Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, marking a historic return to the White House after a four-year hiatus. The ceremony, originally planned for the Capitol’s West Front, was relocated indoors to the Rotunda due to severe cold weather.
Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to Trump, who took the pledge using both his family Bible and the Lincoln Bible. Vice President JD Vance was sworn in earlier by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, using a Bible passed down from his great-grandmother.
In his inaugural address, Trump declared a “revolution of common sense,” vowing that “our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced.”
The inauguration coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, adding a layer of significance to the proceedings. Notable attendees included former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with tech industry leaders such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.
Following the ceremony, Trump is expected to sign a series of executive orders aimed at tightening border security, expanding fossil fuel development, and dismantling federal diversity and inclusion programs. He also plans to issue pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
The day’s events were adjusted due to the weather, with the traditional inaugural parade replaced by an indoor event at a downtown arena. Supporters who had gathered in the capital sought alternative venues to participate in the celebrations.
Trump’s return to office is a historic political comeback, as he becomes the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms. His administration signals a shift in U.S. policy direction, with a focus on conservative domestic reforms and a reevaluation of international alliances.