Donald Trump sworn in as 47th US President

Donald Trump

Donald Trump on Monday was sworn in for a second term as President of the United States. Trump's return completes a remarkable four-year arc after he left Washington at the end of his first term.

Throughout the 2024 campaign, Trump vowed to seek retribution against his opponents and political enemies. Those who oppose Trump will be watching the opening hours of his second administration closely to see how quickly he carries out those threats.

During his campaign, Trump consistently framed himself as a champion of retribution for his supporters. "I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution," he declared while launching his bid for the presidency.

Trump’s first inaugural address in 2017 is remembered for its dark imagery of “American carnage.” But Trump has also shown that he can be conciliatory, if contradictory.

Donald Trump has promised sweeping actions in his second administration. The president has outlined a wide-ranging agenda that blends traditional conservative approaches to taxes, regulation and cultural issues with a more populist bent on trade and a shift in America's international role. Trump's agenda also would scale back federal government efforts on civil rights and expand presidential powers.

Earlier today, Joe Biden welcomed his successor Donald Trump to the White House for a pre-inaugural tea, restoring the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. Accompanied by first lady Jill Biden, the outgoing president greeted Trump and his wife, Melania, exchanging brief remarks before they entered the building.

"Welcome home," Biden said, wrapping his hand around Trump's upper arm as he escorted him into the mansion. In 2021, Trump did not host Biden for tea, breaking with tradition as he continued to claim that he had won the 2020 election.

(With agency inputs)