Key Policy Highlights from Donald Trump’s Inaugural Address as the 47th US President

Key Policy Highlights from Donald Trump’s Inaugural Address as the 47th US President

Donald Trump, after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, delivered an inaugural address on January 20, 2025, that outlined his ambitious vision for the country. Trump, now 78, characterized his return to office as a pivotal moment in American history, pledging to reverse what he described as years of decline and betrayal. He emphasized his role as a leader chosen to restore America's greatness.

"January 20, 2025, is Liberation Day for American citizens," Trump proclaimed, speaking inside the historic Rotunda of the US Capitol, a symbol of democracy that witnessed a tumultuous attack on January 6, 2021. His speech spanned reflections on his political journey, critiques of the current state of governance, and a roadmap for the policies his administration plans to prioritize.

Here are the major takeaways from Trump’s address, highlighting his proposed executive actions and policy goals:

Immigration and Border Security

• National Emergency Declaration: "I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. Illegal entry will be halted immediately, and we will begin the process of returning millions of criminal aliens to their home countries."

• Remain in Mexico Policy: Trump pledged to reinstate the policy, end the practice of "catch and release," and deploy troops to the southern border.

• Targeting Cartels: "We will designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798."

Energy and Environment

• Energy Independence: "I will declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill."

• Green Policies Rollback: Trump vowed to end the Green New Deal and revoke mandates for electric vehicles.

Economy and Trade

• Protectionist Measures: "We will impose tariffs and taxes on foreign countries to enrich our citizens."

• Revenue Collection: He announced the creation of the "External Revenue Service" to oversee tariffs, duties, and revenues.

Government Reform

• Efficiency Overhaul: "My administration will establish the Department of Government Efficiency."

• Ending Censorship: Trump committed to signing an executive order halting all forms of government censorship.

Social Policy

• Gender Policy: "It is now the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female."

• Merit-Based Society: "We will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based."

Military and Veterans

• Reinstating Service Members: "I will reinstate service members unjustly expelled over the COVID vaccine mandate, with full back pay."

• Military Priorities: Trump promised to halt political and social experiments in the armed forces and rebuild the strongest military in history.

• Defining Success: "Our success will be measured not just by the battles we win, but by the wars we avoid."

Foreign Policy

• Renaming the Gulf: "We will rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America."

• Panama Canal Control: Trump criticized China's role in managing the Panama Canal, stating, "We gave it to Panama, not China. We're taking it back."

Overseas Wars and Peace Initiatives

• Global Peace: "America will be a compassionate and courageous nation that stops wars and brings unity to a divided world."

• Legacy of Peace: Trump expressed his desire to be remembered as a peacemaker, noting, "As of yesterday, hostages in the Middle East are coming back to their families."

Trump’s speech reflected his trademark rhetoric, combining bold promises with sharp criticism of his predecessors. The address signaled a return to his distinctive policy priorities, focusing on nationalism, energy independence, and a strong military while promising to reshape the global perception of America.