On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his second term in office after his initial presidency ended in 2021. His inauguration ceremony drew fervent supporters to Washington, D.C., where he outlined his vision to “restore American greatness.” However, within mere hours of taking office, President Trump made decisions and statements that quickly became the subject of national and international scrutiny.
Rapid Executive Orders Mark a Bold Start
Trump wasted no time asserting his presidential authority, signing a slew of executive orders immediately following his inauguration. These orders, legally binding directives to federal agencies that bypass congressional approval, aimed to undo key policies of the previous administration. One of the most notable actions was his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, a global pact to combat climate change. This marked a stark reversal of the Biden administration’s efforts to address environmental issues and garnered significant backlash from environmental activists and world leaders.
In the same vein, Trump also announced the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). He justified this move by criticizing what he termed as “mismanagement and inefficiency” within the global health body. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd at a Washington, D.C., sports arena, Trump vowed to roll back “80 destructive and radical executive actions of the previous administration.”
“We are taking our country back,” Trump declared. “We’ll no longer bow to globalist agendas. America first—always.”
Declaring National Emergencies
One of Trump’s boldest moves on his first day in office was declaring two national emergencies. The first focused on energy independence, with Trump pledging to increase domestic oil production and bolster the country’s strategic petroleum reserves. He described this measure as crucial for economic recovery and promised to expand U.S. energy exports worldwide.
“This is about America reclaiming its wealth,” Trump stated. “The liquid gold beneath our feet will power our nation to prosperity once more.”
The second emergency targeted illegal immigration at the southern border, an issue Trump has long championed. He promised to deploy additional troops to assist border agents and announced plans to restrict refugee and asylum programs. Critics quickly labeled these actions as heavy-handed and counterproductive, reigniting debates on immigration reform.
Foreign Affairs Fumbles
Trump also made headlines with his initial remarks on international relations, which included a glaring factual error that drew widespread attention. When asked about NATO countries failing to meet the required defense spending target of 2% of GDP, Trump specifically mentioned Spain, accusing the nation of not meeting its obligations.
“Spain is very low. They’re a BRICS nation, Spain. Do you know what a BRICS nation is? You’ll figure it out,” Trump said during a press conference.
The statement sparked immediate confusion and criticism, as Spain is not a member of BRICS—a coalition of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside a few recent additions like Iran and the UAE. Trump’s mischaracterization revealed a significant misunderstanding of international alliances, prompting ridicule from political commentators and foreign officials.
Backlash from Spain
Spain’s government was quick to respond. Pilar Alegría, a spokesperson for the Spanish government, addressed Trump’s comment directly.
“I don’t know if the statement made by President Trump was the result of a mix-up or not, but I can confirm that Spain is not part of BRICS,” Alegría said in an official statement. Her diplomatic response reflected the broader confusion and concern about the direction of U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s renewed leadership.
In addition to his erroneous classification of Spain, Trump suggested imposing a 100% tariff on Spanish imports, further straining U.S.-Spain relations. Such a move, if enacted, would effectively end decades of free trade between the two nations and could disrupt numerous industries reliant on transatlantic commerce.
Implications for U.S. Diplomacy
Trump’s misstep on his first day in office raised concerns among diplomats and policy experts about the potential challenges his administration might pose for international relations. Critics argued that his comments and policy decisions reflected a lack of understanding about key global alliances and economic frameworks.
“This kind of rhetoric undermines the trust and cooperation the United States has built with its allies over decades,” said Dr. Elena Martinez, an expert on U.S.-European relations. “Mischaracterizing nations like Spain not only damages relationships but also signals instability to the broader international community.”
Supporters of Trump, however, praised his boldness and willingness to challenge established norms. Many viewed his actions as a necessary correction to what they perceived as years of U.S. deference to global institutions and foreign interests.
The Path Ahead
Donald Trump’s first hours back in the Oval Office set the tone for a presidency poised to reshape U.S. domestic and foreign policy once again. His controversial decisions and missteps underscored the polarizing nature of his leadership style—one that champions assertiveness and disruption but often invites backlash and division.
As the new administration unfolds, the world will watch closely to see how Trump navigates the complexities of governance and diplomacy. His inaugural day blunders serve as a reminder that even seasoned leaders are not immune to errors, especially in the high-stakes arena of global politics.
Luca Rossi is an experienced writer based in the United States, specializing in popular topics and curiosity-driven content. With six years of expertise, he contributes regularly to usaunfiltered24.com, where he creates engaging articles, in-depth features, and fascinating insights on trending stories and celebrity culture. Known for his captivating writing style and thorough research, Luca has established himself as a go-to source for content that sparks curiosity and resonates with a wide audience. His passion for uncovering intriguing stories and his keen eye for the latest trends have made him a trusted voice in the world of popular entertainment and current affairs.
