Donald Trump Inauguration Highlights — US Will 'Take Back' Panama Canal From China: Trump
Donald Trump Inauguration Highlights: Republican President-elect Donald Trump is returning to the White House for his second term as the 47th President of the United States.
Background
Donald Trump Inauguration Highlights: Republican Pesident-elect Donald Trump is set to take oath as the 47th President of the United States making his comeback to the White House for a...More
The official 'X' handle of the President of the United States (POTUS) updated after Donald J Trump takes over as the 47th President.
The official 'X' handle of the Vice President of the United States updated after JD Vance takes over as the 50th Vice President.
Former US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden leave from US Capitol Rotunda building after the inauguration
Trump announced his intention to send American astronauts to Mars, declaring “we will pursue our manifesting destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the stars and strips on the planet Mars.” This bold move was met with enthusiasm from billionaire Elon Musk of SpaceX, who expressed his support and admiration for Trump’s initiative.
Trump administration announces the US will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. He also declared that the country will legally recognise only two genders - male and female.
President Donald Trump listed a number of executive orders he plans to sign to start implementing to his administrations agenda, during his inaugural address.
“Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders. With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense. It’s all about common sense.”
Trump also outlined his intent to declare a national emergency at the US southern border.
"The Gulf of Mexico will be called the Gulf of America," he said, further announcing the US will take back Panama Canal from China.
US President Donald Trump said that January 20, 2025 will be the “liberation day” for the US. "It is my hope that our recent presidential election will be remembered as the greatest and most consequential election in the history of our country," Trump said.
"Our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous and free. America will soon be greater, stronger and far more exceptional than ever before. I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a new thrilling era of national success," Donald Trump said in his first address.
Donald Trump, speaking on the Los Angeles fire, said the wildfires are raging in houses and communities for weeks affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals. He added, "We can't let this happen."
In the first remarks as 47th US President, Trump says 'Golden age of America begins right now.' "America will soon be greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before. I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success. A tide of change is sweeping the country. Sunlight is pouring over the entire world. and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before. But first, we must be honest about the challenges we face. While they are plentiful, they will be annihilated by this great momentum that the world is now witnessing in the United States of America," he remarked.
US Chief Justice John Roberts administers the oath of office to Trump.
Brett Kavanaugh is swearing in JD Vance as vice president.
Brett Kavanaugh is swearing in JD Vance as vice president.
Today, we will witness the peaceful transfer of power, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, said during her remarks from the US Capitol on Monday. Klobuchar highlighted the significance of this event in upholding the core principles of our democracy.
“Welcome to the 60th presidential inauguration. Today, President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance will solemnly take their oaths of office. And we will witness the peaceful transfer of power, the very essence of our democratic system,” Klobuchar concluded.
Biden, in his final act in office, issues pardons to his family members due to "unrelenting attacks" from US President-elect Trump and his allies, AP reported.
Inauguration ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump begins at Capitol Rotunda, Washington DC.
US President Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance are now arriving at the Rotunda.
Flights around Washington, DC, are experiencing delays due to security measures for the inauguration.
Commercial flights to Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, which is the closest airport to the inauguration ceremonies, are being delayed. Passengers reported seeing Transportation Security Administration agents at the gates checking IDs and conducting additional screening, as per CNN.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that “inauguration day activities” could significantly impact operations at Reagan National Airport. As of 11:15 a.m. ET, flights to Washington Dulles International Airport (DCA) are experiencing ground delays. However, the FAA warned that there is a possibility of a ground stop, which would halt all flights, later in the day.
According to FlightAware, as of Thursday, 30% of all flights bound to DCA and 20% of all departures from the airport have been delayed.
Outgoing First Lady Jill Biden arrives at the US Capitol for the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump.
Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson and former Republican Representative Liz Cheney, who, in collaboration, led Congress’ investigation into the January 6th Capitol riots, issued a joint statement expressing gratitude to President Joe Biden for granting preemptive pardons for their work.
In the statement, they clarified that they were not pardoned for breaking the law but rather for upholding it.
“We express our gratitude to President Biden for recognizing that we and our families have been continuously targeted not only with harassment, lies and threats of criminal violence, but also with specific threats of criminal prosecution and imprisonment by members of the incoming administration, simply for doing our jobs and upholding our oaths of office,” the statement reads.
