Visual Highlights of Donald Trump’s Inauguration | US News
Donald Trump is now serving as the 47th president of the United States, in addition to having previously held the office as the 45th president. He is a businessman known for his ability to captivate an audience.
A wide array of attendees, including former presidents, members of the Trump family, tech moguls, and international politicians, gathered for this landmark occasion.
As the 78-year-old arrived in the Rotunda, relocated for the ceremony due to severe cold outside, he was greeted with enthusiastic cheers and applause.
In an awkward moment, he reached for his wife Melania, attempting to kiss her, before exchanging greetings with his predecessor, Joe Biden, who stood alongside the now-former vice president, Kamala Harris.
Notable former presidents present included Bill Clinton accompanied by his wife, former presidential candidate and Trump rival Hillary Clinton.
Barack Obama attended solo, while George Bush was there with his wife, Laura.
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Mr Trump and Melania share awkward kiss
Following his swearing-in, the Republican delivered a speech unveiling broad new initiatives concerning immigration, climate policy, and gender equity.
The night before his inauguration, Mr Trump held a concluding rally in Washington DC, teasing a flurry of executive orders scheduled to be enacted once he returns to the Oval Office.
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On stage with him was Elon Musk, his new efficiency advisor, with whom he celebrated by dancing alongside the Village People as they performed the classic hit YMCA.
Donald Trump dances with The Village People at the final rally before his inauguration. Pic: AP
Elon Musk reacts as President Donald Trump speaks the night before his inauguration. Pic: AP
After enjoying a candlelit dinner at the National Building Museum, he returned to Blair House, known as The President’s Guest House, to get ready for the momentous day ahead.
Donald Trump speaks the night before his inauguration at the Building Museum. Pic: AP
On the morning of the inauguration, festivities began at St John’s Church, often referred to as the “Church of the Presidents”.
Donald Trump’s vice president JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance arrive at St John’s Church. Pic: Reuters
This gathering is one of the most private moments of the inauguration, strictly limited with no television cameras allowed inside the quaint, yellow-painted church.
Donald Trump greets his vice president JD Vance at St John’s Church. Pic: Reuters
Ivanka Trump looks after her sons Joseph and Theodore at St John’s Church. Pic: Reuters
After the meaningful prayer service, vice president JD Vance headed to the White House to meet outgoing VP Kamala Harris along with their spouses.
VPs past and future – Kamala Harris (centre-right) and JD Vance (far right) – and their partners, Doug Emhoff and Usha Vance. Pic: AP
The Trumps went to tea with the Bidens before they all traveled together to the swearing-in ceremony.
Donald and Melania Trump are greeted by former president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the White House. Pic: AP
Contrastingly, when Joe Biden was inaugurated four years prior, then-President Trump chose not to extend the same respect and entirely skipped the ceremony.
Members of the US Marine Band, The President’s Own, arrive before the inauguration. Pic: AP
While the 46th and 47th presidents shared tea, the Rotunda filled with an audience and musicians in anticipation of the upcoming event.
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg ahead of the inauguration. Pic: AP
Guests arrive ahead of the presidential inauguration in the Rotunda. Pic: AP
Crowds of supporters brave the cold to watch a live broadcast of the ceremony. Pic: AP
On the streets of Washington, thousands assembled to witness the event live on screens.
Read more: Everyone wants a piece of Trump outside inauguration
Former presidents entered the venue, with Barack Obama arriving alone after Michelle decided not to attend.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton arrive. Pic: AP
Former President George W Bush, former first lady Laura Bush and former President Barack Obama. Pic: AP
Once all the guests had arrived, Vance made his entrance accompanied by a grand military band performance.
He was soon followed by Mr Trump, prepared to take the oath of office, placing his hand on two bibles.
One of the bibles was gifted to him by his mother in 1955 to commemorate his Sunday Church Primary School graduation, and the other was the Lincoln Bible, utilized for the inauguration of the 16th US president in 1861.
