The second inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the United States was held on January 20, 2025. This was a national ceremony that consisted of a full day of events. The inauguration, normally held outside of the Capitol building facing the National Mall, was held inside the Capitol building this year.

Donald Trump and his committee decided it was best to hold the inauguration indoors because of the polar vortex in Washington D.C., so the ceremony was held in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building. This was the first time a presidential inauguration had been held indoors since Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985. This meant that the guest list for the inauguration was cut down very much for inside the Rotunda, but Capital One Arena was announced as a secondary venue for thousands of Trump supporters. The switching of the inauguration day being fully indoors created a different look for the day.

Donald Trump and JD Vance were sworn in around noon, and they were accompanied by their families and many honored guests. Trump’s wife, children and grandchildren were stylish and in high spirits for the day, while JD Vance’s young family took the media by storm with the joy they brought. Trump’s VIP guests included big names like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerburg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichal and Dana White. Carrie Underwood sang “America the Beautiful” a capella after apparent issues with the music, however, this made for a breathtaking moment with everyone in attendance joining in singing.

Shortly after President Trump and Vice President Vance were sworn in, Trump took the podium for his inaugural speech. Trump began his speech by stating, “The golden age of America begins right now.” Trump went on to share his heart for the nation and his hope that America would be highly respected and supremely powerful in the world. Trump spoke with calm pridefulness and thrilling confidence that showed he meant business right away. Trump later detailed how dismayed he was by the job of the Biden administration, especially with how they have handled the hurricane damage in North Carolina and recent wildfires in California. Trump explained how he and Vice President Vance pledge to work effortlessly to solve all crises with dignity, power and strength.

President Trump and Vice President Vance proceeded to make their way to Capital One Arena, where they were welcomed by thousands of supporters. President Trump recognized his son, Barron Trump, and his granddaughter, Kai Trump, for their major roles in helping win the youth vote by 31 points. Trump then took a seat at a desk and started signing his executive orders live in front of thousands of people. Trump had promised that he would enact these orders if he was elected into office, and he did not fail to waste any time. Some of the first orders that were signed were the emergency at the border, the Remain in Mexico policy, and the removal of birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants. One of President Trump’s major focuses is securing the border, which explains why these executive orders were prioritized. The national energy emergency, the withdrawal from the Paris climate treaty, and the national recognition of only two sexes were also all signed executive orders by President Trump on the day of the inauguration.

The Presidential party continued to make its way around town celebrating at the Inaugural Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Starlight Ball. There were various outfit changes, slow dances, speeches, and live performances at these inaugural balls. For President Trump and Vice President Vance, there were so many interviews and events during the day, so these balls were a time to take in the day and enjoy the moment of history that was taking place.

Donald Trump and JD Vance eventually made their way back to the White House, and Trump went right into the Oval Office. Trump gave the office a complete makeover including one of his most notable items, his Diet Coke button. 

Trump’s night ended with a big decision, as he issued over one thousand pardons to the rioters of January 6th, 2021. In addition, Trump ordered that the 14 rioters who were still in Washington D.C. jail be released immediately. This has currently sparked major controversy in the nation, and remains to be a major headline among news platforms.

It is evident that President Trump means business. Instead of taking this day lightly, Trump held his foot on the gas and got straight to work.

Now, Trump is working to make all his cabinet members official and get settled into the White House. Trump has also taken many questions in the past couple of days, and he has been hammered by reporters since his swearing-in. The US now has a 47th president in the history books, and Americans are eager to see how Trump and Vance work together in leading the United States of America.