Trump inauguration live updates: Musk gives salute after vowing to take DOGE ‘to Mars’; Trump signs executive orders
Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th commander-in-chief of the United States. He is the first president since Grover Cleveland to enter the White House for a non-consecutive second term.
The ceremony was moved indoors at the US Capitol for the first time since Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985 by the punishing sub-zero temperatures currently blasting Washington D.C.
In his inaugural address, Trump declared that a new “golden age of America” has started, which will make the country he now leads “greater, stronger and far more exceptional than ever before.” He then delivered a dark and brooding denunciation of his own government.
Just two hours after being sworn in, the president has begun signing more than 200 executive orders – a record – covering everything from border security and energy to ending birthright citizenship and renaming the Gulf of Mexico.
As the day began, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden greeted the incoming president and Melania Trump at the White House by saying: “Welcome home.”
After the inauguration ceremony, the Trumps bid farewell to the Bidens, who departed the Capitol in Marine One before flying to California.
Key Points
Watch LIVE: Donald Trump’s inaugural celebration as he becomes the 47th US president
Trump claims start of American ‘golden age’ as he goes scorched earth in first speech as president
Did Trump forget to put his hand on the Bible when he was sworn into office?
Elon Musk draws outrage over 'odd-looking salute' at Trump inauguration celebration
‘I was saved by God to make America great again’: Read Trump’s inaugural address in full
In his second speech as president, Trump gave a grievance-filled meandering diatribe
21:36 , Oliver O'Connell
After a staid, if dark, inaugural address, newly sworn-in President Donald Trump revisited old gripes and grievances in a rambling speech in the overflow room in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol after seeing off former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
Gustaf Kilander did his best to follow the meandering thoughts of the president.
Trump rambles on in post-inauguration speech as he revisits old gripes and grievances
Carrie Underwood’s Trump inauguration performance hit by technical issue
21:30 , Oliver O'Connell
After a few awkward moments of silence, Underwood decided to sing the song a cappella. “If you know the words, help me out here,” she told the audience.
Inga Parkel reports.
Carrie Underwood forced to sing a cappella after inauguration technical issue
21:29 , Oliver O'Connell
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen gave his thoughts on Donald Trump’s speech to CNN: “I thought President Trump painted a dystopian picture of America, chock full of misrepresentations, one that most Americans will not recognize, and then set him up to be the great savior.”
‘I was saved by God to make America great again’: Read Trump’s inaugural address in full
21:22 , Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States.
During a rare indoor inauguration ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda, Trump — joined by a gallery of billionaires including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon owner Jeff Bezos, and Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk — was sworn in as the US Commander in Chief.
He has already promised to sign 200 day-one executive orders, including one renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America’ and another saying the US government will only recognize two sexes, among many others.
For better or worse, the United States will be a different country after his first full day in office.
During his inauguration, Trump addressed the nation, and proclaimed that God had saved him from assassination so that he might live to “make America great again,” and promised a new “Golden Age” for the United States.
Here are Trump’s comments in full:
Trump’s inaugural address in full: ‘I was saved by God to make America great again’
Watch: Trump participates in first honors ceremony
21:19 , Oliver O'Connell
How does Trump’s 2017 inauguration speech compare with what we heard today?
21:14 , Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump’s 2025 and 2017 inauguration speeches compared
Melania’s hat keeps Trump’s kiss at bay
21:10 , Oliver O'Connell
The hat of First Lady Melania Trump kept President Donald Trump at bay as he leaned in for a kiss shortly before he took the oath of office on Monday.
Melania Trump wore a wide-brimmed hat by Eric Javits as part of her Adam Lippes outfit. She wore a navy blue silk-and-wool overcoat and an ivory scarf by Lippes, 52, who became known as the youngest creative director at Oscar de la Renta before starting his own label.
Gustaf Kilander has the story.
Melania’s hat keeps Trump’s kiss at bay as he walks out to be sworn in as president
ANALYSIS: Trump once distanced himself from Project 2025. But now MAGA’s hardliners are ready for the revolution
21:00 , Oliver O'Connell
During the bitter presidential election campaign, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her supporters regularly quoted from the Project 2025 tome produced by more than 100 righting thinktanks and led by the massive Heritage Foundation.
At one point, such was the intensity of attacks around it, Donald Trump publicly disavowed the document and distanced himself from it.
Things have changed now, as David Maddox, The Independent’s political editor, reports from Washington, D.C.
Inside the heart of Project 2025, Trump’s MAGA supporters were ready for revolution
Did Trump forget to put his hand on the Bible when he was sworn into office?
