Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday (January 20) in a ceremony held at the Capitol Rotunda. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office, marking Trump's return to the presidency after a previous term. JD Vance, his running mate, was sworn in as vice president by Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

In his inaugural address, Trump called for a "revolution of common sense" and expressed optimism about a new era of national success. He promised to put "America first."

"From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first," Trump said.

"Our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous, and free. America will soon be greater, stronger,r and far more exceptional than ever before," he added.

Trump also promised to end the weaponization of the Department of Justice.

"Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents, something I know something about," Trump said. "We will not allow that to happen. It will not happen again under my leadership. We will restore fair, equal, and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law," he continued.

"The scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent, and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and government will end," Trump said.

President Trump received a standing ovation from the crowd when he promised to declare an emergency at the southern border between the United States and Mexico. He said he would send troops to secure the border and declared that the drug cartels operating in Mexico are terrorist organizations.

Trump also said he would declare a national energy emergency and promised to "drill baby drill."

"With my actions today, we will end the Green New Deal, and we will revoke the electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto industry and keeping my sacred pledge to my great American auto workers," Trump said. "In other words, you'll be able to buy the car of your choice. We will build automobiles in America again at a rate that nobody could have dreamt possible just a few years ago."

Trump also promised to "immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families."

"We will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens," Trump said. "For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties, and revenues."

Trump also spoke about his desire to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and regain control of the Panama Canal.

"American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, and that includes the United States Navy," Trump claimed. "And above all, China is operating the Panama Canal, and we didn't give it to China. We gave it to Panama. And we're taking it back."

President Trump wrapped up his speech by saying, "America will be respected again and admired again."

"We will be prosperous, we will be proud, we will be strong, and we will win like never before. We will not be conquered. We will not be intimidated, we will not be broken, and we will not fail," he said.

Trump continued, "From this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign, and independent nation. We will stand bravely. We will live proudly. We will dream boldly, and nothing will stand in our way because we are Americans. The future is ours, and our Golden Age has just begun."

After his speech, Carrie Underwood performed America the Beautiful.

After the inauguration, Trump will head to a luncheon at the U.S. Capitol. The day will conclude with three inaugural balls: the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Starlight Ball, which will feature performances by Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, and Gavin DeGraw.

Trump's return to the presidency signals a new chapter in U.S. politics, with his administration set to implement significant policy changes. He plans to sign several executive actions, including measures to end birthright citizenship and declare a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, Trump intends to pardon some individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.

Vicki McKenna