Donald Trump becoming 47th President: “Strap yourself in”, says Oxfordshire Professor
Trump has promised to sign a flurry of executive orders on his first day as President
Last updated 20th Jan 2025
A Professor from Oxfordshire is encouraging people to “stray yourselves in” for a 'scary' and 'dangerous' time as Donald Trump is set to become the 47th President of the United States of America.
Mr Trump will take charge for his second term as Republicans assume unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country's institutions.
“This is going to be a bumpy ride”
Dr Mark Shanahan, from Abingdon, is an Associate Professor at the University of Surrey, he said: “This is quite a scary time. The impacts that he could have in terms of security on the world, in terms of trade and on the environment, could be very dangerous.”
He added: “It could be exciting, but it could be quite scary to watch over the next four years. I am certainly strapping myself in.
“This is going to be a bumpy ride.”
Trump is expected to act swiftly after the ceremony, with executive orders already prepared for his signature to jump-start deportations, increase fossil fuel development and reduce civil service protections for government workers.
Dr Shanahan said: “You would normally expect a few executive orders, just almost for show and easing into the Presidency.
“Trump intends to hit the ground running, possibly at Usain Bolt type speeds - he wants to get hundreds of executive orders out today.”
An incoming White House official said Mr Trump is going to issue a series of orders aimed at remaking America's immigration policies on his first day in office - ending asylum access, sending troops to the southern border and ending American birthright citizenship.
It is unclear how he would carry out some of his executive orders, while others are expected to be immediately challenged in the courts.
Mr Trump promises that his second term will bring about "a brand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride".
Mr Trump's swearing-in was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda - the first time this has happened in 40 years - and the inaugural parade was replaced by an event at a city arena.