20:50 , Oliver O'Connell
During his inauguration on Monday, President Donald Trump appeared to forget to put his hand on the Bibles he brought for the swearing-in ceremony, instead leaving his left arm by his side.
With Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issuing the oath of office, Trump’s wife, Melania, stood next to the president and held two Bibles. (No, neither of them was the infamous “Trump Bible” that fans can purchase for $60.)
Justin Barangoa reports on the odd moment.
Did Trump forget to put his hand on the Bible when he was sworn into office?
Milley’s portrait in the Pentagon removed
20:42 , AP
Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley's portrait has been removed from the Pentagon hallway where it was hanging as late as 12:46 pm today, when the earlier photo was taken. The portrait was just unveiled Jan. 12. It is not clear where the portrait was removed to. pic.twitter.com/bWnCh6Yl76
— Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) January 20, 2025
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley’s portrait and nameplate has been taken down in the Pentagon.
The portrait, which is a traditional way of honoring all former chairmen, was until at least 12:46 p.m. Monday still hung in the hallway by former Chairman Joseph Dunford’s portrait.
Milley’s portrait was just unveiled Jan. 12 at a ceremony.
Earlier today former President Joe Biden pardoned Milley preemptively from any potential prosecution by Trump.
Which of Trump’s inauguration promises can he and can’t he keep?
20:40 , Oliver O'Connell
Eric Garcia writes:
As president, Trump has plenty of authority to enact his policies — however, there are still some limits on the extent of what can be changed by executive order. Here are some areas where he might have trouble.
Read on...
A list of Trump’s inauguration promises that he can (and can’t) keep
In pictures: Leading MAGA figures celebrate Trump inauguration at Capital One Arena
20:38 , Oliver O'Connell
Michelle Obama posts poignant message as she skips Trump inauguration
20:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Michelle Obama shared a poignant message during the build-up to President Donald Trump’s inauguration as the former first lady decided to stay away from the festivities.
Obama, whose husband Barack Obama was in attendance, chose to share a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. on Instagram just a couple of hours before Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States.
The occasion coincides with the public holiday honoring the American civil rights leader.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Michelle Obama posts poignant message as she skips Trump inauguration
Elon Musk draws outrage over 'odd-looking salute' at Trump inauguration celebration
20:20 , Oliver O'Connell
Tesla CEO and “first buddy” Elon Musk drew a ton of immediate outrage online and on cable news after he made an “odd-looking” gesture during his speech at the Capitol One Arena on Monday to celebrate President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
After getting extremely excited about the prospect of landing a man on Mars and planting an American flag, the X owner pounded his chest and shot his right arm in an angular motion toward the sky.
“Standing ovation for Elon Musk. By far the biggest reception of the day,” CNN anchor Erin Burnett noted. “You saw him come out with that odd-looking salute.”
Justin Barangoa was watching.
Elon Musk draws outrage over 'odd-looking salute' at Trump inauguration celebration
Which executive orders did Trump sign before lunch?
20:11 , Oliver O'Connell
A little more detail on what Trump signed in the President’s Room:
Trump was told the first document involved 22 cabinet and cabinet-level appointments.
The second document signed was for 47 sub-cabinet-level positions.
The third was for 31 acting designations or appointments.
The fourth document signed was for 15 commission chairmen and acting chairman appointments.
Lastly, there was the proclamation ordering the flag to be flown at full measure on future Inaugurations Days, including this one.
The president then distributed about a dozen pens to the lawmakers in the room.
“Lastly, we have a proclamation ordering all future inauguration days, including this inauguration day that flags shall be flown at full mast. Very important.” pic.twitter.com/c4wvieSzEM
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 20, 2025
To prep for White House return, Melania Trump has been studying foreign affairs, report says
20:10 , Oliver O'Connell
Melania Trump has been studying foreign affairs while “preparing intensively” for her White House return, according to a report.
In a significant departure from her first stint in the White House, the incoming first lady has been brushing up on her studies, sources told CNN.
“She has acknowledged privately that the job was a whirlwind of responsibilities that she was largely unaware of the first time around,” the network reports.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Melania has been studying foreign affairs while ‘preparing intensively’ for return
Within minutes of inauguration, White House webpage flips to Trump hype video
20:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Moments after President Donald Trump was sworn in to office, the official White House website re-vamped with a hype video that could have been fitting for the top wrestler or a team getting ready for the Super Bowl.
The Trump team wasted no time flipping WhiteHouse.gov to reflect the new administration, immediately directing users to a new landing page that features a 30-second-long video montage of Trump during his first term, military imagry and on the campaign trail.
Ariana Baio has the story.
White House’s webpage flips to Trump hype video within minutes of inauguration
‘Daddy’s back!’ says Florida GOP rep
19:50 , Oliver O'Connell
OK...
