Author: ductv53

  • BREAKING NEWS: Michael Jordan Calls for Ban on Pride Flag in Sports and US School System!? “We don’t need to force this on everyone”

    In a recent and controversial statement, basketball legend Michael Jordan has called for a ban on Pride flags in sports and educational institutions, stirring up significant debate across various communities. Jordan, whose reputation as one of the greatest basketball players of all time has earned him a position of great influence, made the remarks during a podcast appearance, where he addressed a range of issues concerning culture, society, and the role of sports in influencing public opinion.

    Jordan’s comments have generated a wave of mixed reactions. Supporters of the Pride movement have condemned his remarks as regressive and out of touch with the current societal push for LGBTQ+ acceptance and visibility. On the other hand, critics of the increasing politicization of sports have voiced support, claiming that Jordan is simply advocating for a return to neutrality in institutions that should prioritize the game, education, and other core values.

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    During the podcast, Jordan argued that sports, particularly at the youth and collegiate levels, should be a space where athletes and students can engage without the influence of outside political or social issues. “Sports should be about performance, competition, and building character,” Jordan explained. “When you introduce political or social symbols into that environment, it becomes divisive, and the focus is no longer on the game or the mission of education.”

    Michael Jordan

    Jordan’s stance on the matter reflects a broader cultural debate that has intensified in recent years. As the LGBTQ+ rights movement has gained more momentum, symbols like the Pride flag have become fixtures in many public spaces, including stadiums, schools, and even on the playing field. However, as this wave of advocacy has grown, so too have the voices of opposition, with some arguing that such symbols politicize spaces that should be apolitical.

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    Critics of Jordan’s position argue that banning Pride flags, or any form of LGBTQ+ representation, from sports and schools would be a step backward for inclusion. LGBTQ+ advocates believe that visibility is crucial for creating an environment where individuals from the LGBTQ+ community feel safe, respected, and valued. “The Pride flag represents a movement that has fought for equality, and it’s a symbol of resilience and hope for many marginalized people,” said one LGBTQ+ activist in response to Jordan’s statement. “To remove it from sports and schools would be to erase that hard-won visibility and send a message that LGBTQ+ individuals are not welcome.”

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    Moreover, many supporters of Pride flags point to the role that athletes like Michael Jordan himself have played in using their platform to address social issues. Historically, athletes have been at the forefront of activism, whether it be through Muhammad Ali’s stand against the Vietnam War, Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, or more recently, Colin Kaepernick’s protests against racial injustice. For some, Jordan’s words may feel like a betrayal of the very principles that allowed him to become a global icon in the first place.

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    However, Jordan’s comments also echo a sentiment held by a portion of the population that believes that the emphasis on social and political activism in sports is overblown. Some argue that the overwhelming presence of political and social causes, including Pride flags, has made it difficult to focus on what they view as the true purpose of schools and athletic competitions. “There’s a time and place for everything,” one parent remarked. “When my child steps onto the field, I want them to focus on playing, not on any kind of social agenda.”

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    Jordan’s call to ban Pride flags from sports and schools may also be seen as an attempt to preserve the neutral space that many believe schools and sports should represent. Historically, sports have been a space where individuals, regardless of their background, could unite under the shared goal of teamwork, achievement, and excellence. For those who share Jordan’s viewpoint, the inclusion of political symbols like the Pride flag can be seen as disruptive to that unity.

    At the heart of this debate lies the question of whether public spaces, such as schools and sporting events, should serve as platforms for social causes. Some believe that these institutions should be free of any external political or social symbols, while others argue that these platforms have a responsibility to foster inclusion, respect, and understanding—values that are often represented by symbols like the Pride flag.

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    The conflict is not just ideological but generational. Younger generations, who are more likely to support the LGBTQ+ community and embrace progressive causes, tend to view such symbols as necessary for fostering an inclusive environment. In contrast, older generations, who may hold more conservative views on issues like gender and sexuality, often see these same symbols as divisive or politicized.

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    Ultimately, Michael Jordan’s comments add another layer to an ongoing debate about the role of sports and schools in modern society. As the discussion continues to unfold, it is clear that the tension between promoting inclusion and maintaining neutrality is far from resolved. Jordan’s remarks, while stirring controversy, highlight the complexity of balancing the desire for a politically neutral environment with the call for greater representation and visibility of marginalized groups. The debate is likely to continue, with each side advocating for what they believe is the best approach to creating a fair and just society for all.

