On Monday, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. The inauguration ceremony marked a significant moment in history. It is only natural to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected President, the people of America and the global community.
As human beings, when words falter, our hearts often feel the weight of emotions unspoken. For ordinary people like us, words may occasionally falter and when they do, they touch a soul in unexpected ways. But Donald Trump is a different case.
We have all witnessed how his words often take unexpected turns. Saying what shouldn’t be said, making controversial remarks or speaking excessively, these are defining traits of Trump’s personality. Some even joke that his tongue is as unpredictable as his whims, often leaving listeners stunned or speechless.
In America, it is a tradition to release an official photograph whenever someone takes up the presidency. This practice is also followed in Britain and India. However, the photograph of Trump accompanying this column is particularly intriguing. His body language conveys a sense of readiness, almost like a cat preparing to pounce. Much depends on the perspective of the observer, but since we have mentioned a cat, it seems only natural to talk about the mouse as well.
Mice are found everywhere, in homes, offices, ships, planes, shops etc. Small and seemingly harmless, they still manage to cause chaos wherever they go. Their presence often leads to damage, destruction and even heavy penalties if discovered in a shop, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage. By the time they are dealt with, the harm is usually already done. What’s truly remarkable about a mouse, however, is their instinct for self-preservation. They are always the first to flee in times of danger. Whether it’s a sinking ship or a shop engulfed in flames, they vanish at the first sign of trouble, dashing away with their tails held high.
In this context, it will be interesting to see how Donald Trump, recognised for his bold remarks and strong rhetoric, handles actual challenges. As for the allegations of unethical business practices or his controversial behaviour towards women, it would be premature to pass judgment at this stage. Ultimately, the saying "victor takes all" holds true. The American voters decisively chose him last November. It could also be said that the voters delivered a resounding defeat to Joe Biden's Democratic Party. Outgoing American President Joe Biden recently claimed that, had he contested the Presidential election, he would have defeated Donald Trump. While Biden’s memory may be fading, he shouldn’t overlook the fact that as the election drew near, his approval ratings had plunged to a historic low of 27%. During that critical time, senior party leaders, well-wishers and supporters urged him to step aside gracefully. They confronted him with the harsh reality that his chances of defeating Trump were too low. After much deliberation and with a heavy heart, Mr Biden ultimately withdrew from the race. Instead, he agreed to back his Vice-President, Kamala Harris, as the Democratic Party’s candidate for the presidency.
President Biden claims he would have won against Mr Trump, even though Kamala Harris lost. However, he seems to ignore the fact that Harris was defeated by a narrow margin of just 1.5%. With more time to campaign, the outcome might have been different.
What happens now, as Mr Trump takes charge of the world’s most powerful nation? Politics impacts every part of life and America isn’t just any powerful country, it leads in fields like science, technology, economy, defence, and diplomacy. In many ways, America is a blend of the extraordinary and the everyday, shaping and even affecting the world in ways few other nations can.
Mr Trump must remember that while he has taken the helm of a superpower like America with a decisive victory, it is crucial not to let the intoxication of power cloud his judgment. Many who once opposed him are now publicly praising him. After his victory, a long line of distinguished visitors formed outside his renowned Mar-a-Lago club, where not only his supporters but also his former critics were seen. This highlights the complex nature of power, where yesterday's adversaries can sometimes become today's admirers.
The world follows a common rule: everyone praises the rising sun. This is clearly seen in the case of Tesla's visionary, Elon Musk and his shifting policies. Initially, Musk acquired Twitter and swiftly imposed a ban on Trump's public statements and controversial remarks. Today, however, Musk has become one of Mr Trump's closest allies, with him putting aside past grievances and turning to Elon Musk for support. Similarly, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, who once opposed Trump's ideology, was also spotted at the Mar-a-Lago. Both Musk and Zuckerberg, along with others, have donated millions in support of Mr Trump. This illustrates the fluid nature of power and alliances.
Last month, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, a close confidant of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, embarked on a six-day visit to the United States. During his stay, he met with several key leaders, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and other senior officials. However, there were no reports of him visiting Mar-a-Lago. This absence speaks volumes about the changing dynamics and the emerging identity of New India, a nation that is asserting itself on the global stage, charting its own course without seeking validation from any individual or power.
But EAM Jaishankar attended President Trump's inaugural function as the special envoy of Prime Minister Modi. During his visit, he carried a personal letter from Indian PM Narendra Modi addressing to the US President, further symbolising the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. The bond between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump is strikingly strong. One of the most memorable moments was when PM Modi organised an impressive gathering of over 1,00,000 people to warmly welcome his friend, Donald Trump, to India in 2020. Today's India encourages us all to stand tall, embodying the nation's rising stature and confidence on the global stage. This evolving dynamic showcases India's progress, its ability to assert its own identity and its skill in building strong relationships with world leaders.
It is indeed remarkable that Donald Trump extended invitations to global leaders for his inauguration, marking a historic first in the United States. He shared on a social media platform that he had a productive call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, just days before his inauguration. He expressed optimism about addressing issues like trade, fentanyl, TikTok and global peace, emphasising their shared commitment to solving problems and making the world safer. Given, Mr Trump's tendency to react strongly to slights makes it interesting to see how he will handle his relationship with China and its leaders.
After winning the election, Mr Trump has been making bold statements on various issues, from illegal immigration to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Ukraine-Russia war. His words reflect the influence and confidence that come with power. While he now leads the world’s superpower, it’s worth remembering that time and experience shape everyone’s journey. The challenges and victories we all face are universal, though we encounter them in unique ways and at different points in our lives.
We extend our congratulations to President Trump, but it’s important to remember that time and circumstances, not just individual strength, ultimately shapes success. If success were purely about strength, Mr Trump’s bold, direct approach wouldn’t have brought him to lead the most powerful country in the world. As the first president in American history to face criminal charges from the nation’s highest court, his journey reflects how one’s actions and words shape their legacy, revealing their true nature.
(This column was written prior to the Presidential inauguration, and we will continue to explore this topic in the future).
