Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, making a historic return to the White House after navigating four criminal indictments and surviving two assassination attempts.
The ceremony, held inside the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing weather, marked one of the most extraordinary political comebacks in U.S. history.
The 78-year-old took the oath of office with his hand on a Bible gifted by his mother in 1955, stacked atop Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural Bible.
JD Vance was also sworn in as vice president during the event, which featured chants of “USA! USA!” and performances like Carrie Underwood who sang “America the Beautiful” a cappella, Christopher Macchio’s rendition of “Oh, America!”
Trump addressed the nation, promising a “thrilling new era of national success,” and emphasized his vision of a “golden age” while pledging sweeping reforms. His administration is set to prioritize actions like mass deportations, dismantling Biden-era policies, and enforcing tariffs on key trade partners.
The inauguration, attended by global leaders, former presidents, and bipartisan lawmakers, reflected the seismic shift Trump’s return brings to U.S. governance, with an emphasis on “America First” policies and populist ideals.
The next four years are expected to showcase an aggressive push for change and bold domestic and international policies, including quick resolutions to the Ukraine conflict and Middle Eastern tensions.
