60th America inauguration marks a new beginning for President Trump
Professor Chris Imafidon – On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House after a four-year hiatus. The 60th Presidential Inauguration, held in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, was a spectacle that blended tradition with Trump’s signature flair for showmanship
A “Golden Age” Promised
President Trump’s inaugural address set a bold tone for his second term. He declared, “The golden age of America begins right now,” promising to lead the nation into an era of “flourishing and respect” on the world stage
Trump’s speech touched on familiar themes from his campaign, including immigration, the economy, and his ongoing criticism of the Justice Department
The President outlined several executive actions he planned to take immediately upon assuming office:
- Declaring a national emergency at the southern border
- Reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy
- Ending the practice of catch-and-release for migrants
- Deploying troops to the U.S.-Mexico border
- Designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations
- Addressing inflation and energy costs
- Imposing tariffs on foreign nations
- Issuing an executive order against government censorship
- Reinstating service members removed due to COVID-19 vaccine objections
The Surprised Star: Rev. Lorenzo Sewell
While Trump’s speech was undoubtedly the centerpiece of the inauguration, it was the benediction delivered by Rev. Lorenzo Sewell, a Detroit pastor, that captured the nation’s attention and sparked widespread discussion.
Sewell, the 43-year-old senior pastor of the non-denominational 180 Church in Detroit, delivered a passionate and controversial prayer that heavily referenced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech
The timing was particularly poignant, as the inauguration coincided with the federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader.
In his spirited three-minute invocation, Sewell thanked God for the Trump administration and prayed “that America would begin to dream again”
He echoed King’s iconic words, asking God to “let freedom ring” nationwide and declaring Americans “free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last”
Sewell’s presence at the inauguration was no coincidence. He had been a prominent figure in Trump’s 2024 campaign, hosting the former president at his church in June, speaking at the Republican National Convention in July, and participating in numerous campaign events with faith leaders and conservative Christian supporters.
Song of Praise for Rev Sewell
The pastor’s benediction received great reactions. Opponents and friends of President Trump. For example, GOP lawmakers, conservative activists, and Trump supporters praised Sewell’s passionate delivery and message
Even, Black faith leaders and civil rights figures expressed deep approval with Sewell’s prayer and Trump’s references to King. “Dr. King was a fighter. Dr. King used economic leverage. Dr. King was a man who stood up for economic justice” says a black preacher.
Rev Sewell, known for his charismatic and conservative Christian doctrine, has not shied away from mixing politics and religion. He told Fox News in January, “The gospel message is a political message. The Bible is a political book, from Genesis to Revelations. We see that the Bible is a political book. It is impossible to be politically neutral”
A “Millimeter Miracle”
One of the most striking moments of Sewell’s prayer came when he referenced what he called a “millimeter miracle,” alluding to the assassination attempt on Trump in July 2024.
This reference to a recent traumatic event in the President’s life added a personal touch to the proceedings and highlighted the tumultuous path that led to this second inauguration.
The Spectacle of the Inauguration
The inauguration itself was a carefully choreographed event that began with a prayer service at St. John’s Church, known as the “Church of the Presidents”
This intimate gathering, closed to television cameras, set the tone for the day’s proceedings. Following the church service, the ceremony moved to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, a departure from the traditional outdoor setting. This decision, made over the weekend, added an air of solemnity to the proceedings
The swearing-in ceremony featured Trump taking the oath of office alongside his vice president, JD Vance
The event was attended by a litany of former presidents, Trump family members, tech royalty, and world politicians, underscoring the global significance of the occasion
A Day of Contrasts
The inauguration day was not without its contrasts. While Trump and his supporters celebrated in Washington, D.C., other parts of the country marked the day differently. Notably, Rev. Raphael Warnock, senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Jr. once presided, was absent from the traditional King Day services at his church. Instead, Warnock, who also serves as a senator for Georgia, was in Washington observing the inaugural proceedings
Warnock later commented on the irony of Trump’s inauguration coinciding with the King holiday, stating that while “his name was invoked throughout the ceremony, the agenda did not sound like Dr. King”
Looking Ahead
As the sun set on Inauguration Day, the nation found itself at the beginning of a new chapter in its political history. With Trump back in the Oval Office and promising swift action on a range of issues, Americans braced themselves for what promises to be a transformative and likely controversial second term. The unexpected spotlight on Rev. Lorenzo Sewell served as a reminder of the complex intersections of faith, politics, and race that continue to shape American public life. As the country moves forward under its 47th president, the echoes of King’s dream, as invoked by Sewell, will undoubtedly continue to resonate, challenging the nation to live up to its highest ideals.
