Donald J. Trump took the oath of office on Monday, Jan. 20, during the 60th Presidential Inauguration, marking the beginning of his second presidential term and formally admitting him as the 47th president of the United States.
At 78, Trump became the oldest individual ever elected president and became only the second president in U.S. history, after Grover Cleveland, to be elected to two non-consecutive terms.
His election followed a contentious period during which he was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, making him the first president to serve with a felony conviction.
The swearing-in ceremony was held in the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures, the first indoor inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second term in 1985.
Trump delivered his inaugural address to a scaled-down audience while millions tuned in from home to witness the start of his second presidency.
This year’s inauguration coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a rare alignment seen only twice before—in 1997 for President Bill Clinton’s second term and in 2013 for President Obama’s.
Acknowledging King’s legacy, Trump stated, “In his honor, we will strive to make his dream a reality.”
In his speech, Trump invoked national pride and committed to progress, focusing on economic growth, national security and border protection.
His rhetoric was received with strong applause from the audience in the Capitol building, including at least three standing ovations throughout his address.
“The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump stated during his speech.
He vowed to prioritize the country above all else, saying, “During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first.”
Calling the 2024 presidential race “the greatest and most consequential election in the history of our country,” Trump dubbed January 20, 2025, as “liberation day.”
The ceremony was concluded with a performance of “America the Beautiful” by Carrie Underwood.
Leaders from across the political spectrum reacted to the day’s events.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed optimism on X, writing, “On this Inauguration Day, we look forward to working with President Trump and J.D. Vance to build a stronger, more prosperous America. Together, let’s keep building.”
Senator Mike Lee praised Trump’s swift action on border security, calling it "outstanding action."
Representative John Curtis, though not commenting specifically on the inauguration, expressed his support in December 2024, stating "I want the President to be wildly successful... I want to be helpful."
Representative Mike Kennedy echoed the call for action, saying "It’s a New Day for America! We must secure our border, rebuild our economy, and ensure our families' safety and prosperity. Together, we will make America strong, healthy, and safe again."
Former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris reflected on their tenure in duplicate posts on X, saying, “It has been the honor of our lifetimes to serve you, the American people.”