This week, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, marking his return to the White House. During his first days in office, Trump introduced sweeping policy changes, including withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement. Among other things, he sought to end birthright citizenship, declared plans to reclaim the Panama Canal and renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America."
In other news, the World Economic Forum kicked off in Davos, Switzerland, with notable speakers including Trump, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and IMF head Christine Lagarde. Corporate earnings reports from major players like Netflix, Procter & Gamble and United Airlines also dominated headlines.
In a closely divided vote, the US Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as defense secretary and Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary, solidifying Trump's cabinet picks. Shortly before leaving office, former US President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley and several lawmakers, which Trump later condemned in an interview. This week also saw significant humanitarian breakthroughs, with hostage and prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas, as well as between Israel and the Houthis.
In sports and entertainment, Madison Keys defeated Aryna Sabalenka to claim the Australian Open title and the Oscar nominations were announced, building anticipation for the year's biggest film awards.