'Daddy's back!': Rep Byron Donalds says US will celebrate Trump deporting immigrants
Inauguration lunch underway in Statuary Hall
19:45 , Oliver O'Connell
King Charles offer congratulations as UK PM pledges to continue special relationship
19:41 , Oliver O'Connell
King Charles III has sent a personal message of congratulations to President Donald Trump on his inauguration, reflecting on the enduring special relationship between the UK and the United States, Buckingham Palace said.
Charles’s private written words were delivered to mark Mr Trump being sworn into office as US president for a second time.
King Charles congratulates Trump as ‘all options possible’ for uk state visit
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged to continue the UK and US’s special relationship in his inauguration message to the new president.
COMMENT: What does Donald Trump’s second term mean for the markets?
19:30 , Oliver O'Connell
James Moore writes:
Trump’s train is on the tracks and ready to go. Will it be a super-fast express, rocking and swaying like Brad Pitt’s Bullet Train as those onboard fight each other? Or will it be a smoother journey?
Nobody is entirely sure what Trump will do next, but this administration is better prepared – far better prepared – than last time. If Trump wants to be an agent of chaos, he’s more equipped to do so.
Continue reading...
What does Donald Trump’s second term mean for the markets?
Trump participates in formal signing ceremony at the Capitol
19:27 , Oliver O'Connell
President Trump's signing ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. pic.twitter.com/clJvL4ScxM
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) January 20, 2025
Flanked by members of Congress from both parties, Donald Trump sat in a high-backed red chair at an ornate desk and began affixing his signature to executive orders — the first of many to be signed today. One act was related to Cabinet duties while another directed that U.S. flags be flown at full staff on Inauguration Day.
Trump had bristled at the idea of flags flying at half-staff, as directed by Biden, for 30 days to honor the death of former President Jimmy Carter.
Carter died late last month.
With reporting from the Associated Press
19:25 , Oliver O'Connell
Hillary Clinton laughs as Donald Trump announces 'Gulf of America' name change
Anti-war group CodePink demonstrates in D.C. as Trump is sworn-in
19:15 , John Bowden
While only a smattering of protesters opposed to President Trump's inauguration were present around Washington on Monday, one group that was particularly prominent was the anti-war group CodePink. Roughly two dozen of the group's members including Medea Benjamin, posted up inside the heated Union Station building near the main stairway, where they implored visiting Trump supporters and the new administration to finish the job of achieving a permanent peace in Israel and the Palestinian territories by recognizing a sovereign Palestinian state. In at least one moment, the group took their signs and banners on the move, chanting the familiar "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" refrain through the building.
Watch: Putin takes swipe at Biden as he congratulates Trump on inauguration
19:10 , Oliver O'Connell
Putin takes swipe at Biden as Russian president congratulates Trump
What to expect from Trump’s day one executive orders as he prepares to begin signing them
19:02 , Oliver O'Connell
Within his first moments after he is sworn into office, Donald Trump will declare a national emergency to surge troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, freeze asylum claims, upend the 14th Amendment to end birthright citizenship, and deny the existence of transgender, nonbinary and intersex people throughout the government.
He is also preparing to axe diversity, equity and inclusion programs and swiftly cut regulations on oil production.
The extraordinary executive orders, previewed by incoming White House officials on Monday, are likely to face enormous legal backlash from civil rights groups and advocacy groups, drawing constitutional battles as Trump tests the limits of his authority.
Alex Woodward and Andrew Feinberg report.
Trump’s day one executive orders take aim at immigration, trans rights and oil
18:56 , Oliver O'Connell
Trump to issue sweeping pardons for Jan 6 defendants, report says
18:52 , Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump is preparing to issue a sweeping series of pardons for defendants charged in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including commuting the prison sentences of hundreds of his supporters who have been convicted of violent attacks against law enforcement, ABC News reports.
Trump will instruct the attorney general to dismiss all pending indictments.
I'm told that Trump is expected to further direct the Attorney General to move to dismiss all pending indictments against Jan. 6 defendants who have not yet had their cases fully adjudicated, which would shutter roughly 470 ongoing cases according to recently released numbers by…
— Katherine Faulders (@KFaulders) January 20, 2025
Per the Justice Department on the four year anniversary of the attack:
During the siege of the Capitol that day, over 140 police officers were assaulted—including over 80 from the U.S. Capitol Police and over 60 from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department—the Capitol was damaged, government property was destroyed, and other government property was stolen. Current estimates are that losses arising from the Capitol siege exceed $2.8 million. In total, approximately 1,583 individuals have been charged criminally in federal court.
