President Donald Trump takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2025.Photo:SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty
SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty
A historic transition of power unlike any since the 19th century unfolded throughout Monday, Jan. 20, as PresidentDonald Trumpwas sworn in for a rare nonconsecutive White House term.Trump planned an ambitious schedule for Inauguration Day 2025, one that included morning church with wifeMelania Trump, tea time with outgoing first coupleJoeandJill Biden, an indoor swearing-in ceremony, a weather-proof “parade” at the Capital One Arena and a series of evening inaugural balls.With support from incoming Vice PresidentJ.D. Vance, Trump is also expected to sign dozens of executive orders and make sweeping changes to the way the federal government operates in the first few hours of his presidency.PEOPLE followed along throughout the day as Trump and Vance assumed the reins from President Biden and Vice PresidentKamala Harris. Catch our full recap below.Donald Trump’s InaugurationDonald Trump and J.D. Vance were sworn in as the 47th president and 50th vice president of the United States on Monday, Jan. 20.The Bidens and Trumps shared rare moments together before and after the ceremony, briefly putting aside their differences for a peaceful transfer of power.After taking the presidential oath, during which he did not place his hand on a Bible, Trump announced his intended slate of Day One executive actions.Inaugural balls will continue into the night.
A historic transition of power unlike any since the 19th century unfolded throughout Monday, Jan. 20, as PresidentDonald Trumpwas sworn in for a rare nonconsecutive White House term.
Trump planned an ambitious schedule for Inauguration Day 2025, one that included morning church with wifeMelania Trump, tea time with outgoing first coupleJoeandJill Biden, an indoor swearing-in ceremony, a weather-proof “parade” at the Capital One Arena and a series of evening inaugural balls.
With support from incoming Vice PresidentJ.D. Vance, Trump is also expected to sign dozens of executive orders and make sweeping changes to the way the federal government operates in the first few hours of his presidency.
PEOPLE followed along throughout the day as Trump and Vance assumed the reins from President Biden and Vice PresidentKamala Harris. Catch our full recap below.
Donald Trump’s InaugurationDonald Trump and J.D. Vance were sworn in as the 47th president and 50th vice president of the United States on Monday, Jan. 20.The Bidens and Trumps shared rare moments together before and after the ceremony, briefly putting aside their differences for a peaceful transfer of power.After taking the presidential oath, during which he did not place his hand on a Bible, Trump announced his intended slate of Day One executive actions.Inaugural balls will continue into the night.
Donald Trump’s Inauguration
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance were sworn in as the 47th president and 50th vice president of the United States on Monday, Jan. 20.The Bidens and Trumps shared rare moments together before and after the ceremony, briefly putting aside their differences for a peaceful transfer of power.After taking the presidential oath, during which he did not place his hand on a Bible, Trump announced his intended slate of Day One executive actions.Inaugural balls will continue into the night.
The Trump Family Closes Out the Daytime CeremoniesJanuary 20, 2025 05:15 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe Capital One Arena on Jan. 20, 2025.ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockThe Trump family arrived at Capital One Arena after a long day of events to participate in a big public moment before heading into the elite evening inaugural balls.The arena rally takes the place of the traditional inaugural parade, which was scrapped due to the cold temperatures in Washington on Monday.The long-awaited finale to the public inauguration event schedule on Monday will see Trump sign a slate of executive orders before crowds of fans who were not able to witness the swearing-in ceremony on the National Mall. Among the actions he is expected to take, Trump is believed to be on the verge of pardoning a slate of Jan. 6 rioters.Later on Monday evening, the Trumps will reappear in their evening wear for fancy balls to close out the administration’s celebration.
The Trump Family Closes Out the Daytime Ceremonies
January 20, 2025 05:15 PM EST
The Capital One Arena on Jan. 20, 2025.ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The Trump family arrived at Capital One Arena after a long day of events to participate in a big public moment before heading into the elite evening inaugural balls.
