Washinton, D.C., Jan 20, (V7N) - On Monday, (Jan 20, 2025) Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States during his second inauguration, taking the oath of office at the Capitol. The ceremony was held indoors due to freezing temperatures. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath. Trump vowed to preserve, protect, and defend the U.S. Constitution.
 
Before the ceremony, Trump and his wife, Melania, met with former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House. This meeting is a tradition where the outgoing and incoming presidents gather before the inauguration. Trump also met with Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, who had a similar meeting with former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff.
 
Trump kicked off the inauguration weekend with a rally on Sunday, where he promised new executive orders, including pardons for January 6 defendants. He reflected on a recent assassination attempt that targeted him during a rally in Pennsylvania, expressing that he had been saved by God to make America great again.
 
In his inaugural address, Trump criticized the government’s handling of various issues, including natural disasters and health care, and declared that America's decline was over. "From this moment on, America's decline is over," Trump said.
 
Trump was sworn in around noon ET, and his inaugural speech followed immediately after the ceremony. The event took place in the same Capitol Rotunda that was stormed by his supporters in 2021. "I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success," Trump stated in his address.
 
Vice President JD Vance was sworn in by Justice Bret Kavanaugh shortly before Trump’s inauguration. Vance, along with his family and Trump, participated in the ceremony.
 
Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as their families, attended the event. Trump’s children, including Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump, and Barron Trump, were also present.
 
Trump’s key Cabinet picks, such as Pete Hegseth, Doug Burgum, Kristi Noem, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., were seen arriving at the Capitol, along with influential supporters like Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Joe Rogan, and Jeff Bezos.
 
The inauguration schedule included several events throughout the day, such as a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, musical performances, and the official swearing-in ceremony at noon. A parade followed in the afternoon, although it was moved indoors to the Capital One Arena due to cold weather. Trump then returned to the White House for an inaugural signing ceremony.
 
Trump’s administration also plans to introduce several executive orders after his swearing-in. One order will declare that the federal government only recognizes two sexes: male and female, overturning protections for transgender people implemented under President Joe Biden. Other measures include declaring a national border emergency and using the military to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
 
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