Trump claims he would have won California if it weren’t for voter ID fraud
18:48 , Oliver O'Connell
In a rambling speech covering January 6, the border wall, and the election, Donald Trump says he won Alabama by 48 points — in reality, it was closer to 30 points — and that he thinks he would have won California if it weren’t for alleged election fraud...
Trump claims he would've won California last year if not for election fraud (this is a lie) pic.twitter.com/yiBkZLaBgC
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 20, 2025
Pelosi reacts to Trump’s second inaugural address
18:43 , Oliver O'Connell
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on President Trump's second Inaugural address:
"For the sake of our country, we always listen with optimism to the Inaugural address of a new President.
"As we heard the President listing the many items on his agenda, what he didn’t mention was his promised tax cuts for the rich. It is important to note that in the President’s first term, his only accomplishment was enacting tax cuts that gave eighty-three percent of the benefits to the top one percent while increasing the national debt by $2 trillion.
"While he didn’t say it in his speech, the President campaigned on an extension of those tax cuts being his first priority in the new Congress. The American people want us to build an economy from the middle out — not from the top down."
Biden says ‘We have a lot more to do'
18:41 , Oliver O'Connell
“We have a lot more to do,” Former President Biden says. “We heard the inaugural address today - we have a lot more to do.” pic.twitter.com/bM6PzcY1gh
— Matt Viser (@mviser) January 20, 2025
Watch: Trump delivers unscripted remarks to Emancipation Hall audience
18:36 , Oliver O'Connell
True to form, the newly inaugurated president is giving unscripted remarks to the inauguration’s overflow crowd in Emancipation Hall.
He tells them they will see “a lot of action” on the January 6 “hostages.”
Trump: And I was going to talk about the J6 hostages. But you'll be happy because, you know, it's action, not words that count. And you're going to see a lot of action on the J6 hostages a lot. pic.twitter.com/Zu5twFL5Pc
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 20, 2025
Harris to fly to Los Angeles with all-female crew and visit local fire station
18:33 , Oliver O'Connell
New on @MSNBC: Vice President Harris will fly back to Los Angeles today with an all-female U.S. Air Force crew — the first time an all-female crew has operated a C-33.
Upon landing, Harris will visit a local fire station and then distribute food to community members impacted by…— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) January 20, 2025
Trump didn’t place his hand on the Bible when taking the oath 🤔
18:31 , Oliver O'Connell
As he swore the oat of office, Trump did not place his hand on the Bible. pic.twitter.com/xQaHNrjXhJ
— Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) January 20, 2025
18:29 , Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump began by saying:
No, he's right. I looked I said, Oh, look at this beautiful, sunny day. We blew it, we blew it. And then I went outside, and we were afraid that you would have been very unhappy. The sun was very deceptive. I will tell you, it is cold out. And I'm sort of saying, you know, that was so beautiful today. Maybe they should do it there every four years. Does that make sense? I don't know. Because, you know, the outdoor thing is really good, but it gets a little cold around this time of the year. Some people have noticed, and a lot of times they suffer through it. There was no suffering in that room. It was 72 degrees. It was perfect, with the best, the best acoustics, I think I've ever heard in a room. This is not so bad, either.
But I just want to say you're a younger, far more beautiful audience that I just spoke to, and I want to keep it off the record. I want to keep that off the record because I don't want to have all those big shots up there. I don't want to think you're more powerful than them. You look better than them, and I love you.
18:27 , Oliver O'Connell
Vice President JD Vance gave brief remarks:
Well, thank you all so much for being here. And was that a hell of a speech, or what that was, man, that was a good way to start it off. You know, I didn't know exactly what the President would put in that speech, and I hope to myself that he wasn't going to hold back. And sir, you didn't hold back. That was a hell of a way to start the next four years. But I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, and I know I speak for the President and for all of us, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for making this possible. We love you. We wouldn't be here without you, and we're going to make America great again together for the next four years.
And the last, the last thing I'll say is, you know, having stood outside for about five minutes to wave goodbye to the Bidens, thank God we moved that thing indoors, because it was a beautiful ceremony and it was cold as hell outside.
Trump speaking in Emancipation Hall
18:26 , Oliver O'Connell
Having said farewell to the Bidens, JD Vance and Donald Trump are now addressing those seated in the overflow room of the indoor inauguration in Emancipation Hall.
They were introduced by Speaker Mike Johnson, who began by saying: “Ladies and gentlemen, we are here as witnesses to President Trump's triumphant return to the White House.