The arena rally takes the place of the traditional inaugural parade, which was scrapped due to the cold temperatures in Washington on Monday.
The long-awaited finale to the public inauguration event schedule on Monday will see Trump sign a slate of executive orders before crowds of fans who were not able to witness the swearing-in ceremony on the National Mall. Among the actions he is expected to take, Trump is believed to be on the verge of pardoning a slate of Jan. 6 rioters.
Later on Monday evening, the Trumps will reappear in their evening wear for fancy balls to close out the administration’s celebration.
The Trumps Attend First Honors Ceremony in Emancipation Hall
January 20, 2025 04:23 PM EST
The ceremony was moved indoors to Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol, which is a room on the lower level of the visitor center portion of the building.
According to CNN, first responders from the site of the assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pa., last year are also in attendance for this ceremony.
Donald Trump in Attendance at Congressional LuncheonJanuary 20, 2025 03:03 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe president and first lady attended a Congressional luncheon after Donald Trump signed several Executive Orders following his swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20.At the luncheon, the president was seated next to Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, with his wife Melania seated on the other side.Also on the agenda today is the inaugural parade, and a visit to Capital One Arena, where the president is expected to sign more executive orders.
Donald Trump in Attendance at Congressional Luncheon
January 20, 2025 03:03 PM EST
The president and first lady attended a Congressional luncheon after Donald Trump signed several Executive Orders following his swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20.
At the luncheon, the president was seated next to Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, with his wife Melania seated on the other side.
Also on the agenda today is the inaugural parade, and a visit to Capital One Arena, where the president is expected to sign more executive orders.
Donald and Melania Trump Escort the Bidens to Helicopter Departure from Washington, D.C.January 20, 2025 01:19 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostDonald Trump and Melania Trump returned to traditional protocol for the 2025 Inauguration Day, escorting the departing president and first lady as they left Washington, D.C. following the conclusion of Joe Biden’s tenure as president.The Bidens and the Trumps outside the U.S. Capitol.JIM WATSON/AFP via GettyThe Trumps walked with Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden to the Nighthawk 46 helicopter, where they departed the nation’s capital for Joint Base Andrews, from where they’re eventually heading to Santa Barbara.The departure marks the end of Biden’s nearly five-decades long political career.
Donald and Melania Trump Escort the Bidens to Helicopter Departure from Washington, D.C.
January 20, 2025 01:19 PM EST
Donald Trump and Melania Trump returned to traditional protocol for the 2025 Inauguration Day, escorting the departing president and first lady as they left Washington, D.C. following the conclusion of Joe Biden’s tenure as president.
The Bidens and the Trumps outside the U.S. Capitol.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty
JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty
The Trumps walked with Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden to the Nighthawk 46 helicopter, where they departed the nation’s capital for Joint Base Andrews, from where they’re eventually heading to Santa Barbara.
The departure marks the end of Biden’s nearly five-decades long political career.
Carrie Underwood Performs ‘America the Beautiful’ After Technical Difficulties
January 20, 2025 12:43 PM EST
Carrie Underwood.Kevin Lamarque - Pool/Getty
Kevin Lamarque - Pool/Getty
Country star Carrie Underwood made headlines recently when, after years of openly distancing herself from politics, it was announced thatshe would be attending Trump’s second inaugurationto perform “America the Beautiful.”
Underwood, 41, said of her decision to accept the invitation: “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Several other performers were also brought in for the inaugural events, includingThe Village People,Rascal Flatts, Nelly, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw, Lee Greenwood and Kid Rock.
Trump Claims He Wants to Be a ‘Peacemaker and a Unifier’ During SpeechJanuary 20, 2025 12:36 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostDonald Trump branded himself as a “peacemaker and a unifier” during his inaugural address, before again, pivoting, to his recurring theme of America’s future strength.“Above all, my message to Americans today is to act with courage, vigor and the vitality of greatest civilization,” he said.Said Trump, “I stand before you now as proof that you should never believe that something is impossible to do. In America, impossible is what we do best.”
