‘Tariffs and duties are coming’: Trump vows to penalise foreign goods and services in inaugural economic plan

In a remarkable political resurrection, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, overcoming felony convictions from earlier in his career. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, officially ushering in a new era of American politics. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, was also sworn in, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh presiding over the ceremony.

In his inaugural address, Trump exuded confidence and optimism, declaring that the United States was on the brink of “a thrilling new era of national success.” He spoke of a “tide of change sweeping the country,” and promised that “sunlight is pouring over the entire world” with America poised to seize unprecedented opportunities.

Trump's vision for the future is rooted in a return to what he calls "common sense" governance. He expressed his commitment to shifting the country away from the complexities of traditional politics, heralding what he called “a revolution of common sense.” His rhetoric resonated with many who view his unconventional leadership style as a necessary antidote to a fractured political system.

On his first day in office, Trump is expected to take decisive action, signing a series of executive orders that signal a sharp break from the status quo. Among the anticipated measures are efforts to end birthright citizenship and the declaration of a national emergency on the US-Mexico border—issues that were central to his previous presidency and remain hotly debated. Additionally, sources close to the administration suggest that Trump plans to issue pardons for several individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots, a move that is certain to spark intense debate across the nation.

The inauguration ceremony itself was a star-studded affair, drawing political heavyweights, former presidents, and powerful business moguls. Among the prominent guests were tech titans Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, whose influence has transcended business into the political sphere. Country music star Carrie Underwood also graced the occasion, performing “America the Beautiful” to add a patriotic touch to the proceedings.

As Trump took the oath of office, outgoing President Joe Biden made his final moves as president, issuing a series of pardons for individuals such as General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and several members of Congress who had served on the committee investigating January 6. Biden also granted preemptive pardons to his siblings and their spouses, marking one of his final acts in office.

In his speech, Trump emphasised a recalibration of justice, vowing that “the scales of justice will be rebalanced.” He promised an end to the “vicious, violent, and unfair weaponisation of the Justice Department and government.” His words suggested a return to the combative political style that defined much of his previous presidency, signaling that he would not shy away from challenging the established systems.

He reiterated his campaign promise to strengthen the nation’s manufacturing capabilities, with a specific focus on revitalising the oil and gas industry. “We will drill, baby, drill,” he declared, underscoring his commitment to unleashing American energy potential. Trump’s administration, he vowed, would prioritise boosting the economy and resurrecting the American automotive sector.

Most significantly, he pledged to impose tariffs and duties on foreign goods and services, with the aim of bolstering “the American treasury” and protecting domestic industries and American workers.

With Trump’s inauguration, the United States enters a new political era. His bold promises of executive actions and his call for a “revolution of common sense” indicate that the coming years will bring significant changes to the nation’s political and policy landscape. The question of whether these changes will unite or further divide the country remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Trump’s impact on the American political scene is far from finished, and his next chapter is just beginning.