On 20 January 2025, I witnessed what might be the most unorthodox inauguration in the modern history of the United States. Donald Trump returned to the presidency after surviving two impeachments, multiple criminal charges, and even alleged assassination attempts. Against all odds, he reclaimed the highest office in the land, delivering a moment of political theatre that captivated both his supporters and detractors alike.
The traditional outdoor ceremony was relocated to the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol due to a severe cold front sweeping through Washington, D.C. In an unusual yet symbolic gesture, outgoing President Joe Biden accompanied Trump in the same motorcade from the White House to the Capitol. This rare act of unity contrasted sharply with the bitter tone of the 2024 campaign, offering a fleeting glimpse of continuity amidst disruption.
Trump took the oath of office alongside Vice President J.D. Vance, watched closely by his wife Melania and son Barron. Yet, the most remarkable spectacle awaited at the Capital One Arena, where tens of thousands of Trump supporters had gathered. There, Trump transformed his first day into a live performance of executive power, signing a series of orders on a red desk in front of an electrified crowd.
This bold move broke centuries of presidential tradition. Normally, such actions take place within the solemn walls of the Oval Office. But Trump’s presidency has never been about tradition; it thrives on disruption, visibility, and showmanship. The arena event set the tone for a presidency that promises to be as unconventional as it is impactful.
The Return of “America First” — With Billionaires by His Side
The 60th presidential inauguration became a nexus of power, influence, and ideology, drawing an astonishing array of high-profile attendees. Most striking was the visible alignment between corporate leadership and political authority. From where I stood, I saw a row of tech magnates seated prominently: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, and others. Their presence, both symbolic and strategic, signalled an extraordinary fusion between Silicon Valley and Trump’s renewed vision for America.
This wasn’t just about business. Foreign dignitaries, many from right-wing or populist movements, also broke precedent by attending. Javier Milei (Argentina), Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Nayib Bukele (El Salvador), and Han Zheng (China, representing Xi Jinping) were in attendance. Never before had so many heads of government or senior leaders joined a U.S. presidential inauguration.
Among them were figures representing Europe’s growing nationalist wave: Éric Zemmour, Marion Maréchal, Santiago Abascal, Nigel Farage, and leaders from parties such as AfD (Germany) and Vlaams Belang (Belgium). Their unified presence suggested an emerging transatlantic alliance rooted in sovereignty, identity politics, and economic protectionism.
Trump’s America First agenda now seems to resonate far beyond U.S. borders. The billionaire presence reinforced the notion that economic and technological elites are not only tolerating Trump’s nationalist project—they may well be embracing it. The symbolism was as strong as the message: power is no longer divided between public office and private wealth, but increasingly concentrated in both.
A First Day Like No Other: Orders, Indults and Controversies
What followed was a flurry of executive action unlike any other first day in modern U.S. history. Trump wasted no time. In front of a live audience at the arena, and later from the Oval Office, he signed more than a dozen executive orders and memoranda, many of them reversing Biden-era policies or reigniting key promises from his 2024 campaign.
One of the most controversial moves was the mass pardon of over 1,500 individuals linked to the 6 January 2021 Capitol riots, including several members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. This act drew immediate international condemnation, yet it solidified Trump’s base, who view these individuals as political prisoners rather than insurrectionists.
On economic matters, Trump reintroduced 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, vowed to increase fossil fuel production, and signed a symbolic order to “combat inflation” by deregulating oil and gas sectors. He also paused the ban on TikTok, giving the platform 75 days to find a U.S.-based buyer, citing national security concerns.
In terms of immigration, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, froze the refugee programme, and signalled a desire to end birthright citizenship. While the latter will likely face constitutional challenges, it reflects the administration’s renewed push for hardline immigration reform.
Furthermore, Trump revoked security clearances from key figures of the intelligence establishment, including John Bolton, Leon Panetta, and James Clapper. These actions were widely seen as retaliatory, revealing the president’s intent to marginalise perceived internal adversaries.
Symbolism, Identity, and the Fight for Cultural Dominance
Perhaps most telling were the cultural messages embedded in Trump’s initial orders. He reaffirmed a federal policy that only recognises two genders, rescinded non-binary options from official documents, and barred the use of federal funds for transgender medical transitions. These orders form part of a broader assault on what Trump calls “woke bureaucracy”.
He also ended diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes within federal institutions. His administration promised to eliminate “woke” ideology from government policy, education grants, and public employment. For Trump’s supporters, this marked a return to traditional values; for critics, it represented a rollback of civil rights and social progress.
More symbolically, Trump ordered that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the “Gulf of America”, and that the mountain known as Denali return to its colonial name, Mount McKinley. These changes, while largely rhetorical, reinforce his administration’s emphasis on reclaiming traditional national identity and historical narratives.