Trump Claims He Wants to Be a ‘Peacemaker and a Unifier’ During Speech
January 20, 2025 12:36 PM EST
Donald Trump branded himself as a “peacemaker and a unifier” during his inaugural address, before again, pivoting, to his recurring theme of America’s future strength.
“Above all, my message to Americans today is to act with courage, vigor and the vitality of greatest civilization,” he said.
Said Trump, “I stand before you now as proof that you should never believe that something is impossible to do. In America, impossible is what we do best.”
Trump Addresses Assassination Attempt During Inaugural Speech
January 20, 2025 12:20 PM EST
The new president addressed the July assassination attempt against him in Butler, Pennsylvania, while delivering his inaugural address.
“Those who wish to stop our case have tried to take my freedom and indeed, to take my life,” said Trump. “Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear.”
Trump Says ‘the Golden Age of America Begins Right Now’January 20, 2025 12:16 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostWhile addressing the American people and those gathered at the Capitol rotunda during his inaugural address, Trump stated that “The golden age of America begins right now.““We will be the envy of every nation,” he assured, later promising “America’s decline is over.“President Donald Trump.Chip Somodevilla/GettyTrump also claimed during his speech that he’s been “challenged and tested more than any president in our 250-year history.”
Trump Says ‘the Golden Age of America Begins Right Now’
January 20, 2025 12:16 PM EST
While addressing the American people and those gathered at the Capitol rotunda during his inaugural address, Trump stated that “The golden age of America begins right now.”
“We will be the envy of every nation,” he assured, later promising “America’s decline is over.”
President Donald Trump.Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Trump also claimed during his speech that he’s been “challenged and tested more than any president in our 250-year history.”
Donald Trump Is President
January 20, 2025 12:03 PM EST
Donald Trumphas been sworn in as president of the United Statesonce again, becoming theoldest commander-in-chief to take the oath of office, thefirst convicted felon in the role, and only the second president to serve two non-consecutive terms.
J.D. Vance Is Sworn in as the 50th U.S. Vice President
January 20, 2025 12:02 PM EST
Though Vance’s swearing-in is not quite as historic as former Vice President Kamala Harris’ was in 2021 — when she becamethe first woman, Black person, and person of Asian descentto hold the title — he still stands out as the first millennial VP.
This time last year, Vance, 40, was a junior U.S. senator from Ohio who had only 12 months of political experience under his belt. Now, he’s a heartbeat away from the presidency.
Donald and Melania Trump Share Air Kiss as He Arrives in Rotunda for Swearing-InJanuary 20, 2025 11:58 AM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostPresident-elect Donald Trump greeted his wife, Melania Trump,with an air kissas he entered the inaugural stage in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday.The incoming first lady’s dark, wide-brimmed hat — which she stepped out in for the morning’s engagements and kept on in the ceremony — may have prevented the president from delivering a full kiss.Donald and Melania Trump.SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty
Donald and Melania Trump Share Air Kiss as He Arrives in Rotunda for Swearing-In
January 20, 2025 11:58 AM EST
President-elect Donald Trump greeted his wife, Melania Trump,with an air kissas he entered the inaugural stage in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday.
The incoming first lady’s dark, wide-brimmed hat — which she stepped out in for the morning’s engagements and kept on in the ceremony — may have prevented the president from delivering a full kiss.
