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Donald Trump will promise a “thrilling new era” for America in his inaugural address at the US Capitol on Monday after he is sworn-in as the 47th commander-in-chief of the United States.
Trump will become the first president since Grover Cleveland to enter the White House for a non-consecutive second term, with the ceremony driven indoors for the first time since Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985 by the punishing sub-zero temperatures currently blasting Washington DC.
“I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success,” the Republican will say, according to pre-released excerpts of his speech.
“A tide of change is sweeping the country.”
On day one, the president-elect has plans in place to sign more than 200 executive orders – a record – covering everything from border security and energy, ending birthright citizenship, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden greeted the incoming president and Melania Trump at the White House by saying: “Welcome home.”
Oliver O’Connell20 January 2025 16:48
Biden pardons family members as last act in office
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.
Oliver O’Connell20 January 2025 16:46
Trump to make good on Gulf of America promise
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.
Oliver O’Connell20 January 2025 16:38
Joe Rogan, Wayne Gretzky and Logan Paul among famous faces at Trump inauguration
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.
Oliver O’Connell20 January 2025 16:33
TikTok CEO arrives at Capitol Rotunda for inauguration
Oliver O’Connell20 January 2025 16:29
More grumbling from members of Congress over seating arrangements
Here’s our report of some of the earlier griping about who gets to sit where today:
Oliver O’Connell20 January 2025 16:27
Governors are seated in overflow room as tech CEOs get prime spots
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.
Oliver O’Connell20 January 2025 16:24
