Comment on I'm an Aussie who spends 2 months a year living in Texas. Here are 8 of the biggest culture shocks I've experienced.

President Donald Trump foreshadowed some of his coming executive orders during his inaugural address. Chip Somodevilla /Pool/AFP/Getty ImagesPresident Trump on Inauguration Day said he would declare a national emergency at the southern border. This comes after Trump confirmed plans in November to use the military for deportation efforts. Economists and researchers said Trump's deportation plans could have negative economic impacts.

President-elect Donald Trump tapped Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, in November. Brandon Bell via Getty ImagesThree lawsuits are challenging Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency on transparency grounds. The suits claim DOGE violates the 1972 law requiring public meetings and balanced perspectives.

Melania Trump at Donald Trump's inauguration in the US Capitol on Monday. Her hat got people talking. Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesMelania Trump wore a designer hat to Donald Trump's presidential inauguration ceremony. The incoming first lady's boater-style navy and ivory hat was designed by Eric Javits. The hat got people talking online.

I've enjoyed spending time in Texas and getting to know some of the state's quirks and traditions. Moab Republic/ShutterstockI'm Australian, but my wife is Texan, so we spend two months a year living in her home state. Some significant differences between the two places initially came as a culture shock.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is one of many tech-industry leaders and billionaires in attendance. Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesTrump was sworn in as president for the 2nd time today. Key business and tech CEOs are in Washington for his inauguration. As his second term begins, business and tech are largely embracing, rather than shunning, him.

German-Austrian heiress Marlene Engelhorn also took part in protests at Davos in 2024. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty ImagesMarlene Engelhorn joined protesters in Davos ahead of the World Economic Forum. Engelhorn, heiress to a German fortune, has been a vocal advocate for taxing the superrich. She told Business Insider why she is protesting against the World Economic Forum annual meeting.