Donald Trump, surrounded by family members, is sworn in at the Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025. (Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Pool via Reuters)
Donald Trump was sworn in Monday under the Capitol dome in Washington, becoming the 47th president of the United States and, at 78, the oldest American head of state ever inaugurated. The Republican, who previously served as president from 2017 to 2021, staged one of the most extraordinary comebacks in modern political history.
At noon Washington time (5 p.m. GMT), Trump began his second term, succeeding Joe Biden. The ceremony, typically held outdoors, was moved indoors due to a cold wave. Trump took the oath of office under the Capitol dome, the same site where his supporters attempted to block Congress from certifying Biden’s victory on Jan. 6, 2021.
Middle East and hostages
In his inaugural address, Trump highlighted the release of Israeli hostages and the cease-fire agreement in Gaza that took effect Sunday. “The hostages in the Middle East are returning home and reuniting with their families,” he said.
“As in 2017, we will build once again the most powerful military the world has ever known. We will measure our success not only by the battles we will win but also by the wars we will end and, perhaps more importantly, the wars we will never enter,” Trump declared.
Security and supporters
Security around the inauguration was unprecedented, with 48 kilometers of high barriers and 25,000 law enforcement officers deployed following two assassination attempts on Trump over the summer. Despite the biting wind in Washington, thousands of Trump supporters gathered in the streets, many queuing in the early hours to attend an event where the newly inaugurated president was set to speak.
“Jesus is my savior, and Donald Trump is my president,” said Rachel Peters, 28.
Neither criminal prosecutions — including a historic conviction — nor the heated rhetoric of his campaign deterred Trump’s supporters. The Republican won decisively on Nov. 5, defeating Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
After taking the oath, Trump announced a series of executive orders aimed at curbing what he called an “invasion” of undocumented migrants.
A new agenda
Trump has vowed to push hardline policies, including targeting what he calls “transgender madness.” He is expected to issue pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, roll back environmental regulations, and increase tariffs.
Long-term goals for his administration include ending the war in Ukraine and cutting public spending. Trump has tapped billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk as a key advisor, especially on economic reforms.
“Tomorrow at noon, the curtain will fall on four long years of American decline,” Trump said Sunday during a rally in Washington. He has promised to “avenge” his political opponents, stoking fears of retaliation against Democrats and critics.
Biden’s final acts
In a preemptive move, Biden issued pardons to several figures he believes could face politically motivated prosecutions under Trump’s administration. These include former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley, a critic of Trump; Anthony Fauci, a key figure in the U.S. COVID-19 response; and lawmakers involved in investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
“We live in exceptional circumstances,” Biden said in a statement, defending the pardons.
Before leaving office, Biden met with Trump and his wife, Melania, for a traditional White House tea, signaling an effort to maintain decorum during the transition.
Looking ahead
Trump’s return to power has drawn concern from allies abroad. French Prime Minister François Bayrou warned Monday of the potential for Europe and France to be “crushed” by Trump’s policies if proactive steps are not taken.
Trump’s inaugural address was expected to strike a more optimistic tone compared to his fiery 2017 speech, when he denounced the “carnage” caused by progressive ideas. According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump planned to advocate for a “common sense revolution” and promise an “era of success.”
While his return to the presidency may not carry the same shock as his 2016 election, Trump’s policies and rhetoric continue to raise alarm among international allies.