Donald Trump’s inauguration marked a historic event, as he became the first president to be sworn in after facing criminal charges related to his attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath, following a Supreme Court decision granting presidents immunity from prosecution for actions deemed part of their official duties. Trump’s inaugural address focused on attacking his political opponents and emphasized themes of cultural conservatism and nationalistic expansion. This return to power came after the Supreme Court overturned his previous convictions, effectively shielding him from legal consequences.
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During a speech at President Trump’s inauguration, Elon Musk performed a Roman salute, a gesture associated with fascism and Nazism, twice. This action was immediately celebrated by neo-Nazis across various online platforms, who interpreted the salute as a sign of support. Several prominent far-right figures and groups echoed this interpretation, expressing their enthusiasm. Musk’s embrace of far-right figures and ideologies in recent years adds context to this controversial event.
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President Trump issued roughly 1,500 pardons and 14 commutations to individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack, including those convicted of seditious conspiracy. This action, fulfilling a campaign promise, pardoned individuals convicted of offenses ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies such as assaulting law enforcement. The decision drew immediate criticism, described as an “outrageous insult to our justice system,” while Trump defended his actions, referring to the defendants as “hostages.” Despite the pardons, the extensive FBI investigation and resulting convictions stand as a public record of the events of January 6th.
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This order revokes the 2021 retraction of the United States’ 2020 withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to reform, and susceptibility to undue political influence. The order halts all U.S. funding and personnel assignments to the WHO, initiating a withdrawal process. Additionally, the order rescinds Executive Order 13987 and directs a review of the U.S. Global Health Security Strategy. The Secretary of State is instructed to notify relevant parties of the withdrawal and cease negotiations on WHO agreements.
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President Trump’s executive order formally withdraws the United States from the Paris Agreement, a 2015 accord committing nearly 200 nations to curbing global warming. This decision, defying overwhelming scientific consensus, ignores the escalating climate crisis evidenced by record-breaking temperatures in 2024. The agreement aimed to limit global temperature increases to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a goal now further jeopardized by this withdrawal. Critics argue the move demonstrates a disregard for both domestic and global consequences of climate change.
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President Biden commuted the sentence of Leonard Peltier, an 80-year-old American Indian Movement activist serving a life sentence for the 1975 murder of two FBI agents. Though maintaining his innocence, Peltier will now serve his sentence under home confinement. His commutation follows decades of advocacy highlighting concerns about the evidence used in his conviction, including a statement from a former prosecutor expressing doubts about the case. This decision concludes nearly five decades of imprisonment for Peltier.
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During the Trump inauguration parade, Elon Musk performed a Nazi salute three times on live television, then repeated the gesture before 20,000 supporters at a subsequent rally. This action followed Trump’s mention of Mars in his inaugural address, a topic of apparent excitement for Musk given his space exploration ambitions. The incident sparked outrage on social media, coinciding with reports of an impending lawsuit against a Trump government advisory panel headed by Musk.
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President Trump’s second inauguration oath deviated from tradition; while the Constitution mandates an oath or affirmation, it doesn’t prescribe the use of religious texts. Although nearly all officeholders utilize a Bible, Trump uniquely swore his oath with only one hand raised, foregoing the two Bibles presented. This action is notable given his public assertions of Christian faith. The reasons behind his choice remain unexplained.
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Addressing the French military, President Macron urged Europe to increase defense spending to lessen dependence on the U.S., particularly given anticipated shifts in American foreign policy under a returning Donald Trump. He highlighted the need for sustained support for Ukraine, including potential peacekeeper deployment, to ensure a strong negotiating position and prevent renewed conflict. Macron emphasized Europe’s responsibility in safeguarding any peace agreement and adapting to evolving geopolitical landscapes. The potential for European troop deployment, however, carries inherent risks, including escalating conflict with Russia.
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Panama’s President Mulino vehemently rejected President Trump’s claim to “take back” the Panama Canal, asserting Panama’s unwavering sovereignty over the waterway, secured by the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaty. Trump’s assertion, made during his inaugural address, contradicts the treaty’s terms and disregards Panama’s decades-long responsible management of the canal. Mulino warned against any actions violating Panama’s sovereignty, emphasizing the country’s commitment to international law and dialogue. Trump’s statements have sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about potential conflict.
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John Q. Hosedrinker