Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump Holds Election Night Event In West Palm Beach

Overshadowed by the excitement surrounding Donald J. Trump’s second Inauguration—the last-minute venue changes, the celebrations, and the $170 million raised from donors—is the core purpose of the event. In 1787, the Constitutional Convention included a requirement that the President, before assuming office, recite the oath: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

This wasn’t universally supported. Some delegates viewed oaths as pointless. It’s the only verbatim pledge in the Constitution, highlighting its fragility and the framers’ concerns about its tenuous nature, needing a promise from future leaders to uphold their work. Yet, every President since George Washington has recited these 35 words, committing to the rule of law amidst change.

Trump himself is a powerful force for change. Regardless of one’s opinion, he has reshaped America in unimaginable ways. A decade ago, the consensus among Republicans and Democrats favored free trade. Presidents respected prosecutorial independence. The U.S. commitment to NATO allies was steadfast. Trump has disregarded these norms, with global consequences. He is arguably the most influential White House resident since Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Trump Back in Office Time Magazine cover

However, the 47th President is also a product of global change. The challenges he addresses have accumulated over decades and surpass any single leader’s or nation’s capacity to solve. Transnational issues, from migration to crime to pandemics, have defied solutions since before 9/11. The world today is vastly different from post-World War II America. In China, the U.S. confronts unprecedented economic and military challenges.

Trump has pledged aggressive solutions. He promises mass deportations, media suppression through prosecution, and the annexation of [countries/territories]—though the latter may be facetious. Supporters believe his norm-breaking justifies the potential rewards, crediting him for tackling significant problems: cutting government waste, reducing deficits, ending wars, and fixing immigration. He enters office with strong political support—a decisive election victory, high public approval, a unified Republican Congress, and backing from the business community, particularly tech leaders. Many see his return as a chance for institutional renewal.

His opponents are evaluating his agenda. Democrats have adopted some previously rejected policies. President Biden retained Trump’s China tariffs. Vice President Harris embraced his “no tax on tips” pledge. Many House and Senate Democrats support the Laken Riley Act, mandating federal detention for illegal immigrants arrested for theft. Simultaneously, Democrats prepare to oppose many of Trump’s policies.

Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump Holds Election Night Event In West Palm Beach

Critical moments will arise when political opposition, advisors, the legal system, or world leaders challenge Trump. He has threatened military action against protesters. His response to judicial rulings and his use of the partial immunity from prosecution granted to Presidents remain uncertain.

Trump told TIME, “I’ll only do what the law allows, but I will go up to the maximum level of what the law allows.” Critics note his history of changing positions and discarding allies. He’s already replaced his White House counsel before taking office. As the first President to enter office as a felon, convicted of falsifying business records, the oath offers little assurance of constitutional adherence.

However, the U.S. governing system has proven resilient. It has survived the Civil War, fascism, pandemics, and legal challenges. It also withstood the disruptions of Trump’s first term, including the January 6th events. His second inauguration’s oath now seems less a sign of the framers’ insecurity, and more a testament to their wisdom. Those concerned about the future can find comfort in the 1787 decision to strengthen the presidential oath, adding the commitment to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The responsibility now falls to Trump and America to uphold this oath.