The pardons, issued in the final hours of Biden’s presidency, represent a significant exercise of presidential power that is unprecedented in recent history. They serve as a protective measure for several vocal critics of the incoming president, many of whom Donald Trump has threatened to target.
Despite these threats, Thompson and Cheney reaffirmed their unwavering commitment and stated that they would never be deterred.
“We are not deterred, we have never been deterred, and we will never be deterred by threats of criminal violence or criminal prosecution, and we are encouraged greatly for the future of the rule of law by the existence of the Constitution’s sweeping Speech and Debate Clause as well as this general pardon by President Biden of our Committee and its excellent staff,” the statement reads.
Former US presidents and first ladies, including Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush and Laura Bush, have started arriving at the Capitol Rotunda for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Former president Barack Obama also arrived at the ceremony. Last week, Michelle Obama, the former first lady, announced that she would not be attending the inauguration.
Mike Pence, who served as Donald Trump’s vice president during his first term, arrived at the Capitol today, greeted with a standing ovation from attendees in the Rotunda, CNN reported.
Pence expressed his intention to attend the Inauguration of President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance at the U.S. Capitol, emphasising the significance of celebrating democracy and the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution. He encouraged fellow Americans to join them in prayer for the incoming leaders.
In a recent statement on X, Pence clarified that he did not endorse Trump during the 2024 campaign. He stated that Trump’s agenda diverged from the conservative principles they governed during their four years in office, making it impossible for him to endorse Trump in this election.
This event also brings Pence and Trump together for the second time in recent weeks. Their last shared presence was at President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in January 2021. While Pence congratulated Carter, his wife, former second lady Karen Pence, did not greet Trump.
Today’s inauguration marks another significant moment. Pence and Trump will be in the same location where Pence was evacuated to a secure location within the Capitol on January 6, 2021, during the attack on the building by Trump’s supporters.
The nine Supreme Court justices have arrived at the US Capitol Rotunda for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office to Trump, while Brett Kavanaugh will swear in JD Vance as vice president.
Trump’s family members, including Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Tiffany Trump, Eric Trump, and Baron Trump, have also entered the Rotunda for the ceremony, CNN reported.
The incoming Cabinet of the United States arrives at the US Capitol in Washington DC for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony.
Elon Musk, the vocal Trump ally and owner of Tesla and X, was spotted alongside Google’s Sundar Pichai and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Apple’s Tim Cook were also present in the audience, AP reported.
The venue’s capacity was significantly reduced when the ceremony was moved indoors due to the cold weather.
Notably, Musk has been appointed by Trump to lead an outside government group called the Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at reducing bureaucracy.
Notably, the CEOs of Meta, X, and Amazon sat in front of the president-elect’s entire Cabinet, reflecting Trump’s emphasis on the significance of the heads of these influential companies and social media platforms over his agency heads, as per AP.
"Along with fellow Foreign Ministers at the US Capitol for the inauguration ceremony," posts External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
US President-elect Donald Trump accompanied by outgoing president Joe Biden arrives at Capitol Hill, for his inauguration as the 47th US President
Now that President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and incoming First Lady Melania Trump have left the White House, a race against time ensues to transform the Bidens’ residence into the Trumps’.
Incoming and outgoing moving trucks are strategically positioned outside the White House. Approximately 100 members of the executive residence staff will embark on a four-hour mission to move the Biden family out of their home, clean it, and prepare it for the Trumps’ arrival within the next five hours, all while inaugural festivities are in full swing, CNN reported.
By the time the new first family arrives later this afternoon, the residence will be furnished with furniture and art from the official White House collection, their clothes will be hung in the closets, and personal effects will be unpacked. The entire process is meticulously overseen by the White House Chief Usher, closely collaborating with a team of Trump aides.
Planning for this meticulously orchestrated, minute-by-minute move commences almost immediately after the election.
“It’s an incredibly organized, step-by-step process where every individual on the team understands their specific role,” remarked Anita McBride, who served as Chief of Staff to former First Lady Laura Bush, as per CNN.
The residence staff who have diligently overseen almost every aspect of the Biden family’s daily life during their tenure in office will also be transitioning to a new role.
“It’s a well-choreographed, professional, and emotionally charged process. You’re saying goodbye to one family and welcoming another. The team there is dedicated to adapting to a new first family, and that’s the primary objective of today’s efforts,” McBride emphasised, as quoted by CNN.
US President-elect Donald Trump heads towards Capitol Hill, for his inauguration as the 47th US President. Trump will use same Bible as Abraham Lincoln during his swearing-in ceremony, CNN reported.
