*This article represents the opinions of only the writer, not other Fanscotian staff members or its advisors, the student body or SPFHS as a whole.*
President Donald Trump delivered his second inaugural address on Monday, Jan. 20. In this 30-minute speech, he promised to, of course, “make America great again.” His address was structured as a guide for what to expect in the next four years of his presidency. Here’s my breakdown of the key ideas and moments from his speech:
The Golden Age
Trump’s speech exuded optimism as he declared the start of a “golden age” for America. He criticized and accused the education system of teaching children to be ashamed of themselves and their country and vowed an immediate change. This was the first of many bold promises Trump made that lacked strategy, leaving me to wonder how his visions will be achieved. His promise of instant solutions might inspire hope, but it oversimplifies deeply rooted challenges such as the real reasons American children are ashamed of their country.
Deportation and Defense of American Borders
Trump’s speech focused heavily on immigration as he described the U.S. as a sanctuary for criminals entering illegally. He declared a national emergency at the Southern border and pledged to send troops, as well as reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy. He also promised to end catch-and-release practices, designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and announced his plan to use federal and state law enforcement to eliminate all foreign gangs and criminal networks by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. National security is unquestionably important and protecting American borders should be a priority for any administration. However, Trump’s approach to immigration reform puts millions of immigrants, many of whom are hardworking, law-abiding residents, at risk of deportation. This could tear families apart and leave children without parents.
Natural Disaster Support
Trump criticized previous federal reactions and support for recent natural disasters Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and the wildfires in Los Angeles. Trump visited areas of devastation in North Carolina on Jan. 24, a hopeful sign that he is committed to relief efforts. When Trump acknowledged the LA fires, he offered his sympathy to “some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country,” making many middle and low-class families who lost their homes to the fires question what his real concern is.
Drill, Baby, Drill
Trump declared a national energy emergency, promising to increase fossil fuel production to “a level that nobody has ever seen before.” Criticizing green initiatives such as the electric vehicle mandate, he announced his plans to “drill, baby drill,” an unfortunate campaign slogan that has won an even more unfortunate number of voters. In his first term, Trump prioritized becoming an energy-independent nation and had the right idea to become less reliant on foreign products in case of war or conflict. However, he fails to realize, or simply doesn’t care, about the devastating consequences of drilling on American public lands or the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to avoid the long-term consequences of environmental disruption and climate change.
Tariff and Taxes
As a Republican, Trump was elected to reduce inflation. His promise to lower grocery prices landed him in the White House and his inaugural speech addressed this goal. He announced establishing the “External Revenue Service” to collect tariffs, duties, and revenue to benefit domestic industries. In a controversial decision, Trump promised to end the Green Deal and revoke the electric vehicle mandate as a solution to lower inflation and save the auto industry. While the short-term benefits may sound appealing, protectionist policies often backfire, and removing incentives for clean energy will most definitely set back progress on combating climate change.
Two Genders
Perhaps one of Trump’s most controversial statements, he declared, “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.” This policy, which will require all government-issued identification documents such as passports, visas and Global Entry cards to reflect the holder’s biological sex accurately, has caused major backlash from the LGBTQI+ community. One of the many disappointing consequences of this policy includes the removal of guidance documents such as “Supporting Transgender Youth in School” and “Confronting Anti-LGBTQI+ Harassment in Schools: A Resource for Students and Families.” I understand wanting to protect women’s rights as it is often a rebuttal for trans and LGBTQI+ rights; however, the policies Trump is actively removing go beyond restrooms and sports. Policies include banning transgender people from serving openly in the military and potentially blocking support for gender-affirming medical care, putting people undergoing care at risk of immediate loss of support from medical programs.
Strongest Military This World Has Ever Seen
Trump vowed to “build the strongest military the world has ever seen.” He claimed his proudest legacy would be to become a peacemaker and unifier by measuring success on the wars America wins and wars it never gets into. Trump also announced plans to reinstate any service member expelled for objecting to the COVID-19 vaccine and signed an order to stop soldiers from being subjected to “radical political theories and social experiments” while on duty. While the majority of Trump’s plans for the military sound just and promising, I can’t help but doubt he’ll ever take on a peacemaker role due to his past ignorance and impulsiveness when dealing with foreign adversaries.
Gulf of America and the Panama Canal
In the last minutes of Trump’s speech, he delivered a strange announcement of his plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” and to take back the Panama Canal. Of all the issues he vowed to tackle in his second term, this renaming seems like a bizarre priority. Personally, I am hoping this yee-hah-american-pride move doesn’t take long, as there are far more pressing issues to deal with. As for the Panama Canal, the legality of “taking it back” remains unclear, as Panama’s government has had full ownership since 1999. Trump also wants “to be a peacemaker” yet is vowing to take back land from a country we are at peace with.
Wrap-up and Final Thoughts
Although there are multiple plans and policies I am not looking forward to, Trump’s speech had a surprising sense of stability and valid critiques that many Americans were likely relieved to be addressed. I am confident that he will follow through on his proposals on economic growth and national security.
However, as Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington said, “I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
Following his inauguration, Trump has signed dozens of executive orders, a clear sign Trump truly intends to create a new country. Whether this new “color-blind” and “merit-based” country will benefit the whole of America is up for debate.
In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