Donald and Melania Trump.SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty
Barron Trump Was 10 When His Father First Entered OfficeJanuary 20, 2025 11:33 AM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostBarron Trump in 2017 (left); Barron in 2025 (right).Kevin Dietsch - Pool/Getty; Chip Somodevilla/GettyBarron Trump, the 18-year-old child of Donald and Melania, previously became the first presidential son to live in the White House sinceJohn F. Kennedy Jr.in the ‘60s. During the Trumps’ first stint in Washington, a school-aged Barron was largely shielded from public view aside from major events like the 2017 inauguration, when he was 10 years old.Then amid the 2024 presidential election, Barron became a more visible part of the family as hegraduated high school,enrolled at New York University’s Stern School of Business, andbegan expressing interestin his father’s political career. He now attends his father’s swearing-in ceremony as an adult, who has been given permission tosplit his time between the Trump Tower in N.Y.C. and the White Houseas he pleases.
Barron Trump Was 10 When His Father First Entered Office
January 20, 2025 11:33 AM EST
Barron Trump in 2017 (left); Barron in 2025 (right).Kevin Dietsch - Pool/Getty; Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Kevin Dietsch - Pool/Getty; Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Barron Trump, the 18-year-old child of Donald and Melania, previously became the first presidential son to live in the White House sinceJohn F. Kennedy Jr.in the ‘60s. During the Trumps’ first stint in Washington, a school-aged Barron was largely shielded from public view aside from major events like the 2017 inauguration, when he was 10 years old.
Then amid the 2024 presidential election, Barron became a more visible part of the family as hegraduated high school,enrolled at New York University’s Stern School of Business, andbegan expressing interestin his father’s political career. He now attends his father’s swearing-in ceremony as an adult, who has been given permission tosplit his time between the Trump Tower in N.Y.C. and the White Houseas he pleases.
Barack Obama Sits Beside Laura Bush in Michelle’s AbsenceJanuary 20, 2025 11:17 AM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostFormer President Barack Obama arrived without his wife, Michelle, on Monday morning, after the former first ladypreviously revealed that she would not be attendingTrump’s swearing-in ceremony. In her absence, Barack was seated beside former First Lady Laura Bush.A source familiar with Michelle’s thinking told PEOPLE last week that she is “not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake,” adding that she “doesn’t do anything because it’s expected or it’s protocol or it’s tradition.”Read more about Michelle’s feelings toward Trump.
Barack Obama Sits Beside Laura Bush in Michelle’s Absence
January 20, 2025 11:17 AM EST
Former President Barack Obama arrived without his wife, Michelle, on Monday morning, after the former first ladypreviously revealed that she would not be attendingTrump’s swearing-in ceremony. In her absence, Barack was seated beside former First Lady Laura Bush.
A source familiar with Michelle’s thinking told PEOPLE last week that she is “not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake,” adding that she “doesn’t do anything because it’s expected or it’s protocol or it’s tradition.”
Read more about Michelle’s feelings toward Trump.
January 20, 2025 11:11 AM EST
Former Vice President Mike Pence, who served alongside Trump during his first term, was also booed when shown on camera.
Tech Billionaires Including Jeff Bezos Get VIP Spots on Inaugural Stage
January 20, 2025 10:59 AM EST
From left: Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk.SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos are unusual VIPs at the Capitol today, after several billionaires and tech companies made lofty donations to the Trump-Vance inaugural fund.
Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai was also onstage in the rotunda, as was Apple’s Tim Cook. Google and Cook, personally, each donated $1M to the inauguration fund for Trump.
Musk became a central part of Trump’s 2024 campaign and presidential transition, and will assume the reins of the proposed Department of Government Efficiency in the new administration. Zuckerberg recently rolled back fact-checking on Meta platforms and made controversial changes to the company’s hateful conduct policy after meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
From left: Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg and Lauren Sanchez.SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty
Watch the Inauguration Live on PEOPLE’s StreamJanuary 20, 2025 10:45 AM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostPEOPLE is streaming live from Washington, D.C. as Donald Trump prepares to take the Oath of Office for a second time following his reelection last fall.Watch live on Facebook at the link above.
Watch the Inauguration Live on PEOPLE’s Stream
January 20, 2025 10:45 AM EST
PEOPLE is streaming live from Washington, D.C. as Donald Trump prepares to take the Oath of Office for a second time following his reelection last fall.
