6 Trump Inauguration speech highlights — and how the internet reacted

Trump promises sweeping changes as he assumes the presidency.
By  on 
US Vice President JD Vance applauds US President Donald Trump after he was sworn in as the 47th US President
Credit: JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images

Donald Trump is officially the 47th President as of Inauguration Day. In a 30-minute speech, Trump proclaimed that "the golden age of America begins right now," and promised many changes. Here are a few of them below, along with how viewers on social media reacted to it:

Declaring a national emergency at the southern border

Trump ran on an anti-immigration stance, discussing ending birthright citizenship and planning sweeping deportations during his campaign. On Monday, Trump mentioned that he would declare a national emergency at the southern border of the U.S., halting immigration. Trump used the term "criminal aliens," which was stated several times in Project 2025 (the conservative policy wishlist for Trump's second term).

Following the speech, the Trump administration shut down CBP One, an app for migrants to legally enter the U.S. The effects were instant:

'Rescinding' the Green New Deal

The "Green New Deal" isn't the law of the land, despite efforts by progressive politicians in recent years. On Inauguration Day, however, Trump promised to "terminate" spending on the Green New Deal. Axious speculated that he meant Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, which did address climate change.

Still, social media was quick to note that Biden didn't run nor try to enact the Green New Deal:

Sen. Ed Markey, who did run on the Green New Deal, came to X to express his feelings:

Make an official policy that there are "only" two genders

It's no secret that Trump's policies are a threat to trans people, and since his first term trans people said Trump is "not a friend." On Monday, Trump said he would instate an official policy that there are "only" two genders, male and female.

Mashable Top Stories
Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.
Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Trans journalist Erin Reed posted on Bluesky that, "It's going to be quite a slog for 4 years":

Whelp. JD Vance, author of one of the most repressive trans bans ever proposed in congress, is now our VP. It's going to be quite a slog for 4 years.

— Erin Reed (@erininthemorning.com) January 20, 2025 at 12:02 PM

Multiple people pointed out that Trump stated this soon after declaring that "free expression will no longer be limited":

4. 'Bring back' freedom of speech

Trump said he'll sign an executive order to stop "government censorship" and "bring back free speech in America."

While it's not immediately clear what Trump means by this, page 687 of Project 2025 recommends Trump "[s]upport free speech and hold big tech accountable. Immediately conduct a thorough review of federal policy regarding free speech online and provide policy solutions to address big tech’s censorship of speech."

That was a pretty quick segue from "we're bringing back free speech and ending government censorship" to "here are the things government employees will be no longer allowed to say about sex, gender, and race."

— Seth Cotlar (@sethcotlar.bsky.social) January 20, 2025 at 12:32 PM

Don’t get it twisted when trump says he wants to “bring back free speech” he means HIS type of free speech. Which is full of bullshit and misinformation

— Rave Mom✨ (@edmprincess.edm.blue) January 20, 2025 at 1:02 PM

Project 2025 also calls for the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which Trump also mentioned during Monday's speech:

5. Ending DEI policies

Trump called for an "end [to] the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life," an usher in a society that is "colorblind" and "merit-based."

People online retorted, saying such actions don't decrease inflation.

6. Renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America

The notion to rename the region to the Gulf of America isn't new, but Trump has run with it in recent months. He mentioned it in his inaugural speech on Monday.

As Trump's first 100 days unfold, we'll see which of these policies he tries to enact.

anna iovine, a white woman with curly chin-length brown hair, smiles at the camera
Anna Iovine
Associate Editor, Features

Anna Iovine is associate editor of features at Mashable. Previously, as the sex and relationships reporter, she covered topics ranging from dating apps to pelvic pain. Before Mashable, Anna was a social editor at VICE and freelanced for publications such as Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on X @annaroseiovine.


Recommended For You


8 ways Mark Zuckerberg changed Meta ahead of Trump’s inauguration
This photo illustration created on January 7, 2025, in Washington, DC, shows an image of Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and an image of the Meta logo. Social media giant Meta on January 7, 2025, slashed its content moderation policies, including ending its US fact-checking program, in a major shift that conforms with the priorities of incoming president Donald Trump.

Seth Meyers recaps the tech billionaire VIP-ness of Trump's inauguration
Seth Meyers with his arms outstretched and an exasperated expression on his face.


More in Life

I'm grabbing the Apple Watch Series 10 for under $300 at Amazon, saving $100
Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) on a white patterned background

The Bose Smart Soundbar 550 is under $200 at Walmart. My ears are ready.
Bose Smart Soundbar 550 on a white patterned background

I've just scored Apple’s 10th-Gen iPad for under $260 at Amazon. That’s its lowest price in 30 days.
Apple iPad on blue background

Stock up on free indie books in the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day
Selection of books covers

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 7, 2025
A close-up of an NYT Connections game on a smartphone.

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 7
A game being played on a smartphone.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 7, 2025
A close-up of a Wordle game open on a smartphone.

Why are there no iPhones in 'Severance'?
By Jake Kleinman
John Turturro in "Severance."

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for March 7, 2025
Close-up view of crossword puzzle.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!