The USA Change of Government

On January 20th 2025, at 12pm eastern time, President Donald Trump’s inauguration was held as he took presidential office for his second term. The transition of government from former President Joe Biden to now President Donald Trump represents a major political shift in the USA. Former President Biden represented the Democratic Party, which stood for the liberal ideologies based on  equality of opportunities for all Americans no matter the race, gender, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or national origin. On the other hand, President Trump represents the Republican party and their conservative ideologies of lowering taxes, gun rights, free market and trade, deregulation of corporations, and conservatism in the government. Both parties have been in competition for presidential representation for many years, causing constant changes amongst the US government as seen in this recent election with the change of power from Biden to Trump.

As a political outsider (who wasn’t known for politics before his first term presidency) with no prior government or military experience, Trump’s transition faced early challenges in assembling administrative personnel and navigating procedures. Trump’s selection of cabinet members reflected his business approach to his presidency, with figures like ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and billionaire Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. His transition was also marked by controversies such as reports of disorganization within his new governmental team.

Trump’s transition to power has caused a shift in U.S. policy direction which emphasizes deregulation, economic nationalism, and an "America First" foreign policy. His early executive orders include parting ways from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and imposing travel restrictions on several Muslim countries. However, his transition was also characterized by high turnover among advisors, including National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, who resigned just weeks into Trump's administration. This period of Trump being in power has set the tone for a presidency defined by many as unpredictable, divisive, and a direct, often combative approach to governance.

The transition from Joe Biden to Donald Trump overall marks a shift in policy, leadership style, and governance. Biden’s presidency focused on expanding government programs, international diplomacy, and progressive policies. On the contrary, Trump’s return brings an emphasis on economic deregulation, stricter immigration policies, and an "America First" approach. The shift would not only impact domestic policies, such as tax and healthcare reforms, but also cause major shifts in U.S. foreign relations.