Events that characterised the end of Trump’s administration

EVENTS THAT CHARACTERISED THE END OF THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY AND SWEARING INTO OFFICE OF AMERICA’S 46TH PRESIDENT, JOE BIDEN. 

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States was for some people a day that could not have come so soon. The end of the Trump presidency was as tragic as his assumption of office four years ago. True to his words, Mr. Trump was missing in action at the inauguration of President Biden. He left the White House as former president in the company of his wife Melania shortly after 13 hours GMT, where he boarded a helicopter, flew to nearby Andrews Air Force base, and he is believed to be resting in Florida.

Mr. Trump’s four-year reign has been described as very eventful, unpredictable and one that would be left to posterity to judge. The height of his unpredictability came with series of allegations of electoral fraud, after the Presidential Election in November last year. Although Federal Authorities say there are no evidence to support the allegation, after investigations were conducted, Mr. Trump still held onto his claims of a flawed election.

Unfortunately, some of Mr. Trump’s supporters, who had been incited by his actions, got enraged at a point and matched onto the State Capitol building to cause rampage. The riot resulted in the death of five persons including a police officer. For many watching from afar, this incident happening in America was indeed shocking and unbelievable, so much so that proponents of democracy began to question what has become of America’s model democratic governance?

Consequently, this action was condemned largely by many both abroad and domestically. One of such condemnations came from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), which issued a statement signed by its Chairperson, the Former US Secretary of State Madeline Albright, which said that “No democracy can survive if the deep wounds and enduring legacies of systemic racism, misogyny and bigotry are allowed to fester’’. Mr. Trump made history by being the first US president to be impeached for a second time after the House charged him with “incitement of insurrection” for his role in the violent riot by a pro-Trump mob at the U.S. Capitol.

On a more inspiring note, history was also made on Wednesday, January 20, as Mr. Joe Biden was sworn into Office, as America’s new President, after two failed attempts at the Presidency. The ceremony was devoid of the usual crowds, due to Covid-19 pandemic and besides, there was extra-tight security after the building was stormed by violent pro-Trump protesters in the deadly riot on 6th January.

In a speech after his Oath, Mr. Biden stated that “Democracy has prevailed”. Yes, indeed, democracy has prevailed, but it will suffice to say that America, has a tall agenda going forward. This includes redeeming its image by reconsidering some of its foreign policies, such as the one on Climate Change. Obviously, Mr. Biden already seems to have a full plate, he has a lot to deal with domestically by uniting and bringing healing to America. He is also expected to galvanise support to re-gain America’s right of place globally.

Already within the few hours of taking office, Mr. Biden has reversed some executive orders of the Trump Administration which are believed to have caused the “greatest damage” to America. Clearly, Mr. Biden’s inauguration ends one of the most dramatic political transitions in American history. The impact of events that proceeded this day will be told in many generations to come. But, one thing is clear that Americans have learnt their lessons, as outbursts on social media resound that of relief. In fact, Musician, Lady Gaga captured it all in a powerful rendition of the US National Anthem at the inauguration of Mr. Biden, that America is the “Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave’’!

We say Congratulations to the 46th President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and his Vice, Kamala Harris. And remember, the entire world is watching America. 

Written by Rebecca Ekpe, a Journalist.