Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday, at the Capitol, was nothing short of an extravaganza (and some noticeable gaffes). But the morning after the night before seems to be more interesting. Global headlines, from China to Pakistan to India, Korea to South Africa, Mexico to Britain, all signal a dynamic shift in the tone of welcoming the President of United States. Trump’s return was marked with caution and not overt enthusiasm. Here’s why
President Donald Trump speaks during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday. (Photo Credit: AP)
New Delhi: Before we begin with the analysis, here’s a look at the top headlines which celebrated, or, announced the return of US president Donald Trump in his second term as the POTUS.
- Hindustan Times (India): Trump’s inauguration: What it means for India
- Global Times (China): Trump’s inauguration: What it means for China
- The Express Tribune (Pakistan): Trump’s inauguration: Implications for Pakistan
- Asahi Shimbun (JAPAN): Trump’s inauguration: Implications for Japan-US relations
- Daily Sabah (Turkey): Trump’s inauguration: What it means for Turkey
- Sputnik News (Russia): Trump’s inauguration: Implications for Russia-US relations
- The Korea Times (S Korea): South Korea’s acting president hopes for reciprocal ties with Trump administration
- The Canadian Press (Canada): How Canada is reacting to the inauguration of the US President Donald Trump
- News Ukraine (Ukraine): Zelenskky on Trump’s inauguration: Ukraine is ready to work with the new US presidential administration to achieve peace
- The Times (UK): The Trump ‘revolution’ begins immediately
What these headlines scream out loud is that while the focus will be on the new president in his second term, the anticipated impact of his policies on global relations will also be closely watched by most countries. “Trump in his second avatar promises to be a mixed bag — his policies may be definitive but diplomatic tensions may be rife. On the other hand, some politicians are of the opinion that Trump’s maverick decision making may actually be a deterrent for antagonistic elements,” said Piyush Rathi, a policy expert, who specialises on US relations.
According to Rathi, the global pulse is one of watchfulness and not necessarily in a positive way. Are countries on the edge then? “Trump means business, and he means it now. His policy making even before assuming office shows what could be in store as we go along,” he said, adding that it may not necessarily be all that bad. “India would be looking at his incoming in a more positive manner,” he reiterated.
Coming back to the headlines and what they underscore, here’s a comparison between how the world had welcomed Biden during his stint as the President and what the tone now.
It’s all in the headlines
The media coverage of Trump’s inauguration in 2025 says it all. One look at the headlines and it is clear how significantly different they are from how his predecessor Joe Biden’s inauguration was reported in 2021. It is to be noted that both transitions had marked major political shifts. But global reaction and focus was completely shaped by their respective policies, leadership styles, and international context. One may argue that their leadership style is different and hence the anticipation would vary too. But political analysts say, the fact that every country is nervous about their equation with Trump’s USA is evident.
The media reportage in 2021 signalled a sigh of relief
Going back a few years ago, the global media’s focus on Biden’s inauguration (in 2021) was largely optimistic, highlighting a sense of relief after the tumultuous Trump presidency. Biden was seen as a return to “normalcy,” with many global leaders hoping for a more diplomatic, multilateral approach to international relations, especially on issues like climate change, NATO, and the global economy.
Here’s a BBC headline for example – ‘Biden sworn in as the 46th President of the United States’ and ‘A new chapter begins.’
Countries, especially traditional US allies like Canada, the EU, and Japan, overtly welcomed Biden’s presidency, seeing it as a chance to strengthen partnerships after the Trump era.
The focus of all headers during Biden’s inauguration was on “rejoining international agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement, restoring relationships with NATO, and tackling COVID-19 on a global scale.”
Biden’s return to office had a personified tone too. He had inherited a divided nation following the Capitol insurrection. It was no surprise that his welcome was mostly focused on themes of unity, rebuilding, and addressing the nation post the COVID-19 pandemic.
How were things different in 2025
Trump’s return to office, however, has generated a mix of apprehension and interest globally. This is true especially regarding his purported policies such as the tariffs, “America First,” and immigration reforms that he has been talking ever since the election results were declared in November 2024. His populist approach is often seen as more divisive and this has been reflected across most media coverage right up to the formal inauguration ceremony that happened yesterday. Media reports have frequently highlighted his promises to reassert US power, the reversal of Biden-era policies, and concerns over global trade.
Whether it is conservative US allies or countries that are known to be antagonistic, the media reports (and their big font headlines) all show greater caution and a more watchful stance from the leaders of different nation’s.
Countries like China, Russia, and Mexico, which had contentious relationships with Trump during his first term, paid close attention to the potential for new trade wars or aggressive diplomatic posturing.
For example, China’s response was muted, with hopes to stabilise the US-China trade relationship, while Russia’s media highlighted the potential for a more favorable stance toward Russian interests.
Even his policy focus has found different focus in the media reportage. Trump’s focus on America’s economic independence (MAGA being a buzzword even before he assumed office) and strict border policies were highlighted in most media coverage, particularly in countries like Mexico and Canada.
There is no doubt that Trump’s return to office follows a period of internal unrest, including the end of Biden’s presidency, al of this has been amplified in his speech that he made at the Capitol yesterday. Trump’s policies also reflect a more combative tone toward political opposition and a push to “Make America Great Again” with an emphasis on nationalistic principles.
While important inaugurations, such as the oath taking of the President of United States, are known to attract significant international attention, the tone of coverage in global media has been very different over the years. Where Biden’s 2021 inauguration was more focused on healing and restoring international relationships, Trump’s 2025 inauguration coverage is focused on his return to power with a promise to continue his “America First” agenda.
Knowing Trump’s personal leadership style, it is no wonder that the media coverage reflects caution over optimism. Will headlines be any different six months down the line, God, or Trump knows!
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