Trump sworn in as 47th president: Key moments from the inaugural ceremony

Monday 20 January 2025 - 09:10

Donald Trump has officially returned to the White House as the 47th president of the United States. The inauguration, held on Monday, marked the beginning of Trump’s new term and included a series of traditional events, ranging from the swearing-in ceremony to celebratory parades and inaugural balls.

The significance of the inauguration

The presidential inauguration is a momentous occasion that represents the peaceful transfer of power in Washington, D.C. The ceremony formally marks the end of one administration and the start of another. Central to the event is the recitation of the presidential oath of office:

"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Although Trump secured victory in the November election, he officially assumed the presidency upon taking the oath. This marks his second term as president, as he previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.

Vice President JD Vance was also sworn in, taking his place alongside Trump as the administration’s second-in-command.

A day of ceremonies

The day began with a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a historic site near the White House, followed by a private tea reception at the White House. By mid-morning, events had shifted to the Capitol’s rotunda, where both Trump and Vance took their oaths of office.

Trump’s inauguration was marked by a symbolic gesture: he used two Bibles for the ceremony. One was a personal Bible gifted to him by his mother in 1955, and the other was the historic Lincoln Bible, famously used during Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration in 1861. Vice President Vance, meanwhile, took his oath on a family heirloom Bible that had belonged to his great-grandmother.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Trump delivered his highly anticipated inaugural address, outlining his vision and objectives for the next four years. He then signed key documents in the President’s Room near the Senate chamber before attending a congressional luncheon hosted in his honor.

Later in the day, the celebrations continued with a parade along Pennsylvania Avenue leading to the White House, followed by three inaugural balls: the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Starlight Ball. Trump is expected to deliver remarks at each event.

A shift in location due to weather

Traditionally, the presidential inauguration takes place on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, with spectators filling the National Mall. However, frigid temperatures and high winds forced this year’s ceremony indoors. Washington, D.C., experienced lows of -11°C (12°F), prompting Trump to announce the venue change via social media, citing concerns for public safety.

The formal proceedings, including Trump’s speech and other key moments, were moved to the Capitol’s interior. Guests, lawmakers, and dignitaries viewed the ceremony from indoor observation areas, while the general public was invited to watch a live broadcast at the nearby Capital One Arena.

This is not the first time extreme weather has altered inaugural plans. In 1985, President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration was also moved inside due to bitterly cold conditions, with the traditional parade canceled altogether.

Notable attendees

An estimated 200,000 people traveled to Washington, D.C., for the event, including both supporters and demonstrators. The audience included senators, members of Congress, and prominent figures from the incoming administration.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the November election to Trump, attended the ceremony alongside their respective spouses, Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff. Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush were also present, accompanied by Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, respectively.

However, Michelle Obama’s absence was noted at other recent high-profile events, including the commemoration of former President Jimmy Carter. Her office confirmed she would not attend this year’s inauguration, marking a departure from her presence at past ceremonies.

Other high-profile attendees included tech magnates Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, also attended amid tensions surrounding a potential U.S. ban on the social media platform. Additionally, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng was present, making a rare diplomatic appearance.

Musical performances

The inaugural ceremony featured a variety of performances by renowned artists. Country music star Carrie Underwood delivered a rendition of America the Beautiful, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to perform at such a historic event.

Opera singer Christopher Macchio and country musician Lee Greenwood, a longtime supporter of Trump, also performed during the ceremony. Meanwhile, disco icons The Village People played their hits YMCA and Macho Man during Trump’s pre-inauguration rally on Sunday and will perform again at one of the evening balls.

Trump’s campaign frequently featured songs by The Village People, which the group acknowledged in a recent statement emphasizing the unifying power of music regardless of political affiliations.

Other performers scheduled for the evening balls include Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Gavin DeGraw, and Nelly.

As Trump embarks on his second term, the day’s events underscored the enduring traditions of American democracy, even amid challenges posed by weather and political divisions.