He also established a new architectural directive promoting “beautiful federal buildings”, interpreted by many as a veiled defence of Confederate monuments and neoclassical design—a nod to his previous efforts to resist historical revisionism in the public square.
These symbolic measures, though seemingly trivial, have deep cultural resonance. They represent an ideological project that is not merely political or economic, but also deeply rooted in the American cultural psyche, seeking to shape the nation’s identity as much as its policies.
The Committee Behind the Inauguration: Strategy, Messaging and Power
Behind the spectacle stood a meticulously planned operation: the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, announced on 9 November 2024. This 501(c)(4) organisation, co-chaired by property magnate Steve Witkoff and former senator Kelly Loeffler, served not only to coordinate logistics but to craft a message of alignment between business, politics, and culture.
This committee was more than ceremonial. It was a strategic tool designed to amplify Trump’s message, to elevate loyalists, and to draw a clear contrast with past inaugurations marked by more traditional and bipartisan tones. By blending political heavyweights with corporate titans and media personalities, the committee curated a program that reflected Trump’s political ethos: loyalty, visibility, and dominance.
The presence of Israeli citizens affected by Hamas attacks, seated behind Trump at the Capital One Arena, as well as select veterans, entrepreneurs, and members of conservative think tanks, added depth to the symbolism. This was not just an inauguration; it was a staged vision of America under Trump’s leadership.
International Reactions and Global Implications
The international reaction to Trump’s return was mixed and immediate. Allies in populist and nationalist circles hailed his victory, while liberal democracies expressed cautious restraint. The attendance of leaders like Javier Milei, Giorgia Meloni and Nayib Bukele signalled growing momentum behind global right-wing cooperation.
However, traditional partners such as France, Germany, and Canada were notably absent from the high-level delegation list. While Chinese representation was limited to Vice President Han Zheng, Russia’s Vladimir Putin was reportedly not invited, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was explicitly excluded.
The implications are vast. Trump’s executive orders regarding the withdrawal from the WHO, cuts to foreign aid, and aggressive immigration policies send strong signals of isolationism. Combined with the renaming of geographic landmarks, these actions paint a portrait of a United States retreating into an assertive, insular nationalism.
Global markets reacted with initial volatility, particularly in energy and tech sectors, as investors speculated on the effects of trade tariffs, deregulation, and the growing role of private-sector CEOs in U.S. policy. The appointment of Elon Musk to lead the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), while largely symbolic, highlights a paradigm shift in governance philosophy.
America’s allies—and rivals—are now recalibrating. Trump’s first day has reshaped global expectations about how the U.S. will wield its power, engage with the world, and define its national interests.
Conclusion: Power, Performance and the Politics of the Future
I was in Washington for Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, and it was impressive. But what I saw in 2025 was more than a political event—it was a carefully scripted performance of dominance. Trump didn’t just reclaim the presidency—he redefined it, turning his return into a media spectacle with unmistakable intent: to show who truly holds power in today’s America.
This new presidential model blends influence, industry, and identity in equal parts. Executive orders are no longer quiet decisions; they are now acts of theatre. The presence of billionaire CEOs wasn’t coincidental—it was part of the message. Power is no longer confined to Washington; it’s shared with Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and global markets. This may unsettle some, but it reflects the reality we now live in.
From a personal standpoint, I find the strategic alliance between the White House and the world’s most powerful corporations both fascinating and unsettling. It’s impressive to witness such coordination, and it sends a strong message: “America First” is no longer just rhetoric—it’s a business model. Yes, this creates visible friction with partners like the European Union, and ongoing tensions with Canada and Mexico are difficult to ignore.
Yet Mexico’s calm and diplomatic response deserves recognition. In a moment that could’ve sparked hostility, the country chose cooperation. Mexico and the United States are destined to remain close—not out of obligation, but mutual benefit. We owe it to our future to nurture that friendship.
Trump’s second term is bold, unapologetic, and loaded with meaning. Whether it inspires or alarms, one thing is certain: this is no mere presidency—it’s a power statement with global echoes.
The spotlight is on. The script is written. And the world is no longer just watching—it’s reacting.
FAQ
Trump turned the event into a public spectacle, signing orders in an arena with thousands of supporters, breaking tradition and asserting his political style.
Tech CEOs like Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg attended, alongside foreign leaders like Milei and Meloni, highlighting corporate and international alignment with Trump.
He reversed Biden policies, exited global agreements, declared a border emergency, and restricted LGBTQ+ rights, signalling a hardline, nationalist shift immediately.
He framed them as patriots, not criminals, using the pardons to energise his base and challenge mainstream narratives around the Capitol riot.
Mexico kept a calm, diplomatic tone. It prioritised negotiation over confrontation, showing maturity and a desire to protect bilateral interests peacefully.
Trump presents a bold, theatrical presidency. It combines power, corporate alliance, and nationalism, signalling that American leadership is entering a new era.
