New president calls for unity, students give mixed reactions
Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the nation’s 45th president on January 20, capping off a historic political season. Trump used two Bibles—one belonging to his family and the other belonging to President Lincoln—to take the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol building. Chief Justice John Roberts swore in Trump, and Justice Clarence Thomas, the first African-American to swear in a vice president, swore in Mike Pence.
Throughout his inaugural address, Trump maintained a calm demeanor, departing from the usual haranguing that characterized his campaign rallies. He did, however, draw on previous campaign rhetoric, continuing to espouse his populist appeals. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance from President Obama and First Lady Obama in the peaceful transition of power.
Trump began by remarking that power was being transferred from the political class in Washington, D.C. to the American people and that this was a day of celebration for all of America.
“This is your day, this is your celebration, and this, the United States of America, is your country.”
Trump reiterated his depiction of the state of America by illustrating vacant factories, inner cities rife with crime and violence, an inadequate education system, and a country—and world—demoralized by terrorism.
Moreover, he voiced his discontent with American foreign policy’s misplaced priorities. Trump disparaged a number of policies for failing to prioritize American prosperity, including the defense of foreign borders, construction of foreign infrastructure, and the subsidization of foreign militaries.
Dylan Stevenson, a senior, told the Rover that although many perceive Trump’s illustration of America’s hardships as dark, “He spoke of how this country can succeed and overcome these difficulties. His speech laid the blueprint of how, despite its challenges, this country can be made great again.”
As the speech progressed, Trump did turn to a more hopeful America. He issued a new “decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power.” America will be first in all things, and that means protecting the borders “from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs.” Moreover, he posited that “protection will lead to great prosperity and strength.”
Arthur Lobão, a first-year student, has concerns about Trump’s aforementioned statement. “That is a stance we should expect more out of the 18th century than one from the leader of the free world. Globalization and its consequences are here to stay, and international specialization in trade are the rules of the world market,” Lobão told the Rover.
Trump then ventured into elucidating the role of the United States in the world. Alluding to John Winthrop’s City upon a Hill, Trump made clear America’s way of life will shine as an example, and his administration does not wish to impose that way of life on anyone. Trump also said the civilized world will eradicate radical Islamic terrorism “completely from the face of the Earth.”
Trump attempted to unite by appealing to patriotism and religion. “When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice,” Trump remarked. Additionally, he quoted the Bible and avowed America’s insurmountable power as a unified force.
John Cresson, a first-year student, remarked to the Rover that although Trump “offered attempts at unification, instances of divisiveness were apparent.”
Trump insisted upon an imminent era of action in which politicians who are all talk and no action are no longer accepted. He intimated at goals of his administration: “to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries, and technologies of tomorrow.
Trump concluded his speech with another unifying appeal. “Whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots.” Likewise, he indicated that Americans will no longer be ignored. This is their America, and they are in control.
Lastly, he ended with the quintessential campaign-speech conclusion. After announcing America will be made—in a unified fashion—strong again, wealthy again, proud again, and safe again, Trump proclaimed, “We will make America great again.”
John Henry Hobgood is a first year student majoring in the Program of Liberal Studies and international economics. He enjoys sports, politics, and drinking coffee and sweet tea. You can contact him at jhobgoo1@nd.edu.
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