Beneath the surface of ceremonial formalities, this year’s presidential inauguration revealed simmering tensions. As Donald Trump took the oath of office on January 20 to begin his second term, a brief but telling moment with Joe Biden spoke volumes. Lip reading experts analyzing footage from the event detected a pointed two-word remark Trump made to his predecessor during their White House meeting.
The customary pre-inauguration gathering between first families – meant to demonstrate national unity – instead highlighted the divisions of the past election cycle. This interaction followed months of intense debate about Biden’s capability to serve another term, ultimately leading to his July withdrawal from the race. Citing the interests of both his party and country, the 82-year-old president endorsed Kamala Harris as his successor.
Trump’s decisive win with 312 electoral votes translated into immediate action upon taking office. The new administration moved quickly to dismantle Biden-era policies through executive orders. Among the most controversial early moves was granting clemency to over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol incident, according to BBC coverage.