“Right now. Already this morning, you can feel it around the country. We certainly felt it here in the city. America is coming together and roaring back again, and it begins today as the President just told us, I know we'd all rather be gathered together on the National Mall with hundreds of 1000s of our closest friends, but our disappointment is well overcome with our excitement for the future that we feel dead we have the chance to make the next four years the most consequential period in our nation's history. And as Speaker of the House, it is my great pleasure, my great honor, to introduce to you the man who will lead us to this new golden age, the decisive winner of the Electoral College and the popular vote, the 45th and the 47th and the greatest president of our lifetimes, Donald J Trump.”
What’s next for Joe and Jill Biden?
18:25 , Oliver O'Connell
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden are leaving the White House on January 20, marking the end of the president’s 50 years in politics.
But Biden, 82, insists he’s not quite ready to retreat into a slow retirement just yet. In interviews, the president has indicated he’s still got work to do to improve Americans’ lives. Jill Biden, 73, has similarly dedicated her life to others through education, but she has kept quiet about her next chapter after the White House.
What is certain is that Bidens will almost certainly return to their homes in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where they spend time with family.
Here is what else could be in store for Joe and Jill Biden.
What’s next for Joe and Jill Biden?
In pictures: Trumps bid farewell to Bidens outside Capitol
18:23 , Oliver O'Connell
With the National Mall closed, Proud Boys are ‘just hanging out'
18:18 , John Bowden
Members of the Proud Boys stopped their march about two blocks from Capitol One Arena, where Trump supporters were due to watch the inauguration festivities, shortly before the swearing-in of the nation's 47th president. Originally intending to join the crowds on the mall, the right-wing "chauvinist" group paraded around the streets instead.
The group did not appear to have any set plans for where they would watch the swearing-in, and told The Independent that they were "just hanging out".
"We haven't thought that far ahead. We just want to get through the day more than anything," said one of the group's organizers, who identified himself as "Dave the Sermonizer."
Trump ends CBP One app for scheduling immigration appointments at southern border
18:07 , Alex Woodward
Trump is shutting down the CBP One app, which has been used by more than 900,000 people to schedule appointments with immigration authorities at the southern border since it was introduced in January 2023.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials have estimated roughly 270,000 people on the other side of the border are trying to get an appointment through the app. It is unclear whether the Trump administration will honor any of those requests.
The app — dogged by months-long wait times — allowed people living outside the country to request an appointment at an official port of entry to begin their asylum claims and immigration paperwork, but has been falsely characterized by Trump and his allies as a fast track for illegal immigration.
Trump sued over creation of DOGE
17:55 , Alex Woodward
A group of democracy advocacy groups — Public Citizen, State Democracy Defenders Fund and the American Federation of Government Employees — is suing Donald Trump and his Office of Management & Budget over the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency.
The lawsuit alleges that Trump is violating the Federal Advisory Committee Act, because “DOGE’s members do not have a fair balance of viewpoints, meetings are held in secret and without public notice, and records and work product are not available to the public.”
“This is not about cutting redundant staff; this is about billionaires gutting important programs that American citizens across the country rely on every single day without adequate transparency or accountability,” Norm Eisen said in a statement. “We are a country where everyone is beholden to the rule of law. No one, no matter the size of their checkbook or the office they hold, is exempt from following our laws.”
17:53 , Oliver O'Connell
Trump claims start of American ‘golden age’ as he goes scorched earth in first speech as president
17:52 , Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump declared that a new “golden age of America” has started that would make the country he now leads “greater, stronger and far more exceptional than ever before” before delivering a dark and brooding denunciation of his own government in an inaugural address delivered moments after he became the first former president to win a non-consecutive second term since Grover Cleveland accomplished the same feat more than a century earlier.
Andrew Feinberg reports.
Trump claims start of American ‘golden age’ as he outlines dark agenda
Carrie Underwood performs ‘America the Beautiful’ a cappella after sound failure
17:47 , Oliver O'Connell
...and everyone joins in.
Underwood has to forge ahead a cappella as they can't get the music track to work pic.twitter.com/xsDAFWTHPq
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 20, 2025
Trump’s end of legal recognition of trans people to have far-reaching consequences
17:46 , Alex Woodward
Trump’s order to end legal recognition of trans, nonbinary and intersex people will have far-reaching consequences, from how people can be recognized on their passports and personnel records to the forced detransitioning of trans people in prison.
Trans women will not be allowed to be housed in women’s prisons. Schools and workplaces can disregard gender identity entirely under First Amendment arguments, upending LGBT+ anti-discrimination protections despite the Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling that affirms them.
‘The future is ours — our Golden Age has just begun'
17:41 , Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump closes out his speech by saying: “We will not be conquered, we will not be intimidated, we will not be broken, and we will not fail.”