  • SHOCKING NEWS: Denzel Washington turned down a $200 million role at Disney and announced he will not participate in “Woke Culture”

    The title of this eye-catching article is “Denzel Washington Turns Down $200 Million Role at Disney, Declares Non-Participation in ‘Woke Culture’”. In recent news, the legendary actor Denzel Washington made headlines when he rejected a lucrative offer to star in a Disney film worth a staggering $200 million. This bold decision sent shockwaves through Hollywood and sparked conversations about the actor’s stance on the current cultural climate.

    Washington’s refusal to take on the role at Disney was accompanied by his public declaration that he will not be participating in what is known as the “Woke Culture.” The term “Woke Culture” refers to a movement that advocates for social and political awareness, often addressing issues related to race, gender, and social justice. By distancing himself from this movement, Washington is taking a stand that has raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about his values and beliefs.

    The actor’s choice to turn down such a significant sum of money in favor of staying true to his principles is both admirable and notable. Washington, known for his powerful performances and dignified presence on and off the screen, is not one to compromise his integrity for financial gain. His decision serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of tempting offers and societal pressures.

    In an industry where conformity and political correctness sometimes reign supreme, Washington’s bold stance sets him apart as a beacon of authenticity and conviction. By openly expressing his decision and values, he challenges the status quo and encourages others to do the same, regardless of the potential consequences.

    As audiences around the world continue to admire Denzel Washington for his talent and character, this recent turn of events only adds to his legacy as a respected figure in the entertainment industry. His unwavering commitment to his principles serves as an inspiration to many and reinforces the idea that staying true to oneself is ultimately more rewarding than any material success.

    In conclusion, Denzel Washington’s refusal of a $200 million role at Disney and his declaration of non-participation in the “Woke Culture” showcase his integrity and unwavering values. In a world where compromise is sometimes the norm, Washington’s stance is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself, no matter the circumstances.

  • 3 in 10 Tesla owners plan to sell their cars over Elon Musk’s antics: study

    Elon Musk’s increasingly controversial actions are making waves across the globe with Tesla owners taking drastic action.

    A study in the Netherlands, by media company EenVandaag, found that nearly three in ten owners are considering selling their vehicles.

    Participants admitted feeling embarrassed to own the brand due to Musk’s behavior.

    Online, many Tesla owners have voiced frustration with some taking serious action, like selling their car, to distance themselves from Musk and the brand.

    One user, Canna — Lucente said “I’m not considering. Already done it. Just waiting for the new one (non-Tesla) to be delivered.”

    Another user, RicLP responded “I’m not going to sell mine. What’s the point? I am, however, never going to buy another. I also will not work for, buy, or use any service where he has his greasy little paws in.”

    Several users debated whether it was worth selling their cars now given the deprecation.

    But depreciation is an expected reality with new cars, from the moment you drive it off the dealership lot, you’ve lost money.

    A new car could drop by 10-15 percent in the first year alone and then continue to decline at a rate of about 15 percent each year.

    But it is worse for electric vehicles (EVs), a study of 1.1 million cars sold between November 2022 and October 2023 by iSeeCars revealed the average electric car depreciates by 49.1 per cent in the first five years on sale, compared to the market average of 38.8 per cent.

    “Mine is paid off, but there won’t be another. If it had decent trade value, there would be an Ioniq in my garage instead,” GamingTrend said.

    According to Carsales, there are currently 783 used Teslas for sale in Australia.

    For some, Tesla’s innovation far outweighed his questionable behavior.

    “There are composers who made beautiful music but did bad things. That doesn’t make their music any less beautiful,” LightningJC said.

    Others questioned whether the billionaire had lost sight of his original vision.

    “We bought our MYP in 2021. Back then, it seemed like Elon was on a mission to help save the planet. Now that he’s aligned himself to the guy who’s promised to “drill baby drill” on day one, it’s really obvious to me that he’s just sold out to make as much profit as possible,” CR8VJUC said.

    Musk’s antics are not just damaging the brand but also its long-term financial health.

    As one user, Temporary-alarm-744 explained: “If you sell, it lowers demand by increasing supply and lowering the resale value, hopefully prompting more price cuts.”

    Musk has also drawn criticism for his handling of X, with nearly half of respondents in the survey considering leaving the platform, citing it as “toxic, hate-driven medium.”

