Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday as the 47th President of the United States, declaring that “America’s decline is over” in a dramatic address that signaled the start of his historic second term. The 78-year-old Republican leader returned to the presidency after a remarkable political comeback, vowing to implement immediate changes on immigration and address contentious cultural issues.

Standing beneath the grand Rotunda of the US Capitol, Trump raised his right hand and placed his left on a Bible gifted to him by his mother as he took the oath of office. Among the attendees were four former US presidents, including his predecessor Joe Biden and Biden’s former vice president, Kamala Harris.

In his inaugural speech, Trump proclaimed a new era for the United States. “The golden age of America begins now,” he declared. “We will be the envy of every nation. I will very simply put America first. Our sovereignty will be claimed, and the chaos of justice will be rebalanced. America’s decline is over.”

Trump also recounted surviving an alleged assassination attempt during his campaign, framing it as part of his mission to “make America great again.” He assured citizens that his administration would prioritize traditional values, stating, “America won’t forget God during my administration.”

The second inauguration marks an unprecedented return to power for Trump, who previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. His speech has sparked widespread debate, with supporters celebrating his vision for America’s resurgence and critics questioning his divisive rhetoric.