WASHINGTON, D.C. — Politicians, business leaders, and influencers gathered in the Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20 for the inauguration of Donald Trump, marking the beginning of his second term as the 47 president and the end of the Biden-Harris administration.

“Every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first,” Trump stated during his inaugural address.

Following his swearing-in, Trump acted swiftly, signing executive orders to reverse major Biden-era policies, including rescinding 78 executive orders from the previous administration. Most notably, Trump decided to immediately withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time.

The decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord for the second time was a controversial one amongst Americans.

According to the Associated Press, “About half of Americans oppose withdrawing from the international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in January. Only about 2 in 10 US adults are ‘somewhat’ or ‘strongly’ in favor of withdrawing from the Paris agreement, while about one-quarter are neutral.”

In another controversial move, Trump pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

“The President’s actions are an outrageous insult to our justice system and the heroes who suffered physical scars and emotional trauma as they protected the Capitol, the Congress and the Constitution” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a press release on Jan 20.

Tech mogul Elon Musk, who attended the ceremony, voiced optimism about the new administration, calling

it a “reawakening for innovation and opportunity.”

Opinions varied among students, with some expressing enthusiasm about the changes. “Based on the effects of policies put in place by Trump’s administration during his first term, I believe that President Trump will likely have positive effects on the economy and may be able to aid in international relations” explained a sophomore who wished to remain anonymous. On the other hand, a senior, who wished to remain anonymous felt uneasy. “I’m concerned about the direction we’re headed,” she said. 

How will Trump impact students?

• The Trump administration has begun trying to initiate plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, putting the future of the $735 million in funding that is annually allocated to PA schools through Title I, which supports low-income students, in jeopardy. 
• Trump recently signed an executive order banning transgender women from participating in female sports at educational institutions. Schools that don’t follow have the risk of losing federal funding.
• Trump’s (since rescinded) federal spending freeze has left many government agencies unable to get their funding, including FAFSA/student loan agencies, Medicaid, and headstart programs around the nation.