    Tesla’s brand loyalty is being tested by Musk and while some may see him as a visionary, the growing criticism of his behavior could have lasting consequences for the brand.

    For now, many owners, like Kento418, are weighing up their options.

  • BREAKING NEWS: Denzel Washington turned down a $200 million role at Disney and announced he will not participate in “Woke Culture”???

    A Facebook post, opens new tab dated Nov. 29 reads: “SHOCK: Denzel Washington turned down a $200 million role at Disney, announced he would not participate in ‘Woke Culture’” and links to an article on a website with no identifying information that lists other fake celebrity-news headlines.

    However, a spokesperson for the actor told Reuters in an email that there is “no truth” to the claims about Washington turning down Disney.
    Facebook, opens new tab pages, opens new tab that identify themselves as satire shared a similar headline on Facebook earlier in November. The posts linked to a website, opens new tab called Zapon, which identifies itself as satirical and also concluded its story with the line: “This Is SATIRE, It’s Not TRUE.”

    In May, Reuters addressed false claims that the actor had rejected a $50 million Disney project for being “too woke.” The headlines originated from the SpaceXMania website, which describes its content as “fake news, edgy analysis, and satire.”
    Some social media users use the term “woke” pejoratively to describe liberal views on race, gender and sexuality and many websites use similar culture-war keywords to generate clicks.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has campaigned against “woke Disney” after the company’s then-CEO criticized Florida legislation in 2022 that restricted classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Conservative commentators have also criticized Disney for casting Halle Bailey, a Black actress, as Ariel in the 2023 movie The Little Mermaid.
    Reuters has previously addressed misleading reports about celebrities allegedly turning down Disney collaborations because of the company’s alleged “woke” agenda.

  • BREAKING NEWS: Whoopi Goldberg’s $15 million mansion burned down in a Los Angeles fire. But she immediately sent $10 million to the victims who suffered heavy losses after the fire. She promised to continue…see more

    In a shocking turn of events, Whoopi Goldberg’s luxurious $15 million mansion was engulfed by a devastating fire in Los Angeles, leaving the property completely destroyed. The iconic actress and television personality was reportedly not at home at the time of the fire, but the damage to her estate has left many in disbelief. The mansion, known for its opulence and stunning views, was one of Whoopi’s prized possessions, and its loss has deeply affected her.

    However, in a surprising and generous act of compassion, Whoopi wasted no time in offering support to the victims of the fire. Upon hearing the tragic news of widespread devastation caused by the flames, she immediately decided to contribute $10 million to help those who have suffered significant losses due to the disaster. The money will go directly to assisting the families and individuals who have lost their homes, possessions, and more.

    Whoopi’s donation comes as part of her lifelong commitment to philanthropy, which has seen her actively supporting various causes throughout her career. Her decision to give such a substantial amount highlights her character, demonstrating a deep empathy for others in times of need. Despite her own significant loss, Whoopi has shown unwavering dedication to making a positive impact, providing much-needed relief to those who need it most.

    The fire itself, which has left many families displaced, is part of an ongoing series of wildfires in the region that have wreaked havoc across parts of Southern California. The devastation has left communities scrambling for resources as they try to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Whoopi’s timely intervention comes as a beacon of hope for many, proving that even in the face of personal tragedy, acts of kindness and generosity can make a real difference.

    In the aftermath of the fire, Goldberg has expressed her gratitude that no lives were lost in the blaze, which is a silver lining amidst the chaos. However, she also acknowledged the pain that so many families are going through and vowed to do everything in her power to assist them during this challenging time. Many have praised Whoopi for her quick response, noting how her actions stand as a reminder of the power of giving back and the importance of helping others in times of crisis.

    As the cleanup and recovery efforts continue, Whoopi’s donation has brought much-needed attention to the ongoing struggles of those affected by the fire. With her contribution, she has set an inspiring example for others in the entertainment industry and beyond to step up and support their communities during times of need.

    In conclusion, while Whoopi Goldberg’s $15 million mansion may have been destroyed in the fire, her generosity and compassion have shown that even in the face of personal loss, there are opportunities to make a lasting impact on others. Through her quick donation to fire victims, Whoopi has proven that her heart is as big as her success, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.

  • “BREAKING NEWS: Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage”

    Thailand will become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after the kingdom’s Senate approved a marriage equality bill on Tuesday
    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    “The potential impact of this bill is immense. It would not only change the lives of countless couples but also contribute to a more just and equitable society for all,” said Panyaphon Phiphatkhunarnon, founder of Love Foundation, an NGO advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand.

