In a historic return to the White House, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on 20 January 2025. The ceremony, traditionally held outdoors, was moved indoors to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures and high winds, marking the first indoor inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s in 1985.
Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to President Trump, who notably did not place his hand on a Bible during the swearing-in—a departure from tradition. J.D. Vance was sworn in as Vice President, marking the commencement of their term.
The inauguration was attended by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses, reflecting a unified front despite the nation’s polarized political climate. The event also featured performances by artists such as Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood, adding a celebratory tone to the proceedings.
In his inaugural address, President Trump reiterated his “America First” agenda, emphasizing plans to end birthright citizenship and declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. He also announced intentions to reclassify Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and to exit the Paris Climate Agreement, signaling a return to policies from his previous term.
The day’s events included a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church and an inaugural parade held at the Capital One Arena, adapted for indoor viewing due to the inclement weather. Security was notably heightened, with agencies such as the U.S. Capitol Police and the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of attendees.
President Trump’s return to office marks only the second time in U.S. history that a president has served non-consecutive terms, the first being Grover Cleveland in 1893. As the nation embarks on this unprecedented chapter, the administration’s forthcoming policies are poised to reshape the political landscape once again.
On a lighter note, Rev. Lorenzo Sewell brought passionate energy to President Trump’s inauguration with his benediction. The Michigan pastor, drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech, mixed patriotic anthems and gospel hymns into a vibrant three-minute prayer. As he urged America to “begin to dream again,” Sewell’s uplifting invocation not only honoured the legacy of a civil rights icon but also added a touch of hope and unity to the day’s proceedings.
