20 January 2025 saw the return of Donald Trump to the White House, as he was sworn in as the 47th US President.
The ceremony marked the beginning of his second term after he initially held the position from 2017 to 2021.
However, despite his clear victory, some reacted to his return with trepidation. Elomara Elliott, 23, an American international student from Pennsylvania, studying psychology with sociology at Kingston University, said: ““I’ve lived under a Trump administration already. Why would I want to do that a second time?”
Trump’s inauguration speech outlined his priorities, such as economic revival, education reform and healthcare improvements. He also mentioned enhancing border security and eliminating diversity programmes in the federal government, two topics that divide many.
Elliot continued: “As a black woman with Caribbean heritage, I wanted Kamala Harris to win so bad. Her stance on small businesses and her plan to support them really stuck out to me,” she said.
“In all honesty I didn’t feel any type of way about Trumps inauguration. I didn’t watch it in an effort to protect my wellbeing.”
The ceremony was attended by many recognisable faces including the four living former presidents – Biden, Obama, Clinton and Bush.
There were also prominent figures from the tech industry including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos. Musk, who has been appointed administrator of the Department of Efficiency, carried out a controversial speech at an inauguration rally.
In particular, a gesture he performed multiple times has been likened to a Nazi salute, something he has denied
Tensions surrounding Trump’s leadership continue. Many Americans remain polarised over his policies and governing style, which continue to spark intense debate.
Erica Goncalves Lopes
Zara Ferreira Modeste
Konstantinos Patas