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BREAKING: TRUMP SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM AS THE 47TH US PRESIDENT

Donald Trump has been sworn in for a second term as president of the United States, marking a remarkable return to power. The ceremony took place at noon local time (17:00 GMT) in Washington, DC, under the Capitol rotunda, due to frigid temperatures. Trump, 78, was administered the 35-word presidential oath of office by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. In his inaugural address, Trump proclaimed that he would “put America first” and vowed to “rebalance” the scales of justice, referencing the criminal investigations he has likened to political persecution. The ceremony was preceded by a meeting between Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden at the White House, where Biden welcomed Trump and his wife, saying “Welcome home.” Trump and Biden then rode together to the Capitol for the inauguration. Trump’s return to the White House comes four years after his previous re-election attempt ended in defeat. He replaces Democrat Joe Biden, who he succeeded after winning the presidential election against Kamala Harris in November. In the lead-up to the inauguration, Biden pardoned several individuals feared to be targets under Trump’s incoming administration, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and members of the January 6 committee, such as Liz Cheney. Trump plans to issue a series of executive orders and actions aimed at dramatically changing the course of the country.

POPE SLAMS TRUMP’S MASS DEPORTATION PLANS AS “A CALAMITY”

The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has strongly criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants, calling it “a calamity.” Trump has pledged to take a hardline stance against an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the United States. “If it is true, it will be a calamity because it makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay,” Francis said in an interview with Italian television channel Nove. The Pope has previously criticized Trump’s anti-migrant policies, saying, “Anyone, whoever he is, who only wants to build walls and not bridges is not a Christian.” Trump’s plans include carrying out “the largest deportation operation in American history,” which is expected to face legal challenges and potential refusals by some countries to accept deportees. The operation may begin with migrants who have committed crimes, but all undocumented migrants, including those with no criminal history, may be at risk of arrest and deportation. Raids at construction sites, where undocumented migrants are often employed, are also expected to resume. However, the operation could pose difficulties for officials due to limited custody space to hold detainees. The Laken Riley Act, which requires the federal government to detain migrants living in the US illegally who are suspected of criminal activity, is expected to be passed by Congress next week. Trump has also vowed to end birthright citizenship, calling it “ridiculous,” despite it being guaranteed by the US constitution. Analysts expect Trump to issue executive orders on other aspects of immigration policy and potentially declare a national emergency to unlock Pentagon resources. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has expressed concerns about the legality and constitutionality of Trump’s deportation plans.

TRUMP’S FELONY CONVICTION: WHAT IT MEANS FOR HIS RIGHTS AND FUTURE

In a surprise move, a judge sentenced President-elect Donald Trump to an unconditional discharge on Friday, closing the case against him without any punishment. However, unless his conviction for falsifying business records is overturned, Trump will have felonies on his criminal record, affecting some of his rights. Despite his felony conviction, Trump will still be able to vote in Florida, where he is registered. Florida restores voting rights to individuals convicted of felonies after they complete their sentence, except for those convicted of murder or sex offenses. However, under federal law, Trump will not be allowed to possess firearms. He will also be required to provide a DNA sample for New York’s crime databank, a noninvasive process involving a cheek swab. Trump’s conviction may also impact his business ventures. He may be barred from holding liquor licenses, and his felony conviction could prevent him from reentering the casino business. Despite these implications, Trump’s conviction does not prevent him from becoming president. Federal law does not bar individuals with felony convictions from holding federal office. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has the power to pardon Trump, but it seems unlikely. When asked about the possibility of a pardon, Hochul stated, “No one will be treated any better, or any worse, by me when I make those life-altering decisions… So, no one gets extra favors, no one gets treated worse.” Trump has maintained his innocence, describing the case against him as a “hoax” perpetrated by Democrats. His conviction is a significant development in his ongoing legal battles. SOURCE: AP News