Trump 2025 Inauguration: World Leaders Brace for a Bold Commercial President Fueled by Tech Titans

WASHINGTON – Mr Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th United States President amid widespread expectations that he would reshape America with a far-reaching domestic and foreign policy agenda. Sunny but sub-zero weather forced his January 20 swearing-in ceremony indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, canceling the traditional pomp-filled inaugural parade in favor of a scaled-down event at a downtown sports arena. The last time severe cold forced such a change was in 1985, when President Ronald Reagan took his second oath in private—an apt historical parallel for a party that reveres Reagan as a defining figure.

“The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump proclaimed after taking the oath. “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.” 

As if to illustrate his pledge, he outlined a fresh approach to economic and trade policy—one that was surprisingly measured compared to the fiery rhetoric of his campaign. Rather than slapping immediate tariffs on China, Canada, or Mexico, Trump announced a far-reaching trade investigation. It aims to determine whether these countries have engaged in unfair trade practices or currency manipulation, and whether Beijing has complied with previous agreements.

Sworn In Amid Cold Weather, Trump Vows New Measures and a Commercial Approach to Trade

In a twist that caught many observers off-guard, markets around the globe reacted positively to the news. The absence of immediate tariffs allayed fears of a swift escalation in trade tensions, sparking a sense of cautious relief. At the time of writing, U.S. S&P futures are up 1.51 percent, Japan’s Nikkei index has risen by 0.42 percent, and Australia’s ASX is up 1.19 percent—evidence that investors appreciate the administration’s decision to focus on fact-finding and diplomacy before resorting to punitive measures.

This more tempered stance was accompanied by the unlikely sight of tech giants seated front and center at the indoor inauguration. Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos—once among Trump’s staunchest critics—enjoyed prime visibility, underscoring a new alliance that sees technology as the engine of future American growth. Critics warn that billionaires, if too cozy with the administration, might influence policy to favor their industries, yet supporters argue that cooperation between Washington and Silicon Valley could accelerate innovation and job creation.

China, meanwhile, seemed eager to avoid escalation, dispatching top officials to parley with U.S. business leaders ahead of the inauguration. America’s pivot under Trump challenges the unity of the geopolitical “West.”  Vice President Han Zheng’s outreach to Elon Musk and other business leaders signals Beijing’s intent to keep channels open, hoping to mitigate the impact of U.S. scrutiny on Chinese tech firms and currency policies.

But Trump was not shy about branding Beijing a culprit for unfair trade practices, going so far as to criticize its influence in the Panama Canal. His invocation of “manifest destiny” to justify American expansion—whether reclaiming the canal or planting flags on Mars—invoked a defiant spirit that promises a bolder, and potentially riskier, foreign policy direction.

Beyond the Rotunda, reactions were mixed. In Europe and South Korea, skepticism remains high amid concerns that Trump’s “America First” rhetoric could sideline old alliances. Meanwhile, A European Council on Foreign Relations survey suggests these countries see an opportunity for economic and strategic benefit, hoping Trump’s assertive policies may yield stability or even peace in global flashpoints like Ukraine and the Middle East. The survey conducted in India, Brazil, and Turkey reveal cautious optimism, with many hoping this administration’s unorthodox style might deliver fresh investments and reduce tensions in global hotspots. China, for its part, reached out to U.S. business leaders in Washington, signaling a willingness to keep lines of communication open, even as it braces for possible future confrontations over trade and technology.

Whether Trump’s second term truly ushers in the “golden age” he has promised, or whether these initial market gains give way to bigger geopolitical storms, remains the great unknown. What is certain is that his inaugural ceremony, forced indoors by historic chill and capped by bold policy commitments, has set the stage for four years likely to be as dramatic, unpredictable, and headline-grabbing as any in modern memory.