    “Beyond the legal implications, the passage of this bill would send a powerful message of acceptance and inclusion.

    “It would inspire the younger generation to come out and live their lives authentically, it would showcase Thailand as a progressive and inclusive country – attracting tourists and businesses … and will foster a culture change where LGBTQ+ individuals feel accepted and supported.”

    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    The kingdom will become the third country in Asia to allow same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal

    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    The bill still requires endorsement from Maha Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand, before it comes into effect, but this process is considered a formality.

    Among the Thai politicians who actively advocated for the bill is Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party.

    “We have come far in our journey towards social equality. I want to reaffirm my government’s commitment in pushing for the realization of the Equal Marriage Bill which today we can visibly see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Srettha wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) on June 1.

    Srettha reportedly attended Pride Month celebrations in Bangkok, the capital, in June. He also showed support for a bid to host World Pride in 2030.

    Thailand, Taiwan, and Nepal stand out as outliers in Asia regarding the legalization of same-sex marriage. 

    In many South-Asian countries, such as Myanmar and Brunei, same-sex relations are still criminalized.

    In Indonesia, members of the LGBTQ+ communities experience widespread discrimination, police raids, vigilante attacks, and open hostility from authorities. Meanwhile, in mainland China, authorities banned “abnormal sexual behaviors” from the media in 2016 as part of its crackdown on same-sex relationships and LGBTQ+ activists.

    “World is healing,” a social media user wrote

    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

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    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    Thailand Makes History As First Country In Southeast Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

  • “BREAKING: Elon Musk Claims Pride Flags Should Be Banned in Classrooms ‘Forever’, Sparking Controversy After Beating Imane Khelif at the Olympics!”

    In a controversial statement that has ignited fierce debate across social media and political circles, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, declared that pride flags should be banned in classrooms “forever.” This declaration came shortly after Musk’s widely discussed interaction with boxer Imane Khelif during the 2025 Olympics. Musk’s remarks have sparked outrage and support from various factions, showcasing his ongoing influence and polarizing presence in global conversations about social issues.

    The 2025 Summer Olympics, held in Paris, were already an event of great significance. With numerous countries vying for gold medals and national pride, the games were set to shine a spotlight on athletes who not only demonstrated excellence in their respective sports but also became symbols of resilience and perseverance. Among the standout athletes was Imane Khelif, a rising star in the boxing world and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

    During a highly anticipated match, Khelif was seen wearing a rainbow-colored pride flag pin as part of her support for LGBTQ+ rights, a gesture of solidarity with the community. However, the focus shifted from Khelif’s athletic prowess to an incident that occurred just outside the boxing ring. Elon Musk, who was present at the event as part of his private interest in international sports, was reportedly seen snubbing Khelif after her victory, ignoring her attempt at a handshake.

    The moment was caught on camera and quickly went viral. While some speculated that Musk’s behavior was simply a result of a busy schedule or personal preferences, the timing and context of the incident sparked widespread backlash. Critics accused Musk of intentionally avoiding Khelif due to her public stance on LGBTQ+ rights, with many pointing to his previous controversial statements about the LGBTQ+ community.

    Following the controversy surrounding the Olympics, Musk took to social media to express his views on LGBTQ+ issues. In a tweet that garnered immediate attention, Musk declared: “Pride flags should be banned in classrooms, forever.” The statement sent shockwaves across various social and political landscapes, immediately dividing public opinion.Supporters of Musk’s viewpoint argued that his stance was based on a belief that classrooms should remain politically neutral and free from symbols that could be viewed as divisive. Musk, who has often expressed libertarian viewpoints, has consistently advocated for less governmental intervention in personal freedoms. His supporters contend that the LGBTQ+ flag, while a symbol of pride and inclusivity for many, might not belong in educational settings where young children are impressionable and schools should focus on academic learning without influencing political or social beliefs.

    On the other hand, critics of Musk’s statement viewed it as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community, and specifically on the younger generation’s right to express their identity. Activists and LGBTQ+ advocates quickly condemned Musk’s remark, pointing out the importance of fostering inclusivity and acceptance in schools. The pride flag, they argued, serves as a symbol of support for marginalized communities, offering students a sense of belonging and safety.

