweeping promises and combative rhetoric, Trump's return promises to be as polarising as his first term. His vow to "make heads spin" could energise his supporters while deepening national divisions.
Democratic state governors and advocacy groups are preparing to challenge his agenda in court. Meanwhile, Congressional Democrats are mobilising to block legislative efforts that threaten civil rights and democracy. The stakes for Trump couldn't be higher. His bold claims and dramatic moves have set the stage for a presidency that will be anything but conventional. But whether his ambitions translate into policy or face insurmountable resistance remains to be seen.