Donald Trump has officially been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, making history with his return to the White House for a second, non-consecutive term. The inauguration, held indoors at the U.S. Capitol due to severe weather, marked a departure from tradition. Trump previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.
The ceremony began with Vice President JD Vance, a former Ohio senator, taking his oath of office. Chief Justice John Roberts then administered Trump’s oath at 12 p.m. ET. With First Lady Melania Trump by his side, Trump placed his left hand on a Bible and pledged to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Attendance at the event was limited to around 700 guests, far fewer than the expected 250,000, due to the indoor setting. Despite this, Trump expressed gratitude to the crowd and key figures, including Vice President Vance, in his first speech. He declared, “The golden age of America begins right now,” promising to put “America first” and make the country “the envy of every nation.”
Trump’s return to power is seen as a pivotal moment in U.S. political history, setting the stage for a renewed focus on his policy priorities and vision for the nation’s future. His speech emphasized strength, self-reliance, and a commitment to protecting American interests.