Watch live on Facebook at the link above.
The Bidens Hand the White House Over to the TrumpsJanuary 20, 2025 10:27 AM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostIn 2021, Donald and Melania Trump sped off to Mar-a-Lago before Joe Biden’s inauguration began, skirting a face to face meeting with the new first couple. Four years later, Joe and Jill Biden are taking the high road,staying back at the White House to welcome the Trumps into their new homebefore the swearing-in ceremony begins.The Bidens (left) and the Trumps (right).JIM WATSON/AFP via GettyThe tradition of morning tea between the outgoing and incoming first couples on Inauguration Day is often a little bit awkward, but it signifies a peaceful transfer of power and an appreciation for the common bond of being in the nation’s most visible role. SinceMelania declined Jill’s invitation to visit the White Housein November, it took until today for the Bidens and Trumps to finally join together and offer the world a glimpse of civility.From left: Jill Biden, President Joe Biden, President Donald Trump and Melania Trump.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty
The Bidens Hand the White House Over to the Trumps
January 20, 2025 10:27 AM EST
In 2021, Donald and Melania Trump sped off to Mar-a-Lago before Joe Biden’s inauguration began, skirting a face to face meeting with the new first couple. Four years later, Joe and Jill Biden are taking the high road,staying back at the White House to welcome the Trumps into their new homebefore the swearing-in ceremony begins.
The Bidens (left) and the Trumps (right).JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty
The tradition of morning tea between the outgoing and incoming first couples on Inauguration Day is often a little bit awkward, but it signifies a peaceful transfer of power and an appreciation for the common bond of being in the nation’s most visible role. SinceMelania declined Jill’s invitation to visit the White Housein November, it took until today for the Bidens and Trumps to finally join together and offer the world a glimpse of civility.
From left: Jill Biden, President Joe Biden, President Donald Trump and Melania Trump.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty
Michelle Obama Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as She Skips the Inauguration
January 20, 2025 10:23 AM EST
Michelle Obamaopted to skip Donald Trump’s inauguration festivitieson Jan. 20, but did use the national to honor the man its named after.
The Oaths You’ll Hear TodayJanuary 20, 2025 09:55 AM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostShortly before Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th U.S. president, J.D. Vance will take the vice presidential oath of office, which is the same oath that members of Congress recite:Vice Presidential Oath"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.“Once Vance is sworn in as the 50th U.S. vice president, it will be Trump’s turn. The presidential oath is shorter and simpler:Presidential Oath"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, so help me God.”
The Oaths You’ll Hear Today
January 20, 2025 09:55 AM EST
Shortly before Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th U.S. president, J.D. Vance will take the vice presidential oath of office, which is the same oath that members of Congress recite:
Vice Presidential Oath"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.”
Vice Presidential Oath
“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.”
Once Vance is sworn in as the 50th U.S. vice president, it will be Trump’s turn. The presidential oath is shorter and simpler:
Presidential Oath"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, so help me God.”
Presidential Oath
“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, so help me God.”
The Bidens’ Last SelfieJanuary 20, 2025 09:54 AM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog Post
The Bidens' Last Selfie
January 20, 2025 09:54 AM EST
Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff Welcome J.D. and Usha Vance to the White HouseJanuary 20, 2025 09:43 AM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostJill Biden, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff await the arrivals of their successors at the White House on Jan. 20, 2025.Andrew Harnik/GettyVice President Kamala Harris and second gentlemanDoug Emhoffjoined Joe and Jill Biden at the White House for final photos together before vacating the office.Harris and Emhoff then welcomed their soon-to-be successors, J.D. and Usha Vance, to the White House shortly after 9:30 a.m. ET on Monday.Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris greet J.D. and Usha Vance on inauguration morning.ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via GettyHarris committed to participating in the inauguration events despite losing the election, aiming to return to normalcy after Trump skipped out on the day following his 2020 loss.
Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff Welcome J.D. and Usha Vance to the White House
January 20, 2025 09:43 AM EST
Jill Biden, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff await the arrivals of their successors at the White House on Jan. 20, 2025.Andrew Harnik/Getty
Andrew Harnik/Getty
Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentlemanDoug Emhoffjoined Joe and Jill Biden at the White House for final photos together before vacating the office.
Harris and Emhoff then welcomed their soon-to-be successors, J.D. and Usha Vance, to the White House shortly after 9:30 a.m. ET on Monday.
Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris greet J.D. and Usha Vance on inauguration morning.ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty
ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty
Harris committed to participating in the inauguration events despite losing the election, aiming to return to normalcy after Trump skipped out on the day following his 2020 loss.
Melania Trump Entered the Crypto Fray on Inauguration Eve
January 20, 2025 09:33 AM EST
Incoming first lady Melania Trump launched a meme coin on Sunday, Jan. 19, on the eve of Inauguration Day.
“The Official Melania Meme is live!”her X account posted. “You can buy $MELANIA now.”
The cryptocurrency launch comes two days after her husband, President-elect Donald Trump, commemorated his second term with a coin. On Friday, Jan. 17, the soon-to-be 47th presidentrevealed a coinwhich features himself punching his fist into the air alongside the word “fight.”
It’s Below Freezing in D.C. TodayJanuary 20, 2025 09:10 AM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostFreezing conditions threw a wrench in the inauguration plan when officials decided on Friday to move the main ceremony indoors to the Capitol rotunda.AccuWeather’s Washington forecast shows a high of 28 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 12, with wind gusts maxing out at 27mph. The sun will be shining, though.
It’s Below Freezing in D.C. Today
January 20, 2025 09:10 AM EST
Freezing conditions threw a wrench in the inauguration plan when officials decided on Friday to move the main ceremony indoors to the Capitol rotunda.AccuWeather’s Washington forecast shows a high of 28 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 12, with wind gusts maxing out at 27mph. The sun will be shining, though.
Donald and Melania Make Their First Appearance
January 20, 2025 08:58 AM EST
J.D. Vance, Usha Vance, Donald Trump, Melania Trump and Barron Trump at St. John’s on Jan. 20, 2025.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty
Trump and Vance Released Their Official Inaugural Portraits Last Week
January 20, 2025 08:42 AM EST
Donald Trump’s official inaugural portrait beside his 2023 mug shot.Trump Vance administration; Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
Trump Vance administration; Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
In a departure from the norm, Trump forwent a smile and instead bore a similar expression to his historic 2023 mug shot, which loyal MAGA followers later embraced as the symbol of a man who could not be taken down easily.
See how their portraits compare to past administrations.
January 20, 2025 08:11 AM EST
Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris, Jill Biden and Joe Biden wave on Inauguration Day 2021.Joe Raedle/ Staff/Getty Images
Joe Raedle/ Staff/Getty Images
When Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in on Jan. 20, 2021, the ceremonies and crowds were scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event’s timing — held two weeks after a violent, pro-Trump insurrection at the U.S. Capitol — also heightened security concerns, interfering with the usual pomp and ceremony.
This year, the swearing-in ceremony will also be unusual in thatit’s being held indoors due to dangerously cold weather. In the evening, though, Trump and Vance are reviving the star-studded inaugural balls that Biden and Harris had to forgo.
Today’s Schedule
January 20, 2025 08:06 AM EST
Inauguration events will run into the night, as powerful friends of the new administration attend a series of celebrations after the afternoon swearing-in ceremony. The full schedule was thrown into flux due to weather disruptions, leaving exact times uncertain. Here’s how today will unfold, according to what has been announced:
Here’s everything else to know about Inauguration Day.
Refresh for New Updates
source: people.com
