6 Key Takeaways from Trump’s Inauguration Address — and the Online Response


**Donald Trump Inaugurated as 47th President, Vows Major Overhaul**

Donald Trump has formally taken office as the 47th President of the United States after his inauguration on **Inauguration Day**. In a speech lasting 30 minutes, Trump proclaimed that “the golden age of America starts right now” and laid out a set of ambitious policy initiatives. Below is a summary of his main promises and the reactions they provoked on social media:

### **1. Announcing a National Emergency at the Southern Border**

Trump, who ran on a stringent anti-immigration platform, reaffirmed his dedication to tougher immigration regulations. He declared intentions to announce a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, effectively stopping immigration. During his address, Trump frequently referenced “criminal aliens,” a term prominently included in **Project 2025**, a conservative policy framework for his second term.

Shortly after his speech, the Trump administration disabled **CBP One**, an application meant to streamline legal entry for migrants. This decision had immediate effects, igniting widespread dialogue online.

### **2. Abolishing the Green New Deal**

Although the **Green New Deal** has never been put into effect, Trump promised to “eliminate” any funding linked to it. Analysts suggest that this could involve rolling back aspects of **Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act**, which contains elements addressing climate issues.

Social media users quickly highlighted that President Biden neither campaigned on nor enacted the Green New Deal. Senator Ed Markey, a significant proponent of the policy, voiced his disagreement online, joining others in condemning Trump’s position.

### **3. Classifying Gender as Binary**

Trump declared intentions to establish a federal policy that only acknowledges two genders: male and female. This action is viewed as a direct assault on the rights of transgender people, a group that has long denounced Trump’s policies as injurious.

Trans journalist Erin Reed took to Bluesky to express her concerns about the obstacles ahead, referencing the appointment of **JD Vance**—a fervent supporter of anti-trans laws—as Vice President. Critics also pointed out the inconsistency between Trump’s commitment to restore “free expression” and his restrictive views on gender identity.

### **4. Reinstating “Freedom of Speech”**

Trump vowed to enact an executive order aimed at putting an end to “government censorship” and “reestablishing free speech in America.” While the details of this promise remain vague, **Project 2025** suggests measures for holding Big Tech accountable for alleged censorship and reviewing federal online speech regulations.

However, skeptics on social media noted the irony in Trump’s concurrent efforts to restrict conversations on issues like gender, race, and diversity. Many contended that his interpretation of “free speech” seems selective and self-serving.

### **5. Abolishing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies**

Trump called for the termination of DEI programs, labeling them as efforts to “socially engineer race and gender into every corner of public and private life.” He pushed for a “colorblind” and “merit-based” society.

Critics swiftly questioned the practicality of such initiatives, asking about their relevance to urgent matters like inflation. The proposal also sparked wider debates regarding the role of DEI policies in promoting equity and representation.

### **6. Changing the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America**

In a surprising suggestion, Trump proposed renaming the **Gulf of Mexico** to the **Gulf of America**. While the concept isn’t novel, Trump has championed it in recent months and reiterated his endorsement during his inaugural speech.

The suggestion elicited mixed responses online, with some ridiculing the notion as superfluous and others questioning its importance in addressing more urgent national issues.

As Trump embarks on his second term, the nation will closely observe how these ambitious policies develop in the forthcoming months. His initial 100 days are anticipated to establish the tone for what is expected to be a contentious presidency.