"It has been the honor of our lifetimes to serve you, the American people," posts outgoing US President Joe Biden. The post features a portrait of Biden, first lady Jill Biden, VP Kamala Harris, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his openness to rebuilding relations with the new US administration, just hours before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. During a televised Russian Security Council meeting on Monday, Putin welcomed statements from Trump and his team expressing a desire to restore direct contact with Russia and the “need to do everything to prevent a third world war”, CNN reported.
He emphasised Moscow’s willingness to engage in dialogue.
“We certainly welcome this approach and congratulate the elected president of the United States of America on taking office,” Putin said, as quoted by CNN. “I emphasise: we have never refused dialogue and have always been ready to maintain smooth cooperative relations with any American administration.”
Putin clarified that the dialogue would be based on an equal and mutually respectful foundation, taking into account the significant role that their countries play on various global issues, such as strengthening strategic stability and security.
He also took the opportunity to reiterate Russia’s position on a possible settlement in Ukraine.
“We are also open to dialogue with the new US administration on the Ukrainian conflict,” Putin said, emphasising the importance of achieving long-term peace while reaffirming Russia’s commitment to protecting its interests.
Biden welcomes Trump at the White House for a preinaugural tea, restoring traditions around peaceful transfer of power. “Welcome home,” Biden told his successor, President-elect Donald Trump, as he greeted him at the White House’s North Portico on Monday, as per CNN.
Trump will sign an executive order on Monday to roll back protections for transgender individuals by declaring that the federal government will recognise only two genders: male and female. This move undoes parts of an executive order signed by Joe Biden on his first day in office four years ago.
The order could restrict access to gender-affirming medical care and sports competitions for some transgender people. Additionally, it will only recognise two sexes on passports and visas, AP reported.
This decision is not unexpected, given Trump’s criticism of transgender and nonbinary rights during his campaign. One of his ads aired over 15,000 times, proclaiming, “Kamala is for them/them. President Trump is for you.”
Civil rights groups had already prepared to challenge Trump’s restrictions in court before he took office, as per AP. Ash Orr, a spokesperson for Advocates for Trans Equality, expressed confidence in their ability to persevere and continue protecting trans rights throughout the country.
The Biden couple posted a final selfie from the White House. “One more selfie for the road. We love you, America,” the post on the social platform X read.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar attended the Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St John’s Church.
EAM Dr S Jaishankar posts, "Privileged to represent India as EAM and Special Envoy of Prime Minister Modi at the Swearing-In Ceremony of the 47th President of the United States of America today in Washington DC."
The inaugural ceremony commenced in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday with a musical prelude by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Combined Choirs, CNN reported. The students, dressed in all black with a red scarf adorned with their university logo, filled the dome with their voices. In just a few hours, Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President.
Key figures from Trump’s first administration will be among the attendees of an indoor event. The lineup includes Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served as Trump’s press secretary, former aide Kellyanne Conway, and Texas Representative Ronny Jackson, who was Trump’s White House physician.
Former White House adviser Peter Navarro, who served prison time for involvement in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol and is returning to Trump’s administration as a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, is also expected to deliver remarks.
Kash Patel, Trump’s choice to lead the FBI, and Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan will also attend.
Trump, after a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, has left for the White House. There, he and his wife, Melania, will be greeted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. They will then share tea and coffee. This private meeting is another tradition of presidential transitions. It’s a significant contrast to four years ago, when Trump refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory or attend his inauguration.
US Vice President-elect JD Vance along with his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance received by outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Craig Emhoff, at the White House
US President-elect Donald Trump is set to issue a series of executive orders aimed at revamping America’s immigration policies, AP reported citing incoming White House officials. Among these measures are ending asylum access, deploying troops to the southern border, and abolishing birthright citizenship.
However, the implementation of some of these orders, such as eliminating automatic citizenship for all individuals born in the country, remains uncertain. Others are anticipated to face immediate legal challenges in the courts, as per AP.
An incoming White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, provided a sneak peek at some of the orders expected to be issued later on Monday, AP reported.
Immigrant communities are preparing for the crackdown that Trump had consistently promised throughout his campaign and even during a rally on Sunday, just before his inauguration.
