Donald Trump is set to be sworn in today as the 47th President of the United States at 12:00 p.m. EST (5:00 p.m. GMT). The inauguration ceremony, traditionally held outdoors, has been moved inside the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures in Washington, D.C.
A ceremony under unprecedented scrutiny
The day’s events begin at 9:30 a.m. EST with performances by country music stars Carrie Underwood, Christopher Macchio, and Lee Greenwood. Millions worldwide, including audiences in the UK, are expected to watch as Trump takes the oath of office.
Following the official swearing-in, President Trump is expected to sign a series of executive orders focusing on immigration policy, trade agreements, and tax reforms—signalling a continuation of his “America First” agenda.
Implications for UK-US relations
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has extended his congratulations to President Trump ahead of the inauguration, expressing optimism about the future of UK-US relations.
However, the re-election of President Trump presents several challenges for the United Kingdom.
Senior UK government sources have warned that proposed US tariffs of up to 20% on all goods exported to the US could necessitate significant cuts to Britain’s defence budget. Such tariffs are projected to cause a 0.9% reduction in the UK’s GDP, potentially leading to a £1.82 billion decrease in defence spending by 2029-30. The Treasury has expressed concerns over the negative impact on growth plans, while the Ministry of Defence fears broader economic repercussions.
In response to these potential challenges, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been actively engaging with US counterparts to reinforce the importance of the transatlantic alliance. Lammy, who previously referred to Trump as a “tyrant in a toupee,” has adopted a more conciliatory tone, emphasising the need for strong diplomatic ties.
Domestic political reactions
The inauguration has elicited a range of responses within the UK. London Mayor Sadiq Khan faced criticism for comments suggesting that President Trump’s leadership aligns with a resurgence of fascism in the West. Cabinet Minister Darren Jones countered by highlighting the importance of respecting the democratic process that elected Trump. The Conservative Party has accused Khan of jeopardising the UK’s relationship with its key ally.
The Green Party has also voiced concerns, with Co-Leaders Adrian Ramsay and Carla Denyer issuing a joint statement ahead of the inauguration, stating: “We must stand up for peace and democracy in what will be a dangerous turn toward right-wing populism in the wake of Donald Trump taking office.”
British public opinion
Public sentiment in the UK regarding President Trump remains divided. Recent polling data indicates that as of the first quarter of 2025, 34% of people in Great Britain have a favourable view of Donald Trump, an increase from 27% in the previous quarter. This marks the highest level of approval in recent years.
Global challenges await the new administration
Trump’s return to the White House comes at a time of significant international challenges. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict remains a major concern, with uncertainty over how his administration will approach U.S. support for Ukraine and relations with Moscow.
Meanwhile, Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland has reignited tensions with Denmark, following previous discussions about a potential U.S. acquisition of the Arctic territory. In addition, trade disputes with Canada have escalated, with concerns over tariffs and border agreements requiring urgent attention.
Economic uncertainty and market reactions
Financial markets are reacting cautiously to Trump’s inauguration. Over the weekend, major stock indices experienced volatility, and Wall Street opened with hesitation today. Investors are bracing for potential policy shifts, particularly in trade relations with China and Europe.
Trump’s Meme coin fortune
Adding to the financial buzz, the launch of a Donald Trump-themed cryptocurrency, the $TRUMP meme coin, has unexpectedly positioned him among the world’s wealthiest individuals. Announced on 17 January 2025, the coin surged in value from an initial price of around $3 to a peak of $76.94, reaching a market valuation of $15 billion.
Approximately 80% of the coin’s supply is controlled by CIC Digital LLC, an affiliate of the Trump Organization, and Fight Fight Fight LLC. Although it remains unclear how much Trump himself will personally gain, this surge in value has placed him 33rd in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. If these holdings maintain their value, his net worth could reach $50.1 billion, making him the 26th richest person globally, just behind private equity mogul Stephen Schwarzman.
Despite its meteoric rise, the $TRUMP coin’s value has proven highly volatile, halving from its peak before stabilising on Monday morning. Meanwhile, Melania Trump launched her own cryptocurrency, the $MELANIA coin, on 19 January 2025, which has since surged in value. The 192 million coins in circulation currently hold a market valuation of $2.2 billion.
Cryptocurrency experts remain divided over the significance of these developments. Some view the coins as an expression of support, while others caution against their speculative nature. Investor Erik Voorhees described the situation as “stupid and embarrassing,” while former Trump aide Anthony Scaramucci went even further, calling it “Idi Amin-level corruption.”
World leaders react to Trump’s return
Global leaders are preparing to engage with the new administration. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed both caution and a willingness to engage diplomatically. Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East flared over the weekend, with the U.S. military responding to unfolding regional conflicts. The White House is expected to address these matters in the coming days.
Looking ahead
As the world watches Trump take the oath of office once more, the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping both domestic policy and international relations. With ongoing protests, uncertainty in financial markets, and diplomatic challenges ahead, Trump’s first 100 days in office will be closely scrutinised worldwide.