Gabrielle Bolton 
The inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, was undoubtedly one of the craziest in recent history, unprecedented in its spectacle and the reactions it provoked. As a young Black woman in America, I watched with mixed emotions—astonishment, frustration, and a sense of disbelief. It was both surreal and disheartening. From the very start, this inauguration defied expectations and traditions, signaling a turbulent era ahead.
Former President Barack Obama, the first Black president in American history and a figure of immense significance to the Black community, was met with audible boos as he left the Capitol. Obama’s presidency had been a beacon of progress, yet his treatment at Trump’s inauguration was a painful reminder of the deep racial and political divides that still persist in America. This public display of disrespect underscored the hostile environment that Trump’s political rhetoric has fostered, particularly toward communities of color. His exit symbolized the deep political and social rift in the country, and the contrast between his presidency and Trump’s was stark. It was a moment that felt like a blow to the progress that has been made previously.
Perhaps the most symbolic moment of the inauguration was President Trump’s decision not to swear in on the Bible, which had been a cornerstone of presidential inaugurations for centuries. This break from tradition was both shocking and symbolic, as it underscored the chaotic, unpredictable nature of his presidency. This choice set the tone for an event that seemed to echo Trump’s characteristic disregard for norms. It also signaled his approach to governance—one that often flouted convention and rejected the ideals that many hold sacred, such as unity and respect for history.
In his speech, Trump promised to usher in a “golden age” for America, but it was difficult to ignore the undertones of division and exclusion in his rhetoric. For Black Americans, and marginalized communities in general, his words rang hollow, offering little reassurance about the challenges that lie ahead.
Adding fuel to the fire was Elon Musk’s appearance, further pushing the boundaries of public decency. Musk, whose influence continues to expand, drew widespread backlash when he was seen making the Nazi salute—a move that many interpreted as a symbol of intolerance and extremism. His actions were unsettling, especially when viewed against the backdrop of Trump’s divisive return to power. For a moment, it felt as though the echoes of hate, rejection, and systemic division were louder than ever. This unrest was further exacerbated by Trump’s controversial proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a move widely criticized as an attempt to assert nationalist rhetoric. Additionally, there’s the problem of outspoken support for granting clemency to all those involved in the January 6th Capitol riots amplified public outrage, reinforcing the perception that both figures were aligning themselves with a broader movement to undermine democratic principles.
All in all, Trump’s 2025 inauguration wasn’t just another presidential ceremony—it was a loud, chaotic declaration of what the next four years could hold. As a young Black woman in America, it was hard to ignore the stark reality of the path we may be heading down. The inauguration marked not just the beginning of a new presidency, but a reminder of the work still left to be done in order to protect the gains made in the past and fight against the divisiveness that Trump’s leadership promises to exacerbate.
By Gabrielle Bolton, Sophomore, Howard University
Instagram: @missxxbolton
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