Donald Trump inauguration recap: Presidential pardons and executive orders on a big first day in office
President Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States of America.
On Monday local time, the Republican took the oath of office at the Capitol Rotunda, returning for his second term as president.
Scroll down for a recap of all the day’s events.
Key Events
Trump says January 20, 2025, is liberation day
“Under our administration of American patriots, we will be working to meet every crisis with dignity and power and strength,” Mr Trump said.
“We will move with purpose and speed to bring back hope, prosperity, safety and peace for citizens of every race, religion, colour and creed for American citizens.
“January 20th, 2025, is liberation day.”
‘Saved by God to make America great again’
“Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250 year history, and I’ve learned a lot along the way,” President Donald Trump said.
“The journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one, that I can tell you.
“Those who wish to stop our cause have tried to take my freedom, and indeed to take my life.
“Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear.
“But I felt then and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason.
“I was saved by God to make America great again.”
Trump welcomes ‘golden age of America’
President Donald Trump has celebrated returning to the presidency, saying every day he will “simply put America first”.
“The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world,” Mr Trump said.
“We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer during every single day of the Trump administration, I will,very simply put America first.”
Melania holds bibles as oath taken
As Donald Trump completed his oath, his wife Melania Trump held a set of bibles.
Mr Trump completed his oath, officially becoming the 47th President of the United States as cheers erupted from the room.
President Donald Trump returned to his seat as Glory Glory Hallelujah was performed before his first speech as 47th president.
Trump sworn in as 47th President of United States
President-elect Donald Trump has completed his oath in the Capitol Rotunda, becoming the 47th President of the United States of America.
“I, Donald John Trump, 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,” Mr Trump said, guided by Chief Justice John Roberts.
J.D. Vance sworn in as vice president
J.D. Vance has become the third youngest man to be sworn in as Vice President of the United States.
Standing alongside him was wife Usha Vance.
Awkward ‘air kiss’ sends internet wild
An awkward ‘air kiss’ shared between Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump has quickly garnered viral attention on social media.
As Mr Trump leant in, he gave Mrs Trump’s cheek an “air kiss”.
“The best ‘Air Kiss’ ever. Does he do ‘Air Guitar’ as well?” one X user asked.
Many were quick to defend the couple, laying blame on Mrs Trump’s brimmed hat.
“President Trump and First Lady Melania just kissed air. It was the hat’s fault,” an observer said.
Committee celebrate ‘peaceful transfer of power’
Chairwoman of the Joint Congressional Committee on inaugural ceremonies Amy Klobuchar has celebrated democracy as former presidents gathered to watch Donald Trump sworn in.
“President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance will take their oaths of office, and we will witness the peaceful transfer of power at the heart of our democracy,” she said.
“This ceremony marks what will soon be 250 years of our democracy.
“It is the moment when leaders, elevated by the will of the people, promise to be faithful to our constitution, to cherish and defend it.
“It is the moment when they become, as we all should be, the guardians of our country through war and peace, through adversity and prosperity.”
Cheers erupt as Trump returns
As Donald Trump entered the Capitol Rotunda, cheers erupted from Republicans and Democrats ready to watch the swearing in.
Mr Trump leant in to wife Melania Trump, giving her an air kiss, before chants of “USA” filled the room.
Trump arrives to be sworn in as 47th US president
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have taken their seats for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Vice President-elect JD Vance took his official seat next, smiling as he sat in front of the Trump family before being sworn in.
Mr Trump followed, entering the Capitol Rotunda where in minutes he will take the oath, becoming the 47th President of the United States of America.
The president-elect will be sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court.
