Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, in what was a non-consecutive second term. At 78 years old, he became the oldest to enter the presidency, breaking the record held by Joe Biden previously.
Due to freezing temperatures and high winds, the inauguration ceremony was held inside the United States Capitol rotunda, a difference in the traditional outdoor ceremony. Trump’s indoor inauguration was the first indoor inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in ceremony in 1985.
The ceremony started with a church service and then a meeting with the outgoing administration. President Trump was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts and Vice President J.D. Vance was sworn in by Associate Justice Clarence Thomas.
One of the most memorable moments came when President Trump went in to kiss First Lady Melania Trump and was foiled by her oversized hat. It was an awkward moment that ended up being quickly picked up by social media.
The rain also meant the traditional inaugural parade was moved inside the Capital One Arena. There were performances from a wide range of acts and VIP seating for the tech billionaires who have supported Trump’s policies. CEOs of companies like Google, Amazon, and Tesla, were just some of these names in attendance.
In his inaugural address, President Trump stressed themes of national renewal and strength. He reaffirmed his commitment to policies aimed at strengthening the economy, strengthening national security, and re-establishing America’s position on the world stage. He also talked about plans to pull out of international agreements he saw as unfavorable and to prioritize American interests in foreign policy decisions.
He did within his first days of the second term sign numerous executive orders, among them most controversially a birthright citizenship-revoking executive order on his first attempt and already was in court within a week from being signed into order. He also pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals implicated with the January 6 Capitol attack, a controversial decision.
Everything from the inauguration of President Trump to his subsequent actions has elicited a broad range of reactions, from supporters who say he is taking action on his campaign promises, to concerned critics who worry about the possible implications of these policies and what they see as divisive rhetoric. And as the country heads into this new chapter in its political history, the nation remains divided in opinions.
As President Trump is now in his second term, the nation is watching closely. For a visual on the actual inauguration ceremony, here is a representation of the event in its entirety: https://youtu.be/Md9U73xoD8E
