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MS MILLENNIAL MONEY REVIEWS – Trump Inauguration: Tech Titans, Empty Seats, and Speeches That Stirred the Pot
By Sarah Penney, Ms Millennial Money Reviews
Much has been said about President Trump’s 2025 inauguration, the first in over 40 years to be held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. From the fashion statements to the speeches, the ceremony was a study in contrasts – a traditional ritual infused with the bold, disruptive energy that has come to define the Trump era.
As a millennial observer, I found myself caught between wanting to feel positive about some of the decisive action being promised and a sense of unease over the implications of the new administration’s policies. The inauguration wasn’t just about the peaceful transfer of power, but a preview of the profound ideological and generational divides that will shape the next four years.
It’s easy to dwell on the negative, so I thought I’d bring some light and shade, taking a look at the impressive fashion on show and rousing speeches, as well as some of the concerning elements of the inaugural address.
The Dress Code: From Chic to Cheeky
Melania Trump’s elegant boater hat immediately became a social media sensation.
Hilariously, the wide-brimmed accessory allowed the First Lady to maintain a distance from her husband, who had to awkwardly go for an air kiss as he took the stage. Melania is always impeccably dressed, and this occasion was no different. Top marks!
Not to be outdone, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania doubled down on his signature casual-cool aesthetic, pairing a hoodie with his trademark shorts. The bold fashion statement cemented Fetterman’s reputation as a maverick unafraid to buck tradition. I like the audacity!
But, it was Jeff Bezos’s partner, Lauren Sanchez, who stole the spotlight. Arriving in a head-turning white Alexander McQueen suit jacket paired with a delicate lace bra. She certainly stood out amidst the sea of dark suits worn by the tech billionaires by her side and the daring look became the talk of social media. I think she looked great, if you can’t make a statement at a presidential inauguration, when can you?
Who’s Who in the Inaugural Audience
Following the fashion, I was fascinated by who was picked to take centre stage, who was snubbed by Trump and who snubbed Trump.
The tech bros getting the prime spots, just behind the president’s family, was of course hot gossip, but not particularly surprising since one by one they’re showing their MAGA colours.
What was interesting, though, was that long-term political supporters, like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis were reportedly relegated to overflow rooms – feels like a snub and could suggest some political rifts?
There were also several high-profile usuals at these kinds of events who were very obviously absent.
Both Barack Obama and Mike Pence walked in alone, with Michelle Obama and Karen Pence giving it a miss. Michelle also missed Carter’s funeral, sparking speculation about her health, yet she has also been very vocal about her dislike of Trump. Who knows? Karen Pence hasn’t been able to forgive the way her husband was treated at the end of Trump’s previous term and reportedly struggles to be in the same room.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s absence came as little surprise, given their vocal criticism of the president.
Speeches That Stirred the Pot
The inauguration ceremony itself was a carefully choreographed affair, filled with the usual pomp and ceremony. It was one of the religious leaders who delivered the most memorable moment for me.
Reverend Lorenzo Sewell’s passionate benediction, which drew powerful parallels to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., was captivating and quite emotional – no matter your political stance, it would be difficult not to feel something when hearing him speak.
Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar’s address was also an interesting one – her pointed references to the ‘peaceful transfer of power’ and the ‘hot mess of division’, seemed not-so-subtle jabs at the way Trump conducted himself following the 2020 election, and beyond.
The president’s speech hit all the familiar notes, from his near-death experience to his sweeping executive orders – including a national emergency at the southern border, a proclamation that the federal government will recognise only two genders and the end of the Green New Deal.
A Generation Divided
Onto the more serious implications. While many Gen Zennial Americans voted for Trump, many didn’t, and his unilateral decisions to roll back environmental policies, enact mass deportations, scrap diversity initiatives, and deny conversations on race and gender will be deeply concerning if not terrifying, for many.
The president’s talk of ‘free speech’ and a ‘colour-blind, merit-based society’ are far from liberal stances, they’re an extreme reaction to ‘wokeism’, which will embolden those with prejudicial views, leaving vulnerable communities fearful about the future.
This is where the younger generations are divided – on one hand there are those with strong progressive beliefs, who rally against Trump’s social policy. On the other, there are those who have been marginalised by previous governments, and in reaction, have embraced more individualistic tendencies, which Trump speaks to. Danger ahead!
While I feel it’s important to make light of certain aspects of these kind of global events – who doesn’t love a gossip? – it’s difficult not to feel concerned about the future. Trump’s a bull-in-a-china-shop attitude will benefit the US in many ways – he will get stuff done, but at what cost?