  • BREAKING NEWS: EVERYONE WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU FROM THIS FAILED MISERABLY

    Everybody in a position of power failed to protect you from this.

    Many of those same people and leaders are now cashing in, paying millions in protection money, or laughing about what has happened. Others are pretending there was nothing they could do to stop it — and preemptively surrendering now.

    On this cold Monday afternoon in the nation’s capital, a twice-impeached convicted felon was inaugurated in the very building where his attempt to steal an election four years ago left pools of blood. Donald Trump beat the damning federal criminal cases against him because the Supreme Court, and then will of voters, snuffed out any possibility for those historic trials to commence. He was elected, this time with a plurality of the popular vote, on a platform that is somehow more rancidly authoritarian and anti-democratic, proudly corrupt and abusive, and ethnic-cleansing-prone than his and his party’s platforms were in 2016 and 2020. His personality cult and iron grip on the GOP only grew in the years since the Jan. 6 Capitol riot that he instigated, as it did in the years since his first administration produced a four-year-long arterial spray of scandal, barbarism, and abhorrent mismanagement, including during the mass death and economic implosion of the coronavirus pandemic.

    He and the Republican Party now have trifecta control of the federal government. Trump retakes the White House with a largely demoralized Democratic Party as his opposition, and a far-right Supreme Court supermajority entrenched. The country is theirs, and we will be ruled by the meanest nerds and most nihilistic dorks, who now pretend to speak for a working class they despise. Every cultist, clampdown zealot, and deliriously boring psycho who Trump appoints to perches of seniority and influence are leering at the American people the same way the protagonists in Natural Born Killers looked at patrons of a diner in the middle of a desert.

    To them, this is all very funny. The day before his swearing in, Trump held a “victory rally” party for his super-fans at the Capital One Arena in the Chinatown neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Kid Rock performed, and everybody bawitdaba’d. Several middle-aged, MAGA-merch-donning ladies bopped and sang along to Kid Rock’s 2022 song that features the lyric “a whole generation is mentally ill.” Kid Rock charmed the crowd with the line about how “the mainstream media can suck my dick,” though he sheepishly self-censored the best word.

  • BREAKING NEWS: Biden Pardons Five Members of His Family in Final Minutes in Office

    Joe Biden in the final minutes of his presidency on Monday issued pardons to five more members of his family—his brother James and wife Sarah, his younger sister Valerie Biden Owens and husband John T. Owens, and his brother Francis Biden—after he says they were “subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats” motivated by a desire to hurt him.

    US-POLITICS-DEFENSE-BIDEN
    US President Joe Biden on Jan. 16, 2025.AFP via Getty Images

    Key Facts

    The move comes after Biden controversially pardoned his son Hunter—who was previously charged with tax and gun crimes—and gave preemptive pardons to Trump foes like Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley and members of the House Jan. 6 committee.

    Other than his son Hunter, Biden’s family members haven’t faced charges.

    Biden said in a statement the preemptive pardons are not an admission that his family members engaged in any wrongdoing, nor that they’re guilty of any crimes.

    He called out “baseless and politically motivated investigations” meant to target political rivals and their families as motivation for the pardons, and said that even being investigated for a crime they’ll be cleared of “can irreparably damage their reputations and finances.”

    President Donald Trump, who was sworn in roughly 20 minutes after the pardons were announced, has suggested he could use federal agencies to prosecute his political rivals if he was reelected, telling Spanish-language television network Univision “it could certainly happen” and that his indictments, which he has also claimed were politically motivated, “released the genie out of the box.”

  • Donald Trump Returning to Power After Unprecedented Comeback, Emboldened to Reshape American Institutions

    Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, arrived at the U.S. Capitol to be sworn in as the 47th president Monday, taking charge as Republicans assume unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country’s institutions.

    Trump will act swiftly after the ceremony, with executive orders already prepared for his signature to clamp down on border crossings, increase fossil fuel development and end diversity and inclusion programs across the federal government.

    He plans to declare the beginning of “a thrilling new era of national success” as “a tide of change is sweeping the country,” according to excerpts of his inaugural address.

    The executive orders are the first step in what Trump will call “the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense.”

    Frigid weather is rewriting the pageantry of the day. Trump’s swearing-in was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda — the first time that has happened in 40 years — and the inaugural parade was replaced by an event at a downtown arena. Throngs of Trump supporters who descended on the city to watch the inaugural ceremony on the West Front of the Capitol from the National Mall will be left to find somewhere else to view the festivities.

