WASHINGTON — Donald Trump was sworn in for a historic second term as president on Monday, promising a transformative new era for the United States during an inaugural ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda.

The event marked the first indoor inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second term in 1985.

“The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump declared, laying out a vision of strength, unity, and renewed national pride.

“We will be a nation like no other, full of compassion, courage, and exceptionalism. From this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign, and independent nation.”

Trump described his November electoral victory as a mandate to reverse what he called a “horrible betrayal” and to restore faith, democracy, and prosperity to the American people.

Referring to a July assassination attempt in which he was injured, he said, “I was saved by God to make America great again.”

In his address, Trump previewed sweeping policy changes, including actions on immigration, energy, and social issues.

He announced plans to reinstate the controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy, implement immigration raids across the country, and deploy US troops to secure the southern border.

He also vowed to designate violent cartels, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations, and to use the Alien Enemies Act to remove known cartel associates from the US.

Turning to domestic energy policy, Trump said he would declare a national emergency to expand fossil fuel production, promising that oil production would make the US a wealthy nation again.

“We will drill, baby, drill,” he proclaimed, repeating a popular campaign slogan.

Trump also touched on social issues, saying he would declare a government policy recognizing only two genders — male and female.

He promised harsher penalties for violent crimes, including directing the Justice Department to seek the death penalty for undocumented migrants and others convicted of killing law enforcement officers.

On foreign policy, Trump said his administration’s success would be defined not only by military victories but by avoiding wars altogether.

“My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier,” he stated, referencing a recent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages in the region.

The announcement drew rare applause from former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, despite Trump’s pointed criticism of their administration during his speech.

Trump ended his speech with a call to action, vowing to reshape the nation’s future. “We will not be conquered, we will not be intimidated, we will not be broken, and we will not fail,” he declared, ushering in what he described as a new golden age for the United States. — Agencies