“We will stand bravely, we’ll live proudly, we’ll dream boldly. Nothing will stand in our way, because we are Americans. The future is ours — our Golden Age has just begun.”
President Trump: "We will stand bravely, we will live proudly, we will dream boldly and and nothing will stand in our way because we are Americans. The future's ours and our golden age has just begun." pic.twitter.com/xBbXSiljhp
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 20, 2025
‘We’re going to Mars'
17:39 , Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump says “We’re going to Mars” to plant the Stars and Stripes on the red planet.
Elon Musk gives a thumbs-up in celebration.
Musk: 👍 pic.twitter.com/3uTolUHl1k
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 20, 2025
Watch: Trump reiterates goal of taking back Panama Canal
17:38 , Oliver O'Connell
Trump on Panama Canal: We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama. We’re taking it back. pic.twitter.com/xygzlDkupT
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 20, 2025
With no outdoor celebrations, Trump supporters gather in bars and restaurants
17:37 , Richard Hall
The bars and restaurants in downtown DC are filled with red MAGA hats, Trump flags, and a smattering of Proud Boys.
Some are dipping inside to escape the freezing cold for a moment.
The TVs are playing with the sound on loud while his supporters applaud each line from his speech at the Capitol.
Since the outdoor events were canceled, many are unsure quite what to do.
A small crowd has gathered outside of the Capitol itself. Thousands more are lining up at the Capitol One Arena, where Trump and Vance will soon head.
It seems like all the residents are staying inside as checkpoints dot the downtown area.
An eerie day in the capital, much like the last Inauguration, but for different reasons.
Meanwhile, the Proud Boys are demonstrating in D.C.
17:35 , John Bowden
A small group of Proud Boys wearing black and yellow, estimated to be around 200 persons, departed Union Station just before 10:30 am. The group proceeded down E street for several blocks, occasionally breaking out into chants of “whose streets/our streets” and issuing blasts on an air horn to signal members to halt or keep moving. Several members of the group were wearing makeshift tactical gear, including walky-talkies; others were wearing fake beards to obscure their faces.
The procession halted in front of the US District Courthouse, where the members posed for several pictures and held up a banner reading, “Congratulations President Trump.”
While it was largely peaceful, one member wearing a lucha libre mask was spotted by The Independent ripping down a temporary “emergency no parking” sign set up by city officials.
“Free Our Boys,” chanted about 50 Proud Boys outside of Capitol One Arena just two minutes after President Trump was sworn into office.
It is not clear whether Trump will pardon leaders of the Proud Boys who were convicted on seditious conspiracy charges for their J6 roles. pic.twitter.com/BnPybESx6y— Vaughn Hillyard (@VaughnHillyard) January 20, 2025
17:33 , Andrew Feinberg
This is a dark, dark speech. While in 2017 he spoke of “American carnage,” this one is a stark denunciation of the entirety of the federal government.
17:32 , Eric Garcia
Trump gives tons of red meat in this speech, talking about making official US policy that there are only two genders, and reinstating troops who refused the Covid-19 vaccine.
Trump declares official policy recognising only two genders
17:31 , Oliver O'Connell
“Today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female,” says President Donald Trump.
He also announces that “this week:” he will reinstate members of the military who were expelled from the ranks for objecting to the Covid-19 vaccine and give them “full back pay.”
Watch: Trump says he will establish ‘external revenue service'
17:29 , Oliver O'Connell
Trump: Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens. For this purpose, we are establishing the external revenue service to collect all tariffs, duties and revenues. pic.twitter.com/YMPOqYSEjs
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 20, 2025
17:25 , Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump says he will direct all members of his Cabinet to “defeat what was record inflation and rapidly bring down costs and prices.”
He adds that he will declare a national energy emergency and “drill baby, drill.”
Trump to declare emergency at southern border and designate cartels as terrorist organizations
17:22 , Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump says in his inaugural address he will declare “a national emergency at our southern border” today.
“All illegal entry will immediately be halted,” he adds before detailing the resumption of the “Remain in Mexico” policy and the end of “Catch and Release.”
He will designate cartels in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations.
17:20 , Oliver O'Connell
We will move with purpose and speed to bring back hope, prosperity, safety and peace for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed for American citizens, January, 20, 2025, is Liberation Day.
President Donald J. Trump
Trump says he was challenged more than any president in US history
17:19 , Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump says the scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent, and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end.
“We now have a government that cannot manage a single crisis at home,” Trump says. “All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly.”
“As we gather today, our government confronts a crisis of trust. For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair.”
“From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump says.
