Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, marking the start of his second term after a decisive comeback in the November election. In his 29-minute speech, Trump expressed optimism, proclaiming, “The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected.”

However, his tone quickly shifted as he criticised the previous administration, describing it as a “radical and corrupt establishment” incapable of handling even basic crises, such as the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. “We will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer,” he vowed.

Trump then outlined a series of specific policy proposals, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border and deploying troops to enforce immigration laws. He also pledged to sign an executive order to “immediately stop censorship and bring back free speech in America.”

The president also revisited a significant moment from his tumultuous campaign, recounting an attempted assassination. “Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear, but I felt then and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason,” Trump remarked. “I was saved by God to make America great again.”

On foreign policy, Trump promised bold actions, including asserting US control over the Panama Canal, which he falsely claimed is currently operated by China. “We’re taking it back,” he stated. He also vowed to push for US expansion into space, declaring, “We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars.”

Trump’s remarks on social issues also drew attention, particularly his statement that “there are only two genders: male and female.” He pledged to prevent efforts to “socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life,” emphasising the creation of a “colour-blind and merit-based” society.

The speech ended with applause from supporters in the Capitol One arena, setting the tone for Trump’s second term, which promises to be as contentious and bold as his first.