President Donald Trump’s second inaugural address at the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday set the tone for a controversial and bold second term.
His statements, including a declaration that there are only two genders — “male and female,” have ignited outrage and intensified debates surrounding LGBTQ+ rights.
A Vision for America
In his speech, Trump proclaimed the dawn of “The Golden Age of America,” promising that the nation would become the “envy of the world” and would no longer be “taken advantage of.” He outlined a series of aggressive executive actions, including:
Declaring a “national emergency” at the southern border to halt immigration and expedite the deportation of undocumented immigrants.
Rescinding the Green New Deal and electric vehicle mandates while declaring a “national energy emergency” to boost domestic drilling and energy production.
Establishing an “External Revenue Service” to impose tariffs on foreign goods, which he argued would restore American prosperity.
Polarizing Policies
Trump’s gender policy, which he claimed would make it U.S. law to recognize only two genders, has drawn fierce criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Many view the stance as a direct assault on the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals.
The LGBTQ+ community, already on edge following Trump’s campaign rhetoric, reacted swiftly, with activists warning of potential rollbacks of hard-won protections.
Promise of Retribution
In a continuation of his campaign narrative, Trump promised to end the “weaponization” of justice and pledged to “rebalance the scales of justice.”
Referring to his legal battles and conviction in a New York fraud case, he vowed to push back against what he called politically motivated investigations.
Renaming Controversies
Trump also announced symbolic changes, including plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and restore Alaska’s Mount Denali to its former name, Mount McKinley.
Public Reaction
Reactions to the address have been sharply divided. Supporters praised Trump’s firm stance on immigration, energy independence, and tariffs, seeing them as steps toward revitalizing the American economy and sovereignty. Critics, however, decried his gender policy and perceived efforts to undermine LGBTQ+ rights, arguing that these policies could deepen societal divisions.
Looking Ahead
As Trump begins his second term, his polarizing inaugural address has already set the stage for fierce debates over immigration, energy, gender identity, and justice reform. Whether his vision will lead to the “Golden Age” he envisions or heighten tensions within a deeply divided nation remains to be seen.