    “We needed a change. The country was going in the wrong direction in so many ways, economically, geopolitically, so many social issues at home,” said Joe Morse, 56, of New Jersey, who got in line with his sons at 11 p.m. Sunday and secured a spot on the main floor at Capitol One Arena to watch a livestream of the inauguration.

    Trump began the day alongside much of his incoming Cabinet with a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. He and his wife, Melania, were later greeted at the North Portico of the executive mansion by outgoing President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for the customary tea and coffee reception. It was a stark departure from four years ago, when Trump refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory or attend his inauguration.

    “Welcome home,” Biden said to Trump after the president-elect stepped out of the car. The two presidents, who have spent years bitterly criticizing each other, shared a limo on the way to the Capitol.

    When Trump takes the oath of office at noon, he will realize a political comeback without precedent in American history. Four years ago, he was voted out of the White House during an economic collapse caused by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Trump denied his defeat and tried to cling to power. He directed his supporters to march on the Capitol while lawmakers were certifying the election results, sparking a riot that interrupted the country’s tradition of the peaceful transfer of power.

    But Trump never lost his grip on the Republican Party and was undeterred by criminal cases and two assassination attempts as he steamrolled rivals and harnessed voters’ exasperation with inflation and illegal immigration.

    “I am ready for a new United States,” said Cynde Bost, 63, from Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

    Now Trump will be the first person convicted of a felony — for falsifying business records related to hush money payments — to serve as president. He will pledge to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution from the same spot that was overrun by his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. He’s said that one of his first acts in office will be to pardon many of those who participated in the riot.

    Eight years after he first entered the White House as a political newcomer, Trump is far more familiar with the operations of federal government and emboldened to bend it to his vision. Trump wants to bring quick change by curtailing immigration, enacting tariffs on imports and rolling back Democrats’ climate and social initiatives.

    He has also promised retribution against his political opponents and critics, and placed personal loyalty as a prime qualification for appointments to his administration.

    Hours before the inauguration, Biden issued preemptive pardons to current and former government officials who have been the target of Trump’s anger, shielding them from the possibility of prosecution. Biden said in a statement that “these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing.”

    Trump has pledged to go further and move faster in enacting his agenda than during his first term, and already the country’s political, business and technology leaders have realigned themselves to accommodate Trump. Democrats who once formed a “resistance” are now divided over whether to work with Trump or defy him. Billionaires have lined up to meet with Trump as they acknowledge his unrivaled power in Washington and ability to wield the levers of government to help or hurt their interests.

    Long skeptical of American alliances, Trump’s “America First” foreign policy is being watched warily at home and abroad as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will soon enter its third year, and a fragile ceasefire appears to be holding in Gaza after more than 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas.

    At the Capitol, Vice President-elect JD Vance will be sworn-in first, taking the oath read by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on a bible given to him by his great-grandmother. Trump will follow, using both a family bible and the one used by President Abraham Lincoln at his 1861 inauguration as Chief Justice John Roberts administers his oath.

    A cadre of billionaires and tech titans who have sought to curry favor with Trump and have donated handsomely to his inaugural festivities, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, will be in attendance.

    Also present will be the head of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media app deemed a national security risk by the U.S. Trump has promised to lift an effective ban on TikTok through one of many executive orders expected to be issued on Monday as the new president attempts to show quick progress.

    Trump is planning to swiftly reinstitute his 2020 playbook to crackdown on the southern border — again declaring a national emergency, limiting the number of refugees entering the U.S. and deploying the military. He’s expected to take additional actions — including constitutionally questionable ones — such as attempting to end birthright citizenship automatically bestowed on people born in the U.S.

    Trump will also sign an executive order aimed at ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the federal government. The order will direct federal agencies to coordinate with the White House on identifying and terminating DEI programs. Conservatives have long criticized programs that give preference based on race, gender and sexual orientation, arguing they violate the Constitution.

    Others orders are expected to allow more oil and gas drilling by rolling back Biden-era policies on domestic energy production and rescind Biden’s recent directive on artificial intelligence.

    More changes are planned for the federal workforce. Trump wants to unwind diversity, equity and inclusion programs known as DEI, require employees to come back to the office and lay the groundwork to reduce staff.

    With control of Congress, Republicans are also working alongside the incoming administration on legislation that will further roll back Biden’s policies and institute their own priorities.