In a historic moment, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking his unprecedented return to the White House for a second term. This marks a rare occasion in American political history, as Trump becomes the first president to serve non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century.
The ceremony, which was originally scheduled to take place on the Capitol steps, was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to the frigid temperatures outside. Despite the change in location, the event retained its grandeur and significance, with dignitaries and guests gathering to witness the historic occasion.
Trump took the oath of office using Abraham Lincoln’s personal Bible, a symbolic gesture that paid homage to the nation’s 16th president. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath, which Trump solemnly recited. “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) 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,” he declared, marking the formal beginning of his second term.
Before Trump’s swearing-in, JD Vance, the newly elected Vice President, took his oath of office. Vance, who represented Ohio in the U.S. Senate from 2023 to 2025, now assumes the vice presidency. The pair’s ascension to power follows a contentious and polarized election cycle, setting the stage for a new chapter in the nation’s leadership.
The inauguration ceremony attracted a wide array of influential figures from various industries, underscoring the significance of the event. Among the prominent attendees were some of the world’s most notable business leaders, including Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Meta’s founder Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Their presence highlighted the intersection of politics, business, and technology in shaping the modern landscape of American governance.
In his inaugural address, Trump emphasized unity and renewal, calling for a collective effort to overcome the challenges facing the nation. He acknowledged the divisions within the country but expressed optimism about the future. “Together, we will rebuild this great nation,” Trump said, rallying support from both his political base and those watching from afar.
