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The Gilded Age: Trump’s Return and the Erosion of Presidential Norms
In the grand theater of American political spectacle, Donald Trump’s second inauguration emerged as a stark testament to the increasingly blurred lines between governance, entertainment, and personal ambition. What unfolded was not merely a transfer of power, but a profound statement about the metamorphosis of presidential authority in the 21st century.
A Ceremony Devoid of Ceremony
The inauguration itself seemed to mirror the very essence of Trump’s political brand: unconventional, performative, and decidedly un-presidential. The event felt so underwhelming that it could have been mistaken for a community center raffle, complete with potential announcements about poorly parked vehicles.
The ceremony was a kaleidoscope of contradictions. While traditional inaugurations typically radiate gravitas and national unity, this one felt more like a celebrity after-party. The attendance of tech moguls, the sartorial choices that garnered more attention than political pledges, and the champagne-popping atmosphere all suggested a fundamental shift in how political transitions are perceived.
