WORLD: US President Donald Trump takes oath of office


Donald Trump is US President – again. The inauguration took place in Washington DC early on Tuesday morning (Melbourne time), with the oath of office administered by Chief Justice John G. Roberts. J.D. Vance became Vice-President.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong was present for the ceremony.

Mr Trump’s address – as 45th and 47th President of the United States of America – started with: “The golden age of America starts right now.” He promised to put America first.

Mr Trump said he was confident of a new era of exciting success. “America’s decline is over.”

The journey to reclaim the republic was not over. Mr Trump said he beleived he was saved by God to “Make America Great Again”. He said January 20, 2025 was ‘Liberation Day’.

He said national unity was returning: “We will not forget our God.” Mr Trump received a number of standing ovations. “We will be a rich nation again.”

Mr Trump’s policy on tariffs will have an effect on Australian economics; he is creating the External Revenue Service.

“we are going to bring law and order back to our cities.

“In America, the impossible is what we do best.”

Mr Trump’s speech was made in the presence of former Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama and Biden.