Guests Gather at U.S. Capitol for Inauguration – One America News Network
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory, Sophia Flores
8:23 AM – Monday, January 20, 2025
A multitude of distinguished guests gathered at the Capitol building to witness the second inauguration of Donald Trump, following his initial inauguration in 2017.
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Notable figures in attendance included former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
Current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was seen in the Rotunda, alongside former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was previously removed from office on October 3rd, 2023, engaging with fellow Congress members.
Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Club (UFC), made an appearance following his time with Trump and Joe Rogan during the president-elect’s pre-inauguration celebrations.
Tech entrepreneurs Mark Zuckerberg, Shou Chew, and Elon Musk were also prominent figures at the event.
Shou Chew, the Singaporean CEO of TikTok, attended after recent developments regarding the app. Although TikTok faced bans before Biden’s departure from office, it is now fully operational for many American users. Trump assured the company he would sign an executive order following his inauguration to postpone a federal ban on the app.
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” TikTok stated. “We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.”
Shortly after 11 a.m. ET, the Trump children — Eric, Tiffany, Barron, Ivanka, and Don Jr. — were spotted entering the venue to take their places.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng’s attendance at the swearing-in ceremony marks an unusual diplomatic gesture, despite Chinese leader Xi Jinping not accepting Trump’s invitation personally. Zheng met with incoming U.S. Vice President JD Vance the previous day.
Argentinian President Javier Milei, the first foreign leader to engage with Trump after the November 5th elections, traveled from Buenos Aires to visit Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend and was seen mingling with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Approximately 800 guests were expected in the Capitol Rotunda for the swearing-in, with an additional 1,300 guests in the Emancipation Hall, and 500 attendees in the Capitol Visitor’s Center theater.
On Monday morning, enthusiastic supporters withstood the chilly weather to participate in the historic event, with queues stretching four city blocks at Capital One Arena to celebrate President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Conversely, a group of anti-Trump celebrities took time to protest against his upcoming term, including actress America Ferrera, singer Madonna, actress Ashley Judd, singers Cher and Katy Perry, comedian Amy Schumer, actresses Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore, actor Michael Moore, and actress Debra Messing.
Pope Francis sent “cordial greetings” to President-elect Donald Trump, extending his prayers for guidance.
“I ask God to guide your efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples,” Pope Francis conveyed in a message directed to the president-elect.
“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,” his message continued.
“Inspired by your nation’s ideals of being a land of opportunity and welcome for all, I hope that under your leadership, the American people will prosper and always strive to build a more just society, free from hatred, discrimination, or exclusion.”
Donald and Melania Trump are set to officially move into the White House today.
“I already packed. I already selected the furniture that needs to go in. So it’s, it’s very different, a transition, this time, second time around,” Melania Trump shared with Fox News earlier.
Before his presidency officially concludes and Donald Trump is federally inaugurated, President Biden shared his final “selfie” as Commander-in-Chief.
On Inauguration Day, prior to Trump’s swearing-in, the Bidens spent their last morning in the White House by sending farewell messages on social media to their supporters.
“One more selfie for the road. We love you, America,” Biden captioned a post on X, accompanied by a selfie with his wife Jill.
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