A 'Golden Age' or Deeper Divide? Analyzing Trump's 2nd Inaugural Address

Promised unity, but the rhetoric drives us farther apart.

Today, President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term, but instead of a call for unity, it felt more like a declaration of division. His speech didn’t seek to bring people together or heal the nation’s wounds. Instead, it deepened the existing rift. Trump's rhetoric, designed to rally his base, was filled with divisive language and an idealized vision of a “Golden Age.” But what does this so-called Golden Age really mean, and at what cost will it come?

Trump's decision, or perhaps oversight, not to place his hand on the Bible during the swearing-in ceremony was a striking moment. It spoke to his disregard for tradition and established norms. Intentional or not, it seemed to signal a rejection of the symbolic gestures that have long been part of the inauguration process, reinforcing his typical unconventional, divisive tone. As former President George W. Bush aptly put it during the first time around, “that was some weird shit.”

Yet, this was just one of many strange and outlandish occurrences during the day. Elon Musk’s uncanny salutes, which reinforced distressing historical parallels, and the front-row presence of billionaire tech moguls like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg— these moments signaled a deeper shift toward a politics dominated by elites and technocrats. This reinforces a stark reminder to the middle-class voters who supported him: Trump has never been one of you, and he will never work for your interests.

In his speech, Trump painted a picture of prosperity, promising a "Golden Age of America" through his policies. However, this vision ignored how his administration will be dominated by a developing oligarchy of the most affluent men in the country, and ignored the increasing challenges faced by marginalized communities, which are likely to worsen. The success he claims will remain out of reach for many Americans if he continues to pursue his planned agenda.

As is typical, Trump’s rhetoric in his second inaugural address was built on an "us versus them" framework, with "them" meaning anyone who doesn’t align with his views. Though he claimed to represent the people, Trump’s allegiance remains with the wealthiest and most powerful: oligarchs whose influence will only deepen under his second administration. This so-called “Golden Age” isn't about shared prosperity, but it's about a few thriving while the rest are left behind. Instead of offering healing, Trump’s rhetoric deepened the wounds already present in our society. His vision isn’t one of unity; it’s one of consolidating power. Rather than bridging the gaps between us, his words only served to further entrench the political and economic divisions that plague our country.

So, what did we gain from this inauguration? It wasn’t unity, nor was it healing. What we witnessed was a confirmation of an arrangement that benefits a select few at the expense of the many. As Trump's speech progressed, it became evident that we are not entering a new era of unity. Instead, we are stepping into a time when division is not only tolerated but deliberately fostered.

Trump’s second inaugural address was less about serving the American people and more about maintaining his grip on power. His vision of a "Golden Age" may resonate with his supporters, but for many, it is a profound reminder of a nation growing more divided. As we move forward, the question remains: will we allow this rhetoric to define us, or will we push back against the forces, or people, that are tearing us apart? The path we choose will determine whether this moment marks a new chapter in American history, or just another painful page.