After a long and controversial candidacy and election, Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States on Jan. 20. His win and eventual inauguration came after reports of Russian tampering with the election, petitions to rid this country of the Electoral College, and overall doubt surrounding both Trump and former Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Regardless of opinions on Trump and his plans, he has taken the oath of office and will serve America as president for the next four years.

Trump’s first official speech as president was aimed at the American people. Every “decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families,” Trump said.

He spoke of the many jobs that have been lost, how power has been claimed by the politicians of Washington, and how change is imminent. He promised to put the people back in control of their government and addressed vital issues facing the country, including quality of education, jobs, and crime rates. He identified ways in which our foreign policy stance has benefited other countries at the expense of our own. Most importantly, he mentioned the themes of solidarity and unity for all people of this nation, regardless of race or ethnicity.

This speech was intended to instill a sense of hope in all people, regardless of whether they cast their ballots for Trump on Nov. 8. One thing repeatedly emphasized throughout his campaign was his plan to put America first, and he stayed true to that theme in his speech. Additionally, he has demonstrated this since officially assuming his position. First, he withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade deal between the U.S., Canada, and countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and moved to replace it with the“America First” trade principles, aimed at keeping jobs in the United States and rebuilding our economy. Second, he reinstated President Ronald Reagan’s “Mexico City policy”, which stops the U.S. Agency for International Development from providing tax dollars to foreign non-governmental agencies that either perform or promote abortion services. Third, he froze federal hiring, except in cases involving the military. All of these actions are in line with the promises he made during the campaign to make changes that favor the American people above other countries and fix what he sees as the current corrupt government.

It is clear to see, regardless of political affiliation or feelings about Trump, that he is taking steps towards making substantial changes to what is currently in place from the Obama administration. He has already met with numerous business and union leaders and spoken to both the Israeli Prime Minister and Egyptian President. He has sworn in many of his top administration officials and visited the CIA headquarters. He is on his way to keeping many of the promises he made during his candidacy, and is beginning to surround himself with a cabinet of people from diverse backgrounds and professions.

There are those who are still doubtful of what Trump will accomplish in office and believe he will be detrimental to the country. Claims are continually made regarding who he is as a person and what his policies will do. While every person has a right to protest and stand up for what they believe in, it is also important to remember that there is a new administration entering office and new ideas and policies are being formed. Now is the time to give him the chance to show what he can do for our country. If the people don’t like it, there will be another election in four years. For now, though, Trump holds the office and he will continue to make his mark as the leader of our country.