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Say hello to a new Trump era


Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! It’s Rebecca Morin, senior national news reporter at Paste BN.

Trump sworn in, declares 'golden age of America begins right now'

Welcome back to the Donald Trump era. Trump on Monday was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. With his right hand raised and left hand by his side, Trump recited the oath of office at an intimate inauguration ceremony inside the Capitol rotunda. In a roughly 30 minute speech, Trump painted a bleak picture of a nation overwhelmed by crime from an "invasion of our country” and vowed sweeping changes from issues like climate to transgender rights. Read more.

On Day 1, Trump has already planned to sign dozens of executive orders on a range of policies, including at least two national emergencies targeting the border and the energy sector. Trump is expected to change the official names of Mt. Denali in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico. Other orders could undo many of former President Joe Biden’s key efforts to protect federal lands from oil drilling and enshrine the civil rights of transgender people. More on Trump’s executive actions.

A politics pit stop

Biden’s last stand: Preemptively pardoning his family and potential Trump targets

With roughly 30 minutes to spare as president, Joe Biden made a final defiant act against Donald Trump. Biden issued a string of preemptive pardons to members of his family and individuals and others who he believed were potential targets. Among those who were preemptively pardoned include Biden’s brother James Biden, his sister Valerie Biden Owens, Anthony Fauci, and former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney. Read more.

Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics? You can submit them here or send me an email at rdmorin@usatoday.com.