On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump officially became the 47th President of the United States after taking the presidential oath of office at a public inauguration ceremony held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The inauguration marked a pivotal moment in American politics, as Trump, a former businessman and reality TV star with no prior political experience, succeeded Barack Obama, the nation’s first African American president.
The Ceremony
The ceremony began at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time with the swearing-in, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court. The traditional oath of office was administered, and Trump repeated the words: “I do solemnly swear 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.”
In his inaugural address, Trump gave a speech outlining his vision for the country, emphasizing themes of populism, nationalism, and the promise to restore power to the American people. He proclaimed that the “forgotten men and women” of America would be prioritized in his presidency, and he called for a shift away from the establishment politics that he argued had failed the nation. His rhetoric was bold and direct, and his address struck a tone of defiance toward the political elites, advocating for a more “America First” approach in international relations, trade, and governance.
Key Points from Trump’s Inaugural Address:
- America First: Trump promised to prioritize American workers and industries, stating that the era of outsourcing and globalism was over.
- National Unity: Trump called for unity among all Americans, despite the political divisions in the country.
- Change: He positioned himself as an outsider willing to disrupt Washington, D.C.’s political machinery and challenge the status quo.
- Patriotism and Strength: Trump’s speech reflected a strong sense of nationalism, urging Americans to take pride in their country and reaffirming America’s role as a global leader.
The 2025 Inaugural Parade and Celebrations
After taking the oath of office, President Trump participated in the traditional inaugural parade, where he and First Lady Melania Trump, alongside other officials, traveled down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. The parade featured military personnel, bands, and various groups representing American culture.
The celebrations included inaugural balls held later in the evening, where prominent figures from the political and entertainment worlds gathered to celebrate the new administration.
Reception and Impact
Trump’s inauguration was met with both widespread enthusiasm and considerable criticism. His supporters viewed his rise to power as a victory for the common person and a repudiation of what they saw as a corrupt and ineffective political establishment. Critics, however, expressed concerns about his divisive rhetoric, his proposed policies, and his outsider approach to governance.
Despite the controversies, Donald Trump’s inauguration marked a defining moment in American history. His presidency would go on to shape U.S. domestic and foreign policy for the next four years, with significant debates over issues such as immigration, healthcare, and international trade.
As the 47th president, Trump’s inauguration signified a shift in the political landscape of the United States, ushering in a new era of politics driven by populist rhetoric, media attention, and a focus on conservative values.
Trump signs a series of documents advancing policy priorities
Sitting at a desk in the center of the Capital One Arena, Trump fulfilled a pledge to sign executive orders peeling back his predecessor’s actions.
The first document Trump signed rescinded “78 Biden-era executive actions, executive orders, presidential memoranda and others”, according to a representative narrating the proceedings.
He then proceeded to sign a series of documents that called for:
- a freeze on government regulations
- a freeze on hiring in the federal government, with exceptions for the military
- federal employees to return to in-person work, rather than working from home
- federal agencies to address the cost-of-living crisis
- the US to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, a landmark treaty designed to combat climate change
- preventing government censorship
- an end to the “weaponisation of government against political adversaries”
After signing the seven documents, Trump stood up and offered fist pumps as the crowd chanted, USA! USA!.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony was a dramatic and historic event that marked a significant turning point in U.S. politics. It was a reflection of the populist movement that swept him into office, driven by a desire for change, economic protectionism, and a strong nationalistic agenda. While his time in office was characterized by controversies and partisan divides, the 2015 inauguration remains a significant moment in American history that reshaped the future direction of the country.