Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to the White House for a second, non-consecutive term.
This unprecedented comeback follows his first tenure as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021, solidifying his position as a key figure in modern American politics.
The swearing-in ceremony, held indoors at the US Capitol due to extreme cold, broke with the traditional outdoor setting.
Vice President JD Vance, who served as a senator from Ohio from 2023 to 2025, was the first to take his oath of office. Trump followed shortly after, taking his oath at exactly 12 p.m. ET, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.
With First Lady Melania Trump standing by his side, Trump placed his left hand on a Bible held by Melania and raised his right hand to take the oath:
“I 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.”
The ceremony was attended by approximately 700 guests due to the indoor setting, a marked reduction from the 250,000 who had been expected for an outdoor event. PUNCH Online followed the proceedings live, streamed by CNN.
In his inaugural address, Trump expressed gratitude to the attendees, including Vice President Vance, fellow politicians, and Supreme Court justices. Declaring the dawn of a transformative era, he said, “The golden age of America begins right now.”
Trump emphasized a return to the core principles of his previous administration, pledging to make America “the envy of every nation” and reiterating his commitment to “America First.”
“We will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. I will, very simply, put America first,” he declared, setting the tone for his second term.
Further details of his address and policy priorities are expected to follow, as the United States and the world react to this historic moment in American politics.