Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, 20th January making history as only the second U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms.

In a defiant and patriotic inaugural address, Trump vowed to return power to the American people, secure the nation’s borders, and prioritize economic growth under his “America First” agenda.

Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, officially marking Trump’s return to power after his initial presidency from 2017 to 2021. His inauguration follows a heated 2024 election campaign that saw him defeat incumbent President Joe Biden in a fiercely contested race.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton were present, along with Vice President J.D. Vance and other dignitaries. Trump acknowledged his predecessors but made it clear that his administration would represent a sharp break from Washington’s establishment politics.

In a speech that echoed his first inaugural address, Trump promised to restore prosperity, rebuild America’s industries, and defend the country from what he called “globalist policies that have weakened our nation.”

He declared that his return to office marked the moment when “the American people take back control of their government.”

“From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land,” Trump said. “From this moment on, it’s going to be America First.”

He outlined his administration’s priorities, including:

Border security – Reinforcing immigration restrictions and resuming construction of a border wall.

Economic revival – Cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.

Energy independence – Expanding domestic oil and gas production.

Foreign policy shifts – Strengthening alliances with nationalist leaders and reducing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.

Trump also took aim at the political elite, arguing that Washington had failed the American people. “For too long, the ruling class has prospered while hardworking citizens suffered,” he stated. “That ends today.”

Trump’s second inauguration took place in a politically polarized atmosphere. His return to power was met with both celebrations from his supporters and protests from his opponents, with demonstrations occurring in Washington, D.C., and several major cities.

Despite the divisions, Trump called for unity, saying, “When America is united, America is totally unstoppable.” However, his speech made clear that his administration would aggressively pursue his campaign promises, signaling a combative approach to governing.

Trump’s return to the White House is unprecedented in modern American history. After losing to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump remained a dominant force in U.S. politics, influencing the Republican Party and spearheading a populist movement that ultimately led to his comeback victory in 2024.

Trump’s administration is expected to move swiftly on key legislative priorities, including tax cuts, border security measures, and military expansion. However, opposition from Democrats and legal challenges related to his previous presidency could pose obstacles.

As Trump begins his second term, the nation faces significant challenges, including economic uncertainty, international tensions, and deep political divisions. His supporters view him as a leader who will fight for their interests, while his critics worry about the potential for further polarization.

Despite the uncertainties, Trump’s inauguration marks the start of a new political era—one that promises bold actions, policy reversals, and a continued reshaping of America’s role on the world stage.

Donald Trump’s second inauguration cements his legacy as one of the most consequential figures in modern U.S. history. With a clear mandate from his base and a determined agenda, his presidency is set to redefine American politics once again. Whether his leadership will unite the country or deepen its divisions remains to be seen.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, to stop making disparaging remarks about Nigeria.

The Nigerian-born politician, sparked controversy in 2024 following repeated critical comments about her country of birth.

In her first address of the year at an event hosted by Onward, a British think tank focused on economic and social issues, Badenoch criticized Nigeria’s governance. She stated she did not want Britain to mirror what she described as Nigeria’s “terrible government,” which, in her words, “destroys lives.”

Emphasizing the need for reform and trust-building in governance, Badenoch argued that the Conservative Party was the right choice to steer the UK away from such pitfalls. She warned that without significant changes, Britain could risk adopting systemic flaws similar to those she attributed to Nigeria.

The remarks prompted a response from Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communications. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bwala urged Badenoch to avoid using Nigeria as a rhetorical tool to gain favor with her political base.

“I truly wish that sister Kemi Badenoch would avoid denigrating Nigeria, the country of her origin, as a weapon to please her far-right base,” Bwala wrote. He drew a parallel with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, noting that Sunak had never criticized India, his ancestral home, to gain political advantage.

Bwala praised Badenoch’s intelligence and political accomplishments but expressed disappointment over her negative rhetoric about Nigeria. “She is smart, intelligent, and we are proud of her rise in UK politics, but we are equally saddened by her terrible rhetoric against Nigeria,” he added.

This development underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the portrayal of Nigeria on international platforms, particularly by individuals with ties to the country. It raises broader questions about the balance between constructive criticism and national pride in political discourse.