New Delhi: With hours left for the swearing-in of Donald Trump as America’s 47th President and only the second after Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms, the world’s eyes are set on the US Capitol in Washington DC.
Trump, who won the 2024 election, defeating vice-president Kamala Harris, has on many occasions talked about his ambitious agenda for Day One in office. His hard core MAGA supporters would love Trump imposing restrictions on migration, which they attribute to the rising crime and job loss. While Trump is expected to talk about immigration he might focus on imposing tariffs on Canada and issuing pardons to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots of 2021.
The inauguration process
Trump will be administered the oath of office by Chief Justice John Roberts, on the steps of the Capitol. The oath binds the incoming president to “preserve, protect, and defend” the Constitution. Unlike the previous ceremony in 2021, which was marred by the Covid-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the Capitol riots, this inauguration aims to emphasise “renewal and resilience”, according to Trump’s communications team. There will be a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue and the inaugural ball at the National Mall.
Trump’s day-one priorities
Trump has wasted no time in laying out a roadmap for his first day back in office, making clear his intent to tackle issues he believes are critical to America’s economic and political landscape.
One of the most contentious moves is his pledge to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. The proposed tariffs are aimed at what Trump calls “unfair trade practices”, particularly in sectors like dairy and lumber. Experts say that such measures could destabilise the already fragile USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). Trump has also talked about imposing tariffs on Chinese and Indian goods in the past too.
“I will always put America first,” Trump said in a rally, doubling down on his “America First” mantra. While his supporters see the tariffs as a necessary step to protect American industries, while opponents warn of a potential trade war.
Adding to the controversy is Trump’s decision to grant pardons to individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, whom he describe as patriotic Americans. Trump has defended the pardons, stating, “These are patriotic Americans who have been mistreated by a biased system.”
Taking over Panama Canal and Greenland
Trump has also talked about his ambition to take over Panama Canal and Greenland, either economically or by using military. The Panama government has made it clear that they will not hand over the Panama Canal, which bring about $5 billion in revenue every year, to America. The US handed over the canal to the Panama government in 1999.
While, Greenland is striving for independence from Denmark, the largest-island in the world is skeptical about joining the US. The European Union has also said that it will defend the interest of its member.
