Former, now President Donald Trump, was inaugurated into office Jan 20, 2025, which means he began his presidency term of 2024 to 2028. The big deal is, this occurred the same day as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
While it wasn’t on purpose, this coincidence is admittedly strange. Inauguration Day is always the 20th of January, and MLK Jr. Day always falls on the third Monday of January. It’s odd how they fall on the same day, especially this year, with this specific president. Here’s a recap of some key things that happened.
The inauguration was moved inside this year, due to the cold temperatures and chances of dangerous weather predicted to hit the capitol. It is recorded to be the coldest temperature during an inauguration in 40 years, according to ABC News. Tons of Trump’s supporters were left standing outside in the dangerous weather, after traveling from all over the nation and spending time and money purchasing tickets and services to get to the event. The highest temperature that day was 17 degrees Fahrenheit, according to The Weather Channel.
President Trump preached about his faith and stated that God had saved him during the first assassination attempt, and made lots of references to the Bible and God when talking about his policies and plans for the country. Although not legally required, Trump did not place his hand on the Bible while being sworn in. The irony of him not taking the oath on the Bible raises questions amongst not only followers but others as well, about his faith.
Within the first 24 hours of his term, President Trump signed executive orders that declared an emergency at the U.S-Mexico borders, promising mass deportations. Another that attempts to revoke birthright citizenship to children whose parents are not “lawfully here” or are not permanent residents. The protections on schools, places of worship, and workplaces so immigration services cannot just show up and take people into custody were taken also. Another order was signed that revokes Biden’s orders on protections of people of color and LGBTQ+ members, and gives executive branches 60 days to eliminate diversity and equity programs within workplaces. He has signed many other executive orders that have people around the world worrying about what’s going to happen next with the United States.
At the post-inauguration celebration, Elon Musk, now an administrator in the Department of Government Efficiency, made a celebration speech about Trump. In the end, he made a gesture that had everyone in hysterics. He held his right hand over his heart, then extended his arm out and up at an angle with his palm face down, fingers together in a quick motion. This action resembled that of the salute that Nazi soldiers used during WWII in Germany. He did this once toward the crowd, then turned and did it again toward the flags. The action was censored on Australian television and has people all over the world raving about why he did that and why people continued to cheer. On social media platforms, people made videos and posts talking and discussing it. His supporters and followers have made claims trying to defend him, stating that he made the gesture by accident, meant to make a different gesture, did a Roman salute and that it was acceptable. Others responded with older photos of soldiers doing the salute and saying that if it’s an acceptable gesture, to do it in public or in front of employers and post themselves doing it.
President Donald Trump’s inauguration was a historic event. With all the things that happened, it’s important for the people to look into and be aware of what’s going on in their country and the people that they chose to make decisions for them. The decisions made at the inauguration this past Monday will affect the future of the country, the impact will be big.