Trump says he was “challenged more than any president in our 250-year history,” including by an assassin’s bullet.
“I was saved by God to make America great again.”
Trump: Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250 year history, pic.twitter.com/jHeT39lVMO
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 20, 2025
Trump staffers moving into the White House
17:14 , Oliver O'Connell
Breaking: Buses full of Trump's day one staff are on way to West Wing. They're rolling onto White House campus now pic.twitter.com/DWabd4hzP6
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 20, 2025
Trump begins inaugural address
17:12 , Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump begins his inaugural address by saying: “The Golden Age of America begins right now.”
The president says he will always put America first.
“America will soon be greater, stronger and far more exceptional than ever before.”
New White House website goes live as Trump becomes president
17:06 , Oliver O'Connell
And the new @realDonaldTrump @WhiteHouse website is live pic.twitter.com/gdg0k3f1mK
— Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) January 20, 2025
Watch: Moment Trump and Vance take oaths of office
17:06 , Oliver O'Connell
JD Vance has been sworn in as the 50th vice president of the United States.
Vance is the first millennial VP after he was elected to the Senate just over two years ago. pic.twitter.com/wrYxOT52RM— The Recount (@therecount) January 20, 2025
Chief Justice Roberts swears in Donald Trump as president
17:05 , Oliver O'Connell
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts swears in Donald John Trump as the 47th President inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
Donald John Trump is sworn as the 47th President by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. pic.twitter.com/fHm30A4D60
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) January 20, 2025
Justice Kavanaugh swears in JD Vance
17:02 , Oliver O'Connell
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh swore in JD Vance as vice president.
James David Vance is sworn as Vice President by Justice Brett Kavanaugh. pic.twitter.com/EGMSP1PvF0
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) January 20, 2025
Here’s the reaction from the crowd at the Capital One Arena.
Crowd at arena cheers loudly after Vance takes oath of office pic.twitter.com/IoPFyosLnK
— Matt Dixon (@Mdixon55) January 20, 2025
16:59 , Oliver O'Connell
Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke at the start of the swearing-in, calling the audience to order before the ceremony began.
The Minnesota Democrat has a prominent role because she chairs the joint committee overseeing preparations for the inauguration.
Watch: Trump enters Capitol Rotunda and greets Melania with a kiss
16:56 , Oliver O'Connell
16:48 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden pardons family members as last act in office
16:46 , Oliver O'Connell
As the last act of his term in office, President Joe Biden has pre-emptively pardoned members of his family, including brother James B. Biden, his wife Sara Jones Biden, Biden’s sister Valerie Biden Owens, her husband John T. Owens, and the president’s other brother Francis W. Biden.
BREAKING: Biden has pardoned his family https://t.co/z5aF5hokY5 pic.twitter.com/ExnaTzCJtl
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) January 20, 2025
Trump to make good on Gulf of America promise
16:38 , Oliver O'Connell
After declaring earlier this month that the “Gulf of America” had a “beautiful ring” to it, newly installed President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico in one of his first moves as he retakes the White House.
The purely performative act is red meat for Trump’s fan base, who believe the 47th president’s “America First” platform is the right way forward for the United States.
Justin Barangoa reports.
Trump to make good on Gulf of America promise with bonkers executive order
Joe Rogan, Wayne Gretzky and Logan Paul among famous faces at Trump inauguration
16:33 , Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump’s historic inauguration has, unsurprisingly, attracted a sprawling list of famous faces, ranging from the usual gaggle of tech bros and media personalities to celebrities and members of the blood-sport community.
Some names included on the list may raise eyebrows given their tenuous-at-best connection to the President-elect, with others accused or even found liable for various crimes.
Mike Bedigan took a look at the celebrities who made the cut for Monday’s ceremony.
Joe Rogan, Wayne Gretzky and Logan Paul among famous faces at Trump inauguration
TikTok CEO arrives at Capitol Rotunda for inauguration
16:29 , Oliver O'Connell
More grumbling from members of Congress over seating arrangements
16:27 , Oliver O'Connell
“Charlie Kirk has better seats than every member of Congress. Tells you how little Trump team thinks of Congress,” one GOP lawmaker tells me.
— Juliegrace Brufke (@juliegraceb) January 20, 2025
Here’s our report of some of the earlier griping about who gets to sit where today:
Last-minute plan to shift Trump’s inauguration indoors leaves lawmakers scrambling
Watch: Nine Supreme Court justices arrive at Rotunda
16:26 , Oliver O'Connell
The nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court and retired Justice Breyer arrive for the Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/LNZ6Eidmkd
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 20, 2025
Governors are seated in overflow room as tech CEOs get prime spots
16:24 , Oliver O'Connell
State governors appear to have been seated in the overflow room, Emancipation Hall, as priority is given to tech CEOs who are seated in the main Rotunda.
