Ironically, this inauguration falls on January 20, often referred to as “Blue Monday”, this famous day supposedly the most depressing of the year – a legend born twenty years ago for purely commercial purposes. But the event of the day could not be more real: the triumphant return of Donald Trump to the summit of power, who at 78 years old becomes the oldest American head of state ever inaugurated. This second “D-Day” officially marks the transition between Joe Biden and the Republican billionaire, elected once again on November 5 against Kamala Harris.
A country more divided than ever
In a display loaded with symbolism, the two men even shared the car ride from the White House to the Capitol. Under the gilding and majestic architecture of a crowded Capitol rotunda, Donald Trump’s inauguration took on the appearance of a gathering of the powerful. Surrounded by big bosses and influential figures from the economic world, the American billionaire set the tone for a government clearly oriented towards the interests of the elites.
According to political scientist Pierre Vercauteren (UCLouvain), this illustrates a well-established strategy: “Every president-elect seeks, in one way or another, to thank the people or groups who supported his campaign. In the case of Trump, these are mainly influential figures from the economic world, particularly the oil sector and gas, it is therefore no surprise to see them so close to the event. he explains, “And he might be tempted to shape certain decisions according to the interests of the companies that supported him. This could include political choices favorable to the energy sector or tech, although this will not prevent it from fueling divisive debates, such as on migration“.
For the first time since 1985, the ceremony was held indoors, bad weather having forced the organizers to abandon the traditional outdoor scene, as reported by the New York Times.
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On the European side, the ceremony brought together a series of controversial and striking figures: Giorgia Meloni, President of the Italian Council of Ministers, Viktor Orbán, Hungarian Prime Minister, and the French tandem Éric Zemmour and Sarah Knafo, accompanied by Marion Maréchal. Louis Aliot, mayor of Perpignan, also made the trip to the United States, accompanied by a European deputy. For Belgium, it was the president of Vlaams Belang and Assita Kanko, MEP of the N-VA, who took their place among the hand-picked guests.
-Shocking declarations and diplomatic threats
A foretaste of the future direction of Donald Trump who has never stopped occupying the media, multiplying shocking declarations and diplomatic threats. Between tensions with China, the questioning of traditional alliances like NATO, and a posture of defiance towards his adversaries, he left no doubt: his return marks the start of a presidency just as unpredictable as the first.
Moreover, in recent weeks, the management of the transition of power between Joe Biden and Donald Trump has highlighted a deep divide within American democracy. According to Pierre Vercauteren, this episode reflects a country more divided and divided than ever, where democratic institutions are subject to unprecedented tensions.
“American democracy and its institutions have shown some resilience in the past, but the Trump presidency is shaping up to be a real test. The blows are sure to come, particularly with the measures announced by personalities like Elon Musk, who support a vision of the State that disfavors public intervention, we are truly in a tipping point.”he emphasizes.
Between promises of radical reforms and growing tensions on the international scene, it is certain that the former president will stop at nothing to impose his vision. It remains to be seen what real room for maneuver American institutions will grant him in the face of announcements already perceived as radical.
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