Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, reclaiming the White House for a historic second non-consecutive term. The ceremony, held on January 20, 2025, took place inside the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol due to extreme cold, marking the first indoor inauguration since 1985.
With his right hand raised and his left resting on a Bible given to him by his mother, Trump took the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. His running mate, J.D. Vance, was also sworn in as Vice President.
Trump, who previously served from 2017 to 2021, now joins Grover Cleveland as one of the only U.S. presidents to serve non-consecutive terms. Addressing the nation in his inaugural speech, he vowed to act with “historic speed and strength” to tackle the challenges facing the country. “Today marks the beginning of a new golden era for America,” he declared
The inauguration was attended by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, alongside prominent business figures, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Sundar Pichai. Michelle Obama was notably absent, while Joe Biden, in a rare display of unity, welcomed Trump back to the White House before they traveled together to the Capitol. “Welcome home,” Biden reportedly told him.
Behind the pageantry, Trump’s administration wasted no time in setting its agenda. Within hours of taking office, his team announced a wave of executive orders aimed at reversing Biden-era policies and implementing his own vision for immigration, national security, and social policies. An official from his administration confirmed that Trump would move swiftly to address what he called “four years of American decline.”
His return to power has drawn both celebration and criticism. Supporters view it as a “restoration of American greatness,” while opponents fear a return to divisive policies. International reactions have also been swift, with Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulating Trump and expressing openness to negotiations on global conflicts.