It’s a great day to celebrate a new chapter for America as we prepare to work with this new administration to keep our nation safe, prosperous, and free! pic.twitter.com/eKLSBl7aiN
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) January 20, 2025
Watch: Former presidents arrive for ceremony
16:21 , Oliver O'Connell
The Clintons, Bushes and Barack Obama arrive for the inauguration ceremony.
Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton arrive for the Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/o1Lj2XaFqn
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 20, 2025
Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush arrive for the Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/m4Aer3ZHF7
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 20, 2025
Former President Barack Obama arrives for the Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/Q3l8GPJwxJ
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 20, 2025
Watch LIVE: Donald Trump’s inauguration as 47th US president
16:15 , Oliver O'Connell
In pictures: Trump allies (and some foes) await ceremony
16:14 , Oliver O'Connell
Watch: Pence arrives for inauguration
16:09 , Oliver O'Connell
The tense relationship between the incoming president and his former vice president after January 6, 2021, has been a notable part of the past four years. Their animosity appeared to be swept under the rug at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, and now Mike Pence is attending Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
Mike Pence arrives at the ceremony pic.twitter.com/Eqs2RLuYm5
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 20, 2025
Watch: Biden and Trump arrive at US Capitol
16:06 , Oliver O'Connell
President Biden and President-elect Trump arrive at the U.S. Capitol for the Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/sdzHkIIwOq
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 20, 2025
Emancipation Hall looked very different shortly before the last inauguration
16:05 , Oliver O'Connell
With Emancipation Hall acting as the overflow room for today’s indoor inauguration, HuffPost’s Igor Bobic notes that it looked very different just over four years ago before Joe Biden was sworn into office in the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.
What Emancipation Hall, the inauguration overflow room, looked like a week before the last inauguration (feat. then-Rep. Andy Kim walking around as stunned as I was) pic.twitter.com/tO7C0er8Lt
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 20, 2025
Which world leaders are dignitaries are attending the inauguration?
15:57 , Gustaf Kilander
As Donald Trump returns to the White House, here are some of the world leaders and other guests attending the inauguration:
Who are the world leaders and other guests attending Trump’s inauguration?
China’s vice president attends Trump inauguration
15:55 , Oliver O'Connell
Don Jr’s children Don III and Kai Trump will watch from Emancipation Hall
15:48 , Oliver O'Connell
Today is the day! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/yoSmnJtIqo
— Kai Trump (@kaitrump) January 20, 2025
Who is Kai Trump? Don Jr’s daughter is the next generation of MAGA
Watch: Trump and Biden head to the inauguration at the US Capitol
15:46 , Oliver O'Connell
President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump depart the White House en route to the Capitol for the Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/tvsOyTUfbl
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 20, 2025
Biden and Trump depart White House for US Capitol
15:45 , Oliver O'Connell
Jake and Logan Paul and Conor McGregor are also guests at the inauguration
15:44 , Oliver O'Connell
Inauguration going great pic.twitter.com/VTl3j1JHLG
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) January 20, 2025
Harris and Vance en route to Capitol
15:43 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden has written traditional letter to new president
15:40 , Oliver O'Connell
In the scene at the North Portico, when the Bidens were waiting for the Trumps to arrive, President Joe Biden was asked if he had written a letter to Donald Trump. He said: “Yes.”
When asked what he said, Biden said: “That’s between Trump and me.”
The letter is placed on the desk in the Oval Office, and the content is rarely disclosed by the new president.
Also, in answer to the question about “What’s your message today,” Biden first said “joy” then paused a bit and said “hope.”
Elon Musk takes his seat for inauguration
15:37 , Oliver O'Connell
Trump and Biden will share a limo ride to inauguration – four years after president-elect snubbed tradition
15:35 , Oliver O'Connell
Four years after President-elect Donald Trump snubbed President Joe Biden in the traditional transfer of power out of anger, the two will set aside any animosity to have tea and share a limousine ride to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony.
Ariana Baio reports.
Trump and Biden will share a limo ride four years after Trump snubbed tradition
As Bidens and Trump have tea, Oval Office redecoration gets underway
15:35 , Andrew Feinberg
Workers have begun the process of redecorating the Oval Office for President-elect Donald Trump as he and incoming first lady Melania Trump meet with President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for tea.
The Independent spotted carts being pushed to and from the Oval by White House staff containing various framed paintings and other objets d'art, including what appeared to be a miniature of the equestrian statue depicting President Andrew Jackson that stands across the street from the White House in Lafayette Park.