When aides frantically scrambled to relocate Donald Trump’s inauguration indoors, they faced the daunting task of accommodating a multitude of VIP guests and dignitaries who had arrived in town for the grand event. Approximately 700 seats have been strategically placed in the Rotunda, where Trump will formally be sworn in, CNN reported. An additional 1,800 seats are set up within Emancipation Hall, where Trump will proceed after delivering his inaugural address.
Over the past few days, the event has witnessed the arrival of star VIPs vying for specific seats or key allies of Trump requesting tickets for guests and constituents residing in the area. Notably, most of Trump’s substantial donors have made the journey to Washington to witness the inauguration.
Despite the meticulous efforts to ensure the inclusion of as many seats as possible, the reality of relocating the inauguration indoors inevitably means that a significant portion of the audience will be unable to attend in person, as per CNN.
US President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, arrive at St John’s Episcopal Church in Washington’s Lafayette Square for a morning service ahead of his swearing-in as the 47th US president.
According to CNN, US President-elect Donald Trump and first lady-to-be Melania Trump are leaving Blair House near the White House to attend a service at St. John’s Church. Afterwards, the Trumps are expected to meet with US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the White House ahead of the swearing-in ceremony at the US Capitol.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his Special Envoy at the inaugural function of the United States President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC, today. He is carrying a letter from the Prime Minister for President-elect Donald Trump. It has been the general practice to send Special Envoys of the Prime Minister to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Heads of State and Government, ANI reported citing sources.
Pope Francis, writing to incoming US President Donald Trump on Monday, expressed his hope that Trump’s leadership will foster a nation free from hatred, discrimination, and exclusion.
“On the occasion of your inauguration as the forty-seventh President of the United States of America, I offer cordial greetings and the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom, strength, and protection in the exercise of your high duties,” the pope said, as quoted by CNN.
He expressed hope that under Trump’s leadership, “the American people will prosper and always strive to build a more just society, where there is no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion.”
While acknowledging the numerous challenges facing humanity, including the devastating scourge of war, Francis also sought God’s guidance in Trump’s efforts to promote peace and reconciliation among nations.
According to CNN, US President-elect Donald Trump intends to deliver a speech calling for a “revolution of common sense” when he addresses the nation for the first time since taking office for his second term, as per an excerpt of prepared remarks.
“I return to the presidency with confidence and optimism that we are embarking on an exhilarating new era of national triumph,” Trump will also proclaim, although an aide cautioned that Trump might deviate from the script and the remarks could evolve.
“A wave of change is sweeping across the nation. My message to Americans today is that it is time for us to once again demonstrate courage, vigor, and the vitality of the greatest civilization in history.”
As per CNN, aides have indicated that Trump’s speech will differ from the “American carnage” of 2017, reflecting his altered perspective on the presidency and his power this time around. One aide privy to the speech described it as “unifying”, CNN reported.
Trump, on his first day in office, is expected to sign up to 100 executive orders, potentially covering various issues such as deportations, the U.S.-Mexico border, domestic energy, Schedule F rules for federal workers, school gender policies, and vaccine mandates. He has also pledged to issue an executive order extending the time for the sale of TikTok.
Additionally, Trump has requested Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., to draft an executive order prohibiting the development of offshore windmills for electricity generation.
While many of Trump’s measures are likely to face opposition from Democrats, several of the orders will primarily serve as statements of intent based on campaign promises made by Trump.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping may not have personally accepted US President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to his inauguration, but Beijing has taken the rare step of dispatching a top official to join the swearing-in ceremony in Washington.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng is expected to attend today’s inauguration after meeting incoming US Vice President JD Vance Sunday, in a trip observers say is a significant – but potentially risky – goodwill gesture as Beijing looks to avert major friction with Trump and his incoming cabinet of China hawks.
While Han is the most senior Chinese official to attend a US inauguration, his position as vice president is largely symbolic within China’s political system. True authority lies with the ruling Communist Party’s powerful Politburo Standing Committee, from which Han retired in 2022.
But sending a high-profile official – and one who has previously represented Xi at international events including the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III – signals Beijing’s interest in a reset of fraught relations between the US and China, observers say.
Han’s arrival in the US follows a phone call between Xi and Trump on Friday, where the Chinese leader congratulated Trump on his reelection and called for a new start in relations.
Donald Trump and wife Melania Trump launched a pair of meme coins ahead of the Inauguration. On Sunday, Melania launched her cryptocurrency $MELANIA in a social media post, sending her husband’s cryptocurrency $TRUMP, announced two days earlier, plummeting.