Donald Trump was officially sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, marking the start of his second, non-consecutive term. The 60th U.S. Presidential Inauguration took place in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., attended by dignitaries, political figures, and business leaders. This historic event saw the return of Trump to the White House after his initial presidency from 2017 to 2021.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony began with Donald Trump taking the oath of office, administered by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. As tradition dictates, Melania Trump held the Bible as her husband swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States. The event was marked by high-profile attendance, including former presidents, congressional leaders, and members of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance was also sworn in during the ceremony by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, with his wife, Usha Vance, holding the Bible. This marked the official beginning of their administration.
Notable Attendees at the Inauguration
The event was attended by a diverse array of guests from the political and business worlds. Among those present were:
- Political Figures: Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, along with former First Ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, witnessed the ceremony. Outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were also in attendance.
- Business Leaders: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg were among the high-profile attendees.
- Republican Leadership: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell were present, highlighting the strong Republican support.
- Supreme Court Justices: Chief Justice John Roberts, along with Associate Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, attended the event.
The presence of such influential figures emphasized the national and international significance of the occasion.
Trump’s Inaugural Address
Following the swearing-in, President Trump delivered his inaugural address, focusing on themes of national security, economic growth, and American strength on the global stage. He reiterated his commitment to policies such as border security, tax cuts, and bringing jobs back to the United States.
“We will restore American greatness and ensure our country is strong, prosperous, and secure,” Trump declared in his speech, receiving applause from the gathered audience.
The Role of JD Vance as Vice President
Vice President J.D. Vance, a former Ohio senator, assumed office alongside Trump. His swearing-in marks the beginning of his tenure in the executive branch, where he is expected to focus on economic policies and Middle America’s concerns. His appointment as vice president signals a strong Republican focus on working-class issues and economic reforms.
The Significance of Trump’s Second Term
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency is historically significant, as he becomes only the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland. His leadership is expected to bring policy reversals on many of the Biden administration’s initiatives, particularly regarding immigration, energy independence, and foreign relations.
The inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter in U.S. politics, with Trump and his administration set to implement their agenda over the next four years. As the nation watches, the world anticipates the impact of Trump’s policies on both domestic and global affairs.