'Ruin the world' verdict as Donald Trump begins second US presidency

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: President-Elect Donald Trump speaks at his victory rally at the Capital One Arena on January 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.  Trump will be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president on January 20. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
-Credit:Getty Images


Donald Trump was sworn in as the president of the United States on Monday. During his campaign, the now-47th president vowed to prosecute violators of abortion bans, dismantle the Department of Education, continue military support for Israel, "round up" undocumented migrants, and escalate police use of force.

Possibly the most polarising president in history, he has also pledged to use the FBI, the Justice Department, and the military against his political foes and non-supporters.

Upon entering office, President Trump enacted several executive orders, pulling the US out of the WHO, retracting trans rights recognition, and prohibiting federal involvement in criminal probes of political rivals. He pardoned roughly 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection, sought to terminate birthright citizenship, and declared a national emergency to mobilise the armed forces.

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The financial markets have experienced heightened volatility following Mr Trump’s election, potentially affecting interest rates, pensions, goods prices, savings rates, and the pound's value. His plans for mass deportations could prompt similar policy calls in the UK, while any fallout from such actions, like the potential collapse of sectors reliant on migrant labour, could serve as cautionary tales against adopting comparable measures in Britain.

President Trump's climate change scepticism might embolden UK sceptics critical of the Government's green energy policies. The move by Labour to distance itself from North Sea oil and gas has been labelled a "very big mistake".

PlymouthLive readers have been giving their views on Donald Trump, Debnmaid says: “Trump brings hope! Leading the way, his way. Not fazed by anybody basically. Yes he is a buffoon, ridiculous looking man. But he is gaining respect from the powers that be - don't mess with him.”

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Duncs disagrees: “Looking forward to the comedy show to come, in my opinion he's a grade A narcissist. He is just a man, an obnoxious, narcissistic, greedy man, but still, just a man. If anyone is to be 'feared' it is his followers, those who glorify untruths and wrong-doing in the name of populism and celebrity, and the influence they can have over others through their brash, unthinking, frenzied rants. These same supporters have elected a self-confessed dictator, but are so under his influence that all independent thought has been sacrificed.”

Realy, in response to a negative comment, said: “He has done more good than you have done. I'd rather him than Starmer, Boris, Rishi, Liz etc”

Tealee agrees: “With Trump you get what you see, he says it as it is unlike our government who never answers questions, who are liars and twist everything. At least Trump gets things done and says what he means.”

Albertgate replies: “What a stirring speech, we need a government headed with somebody like Trump, He speaks aloud and represents what the Americans want on issues like illegal immigration. Unlike the British government who do nothing positive. This country needs the likes of Trump.”

Hoewalker thinks: “He's going to ruin this world.”

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Petpoint disagrees: “Really? No, he will change it. This country needs to be similar, our government is too weak.”

Ralphwiggum07 says: “Not so much fear about Trump, Elon Musk however, if his claws are in, is terrifying.”

How do you feel about the new Trump presidency? Have your say in our comments section.