Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20, 2025, in a historic indoor ceremony weathered by an Arctic blast and followed by an immediate barrage of executive actions marking the start of his second term.
Due to extreme cold with temperatures around -6°C (22°F), the inauguration was moved from the traditional West Front of the Capitol to the US Capitol Rotunda, the first indoor inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s in 1985.
Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath using the Lincoln Bible and a Bible gifted by Trump’s mother. Vice President-elect JD Vance was sworn in by Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The traditional outdoor parade on Pennsylvania Avenue was replaced by an indoor event at Capital One Arena, which also served as a viewing area for supporters.
Outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attended to demonstrate a peaceful transfer of power. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama were also present.
Notable attendees
Outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attended to demonstrate a peaceful transfer of power. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama were also present.
In a major break from 248 years of American political tradition, Trump’s 2025 inauguration was the first in US history attended by foreign heads of state. Historically, foreign governments have only been represented by ambassadors or lower-level diplomats to keep the ceremony domestic. Attending foreign leaders included President of Argentina Javier Milei, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, Vice President of China Han Zheng, President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa and President of Paraguay Santiago Peña.
The event saw heavy attendance from Silicon Valley leaders, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Tim Cook, reflecting a significant shift in tech industry support for Trump compared to his first term.
“Golden Age” Declaration
In his inaugural address, Trump proclaimed that “the golden age of America begins right now” and declared January 20th a “Liberation Day” from a “radical and corrupt establishment.” He reiterated “America First” priorities, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border, ending birthright citizenship, and pursuing “drill, baby, drill” energy policies.
Trump announced a “color-blind and merit-based” society and stated that the official policy of the US government would recognize only two genders. In striking moments, he expressed a desire to “take back” the Panama Canal and spoke of planting the US flag on Mars.
Many people thought it was impossible for me to stage such a historic political comeback. But as you see today, here I am. The American people have spoken.
U.S President Donald Trump in his inauguration speech
I stand before you now as proof that you should never believe that something is impossible to do. In America, the impossible is what we do best.
Immediate executive actions
Within hours of taking office, Trump signed executive orders to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for a second time, freeze federal hiring, and rescind approximately 80 Biden-era executive actions. Shortly after the ceremony, Trump issued nearly 1,500 pardons for individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Read also: Trump declares Liberation Day in 2025
