Photo: Getty Images
Donald Trump has officially become the 47th President of the United States.
On Monday (January 20), Trump was sworn in for his second term in the Capitol Rotunda, a location change that occurred due to freezing weather in Washington D.C.
Trump's inauguration comes after the president-elect staged what he's described as the biggest political comeback in American history. Four years ago, President Joe Biden defeated Trump in the general election amid a major economic collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump attempted to overturn the election, directing his supporters to storm the Capitol as lawmakers were certifying the results. Despite multiple criminal cases, Trump, who also faced two assassination attempts, was successful in his third run for president, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris amid her historic 100-day bid for the White House after Biden dropped out of the race.
During his roughly 30-minute inaugural address, Trump promised to “give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom.”
“From this moment on, America’s decline is over," the president told the crowd of politicians, including Biden and Harris, billionaires, and tech titans, such as Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, and Sundar Pichai, in the Rotunda on Monday.
Trump also detailed several executive orders and policies he plans to mandate on the first day of his term, which he touted as the "Golden Age of America."
Keep scrolling for more important takeaways from Trump's Inauguration.
Trump and Biden Ride Together To Capitol
On Monday, Trump kicked off his inauguration day with a prayer service at St. John's Episcopal Church. The Bidens then greeted Trump and his wife, Melania, for a customary tea and coffee reception at the North Portico of the executive mansion.
"Welcome home," Biden told Trump.
The meeting marked a stark departure from Trump's refusal to acknowledge Biden's victory or attend his inauguration four years ago. Biden and Trump shared a limo to ride together to the Capitol.
Trump and Vance Sworn In By Justices Roberts and Kavanaugh
Before his inaugural address, Trump was sworn in as president, using a family bible and one used by President Abraham Lincoln. Chief Justice John Roberts administered Trump's oath, while Vice President Sen. JD Vance was also sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who has previously been accused of sexual assault and misconduct.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Trump promised to "faithfully execute the office of president of the United States" and "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Trump Begins "Golden Age of America"
"The golden age of America begins right now," Trump said to open his speech as the 47th U.S. president.
"From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world," he continued. "We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer."
Trump also described his presidential victory as a "mandate" to reverse the "betrayal" of the American people, an apparent shot at the Biden-Harris administration. The outgoing president and vice president sat in the front row as Trump delivered his speech, which garnered several standing ovations from Republican attendees.
"From this moment on, America's decline is over," Trump said.
Trump Declares U.S. Government Will Only Recognize Two Genders
During his inaugural address, Trump detailed his agenda on gender and race.
"This week I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life," Trump said.
Trump said there will be only "two genders" under the official policy of the U.S. government. The president also touted that the U.S. will "forge a society that is color-blind and merit-based."
Trump Says He Will Be Remembered As "Peacemaker and Unifier"
On Monday, Trump said his "proudest legacy" will be as a "peacemaker and unifier." Trump made the comment as he celebrated the ceasefire between Israel and the return of hostages that started on Sunday (January 19). Biden and Harris stood and applauded as Trump spoke on the ceasefire.
Trump Acknowledges MLK Day
Trump acknowledged that his inauguration coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a commemoration of the late civil rights hero.
“We will strive together to make his dream a reality,” Trump said.
He also thanked Black and Latino voters for their support in the November election.
"To the Black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote," Trump said. "I have heard your voices in the campaign, and I look forward to working with you in the years to come."
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