Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president Monday, returning to power with a promise to end America’s decline and to “completely and totally reverse” the actions of the man who drove him from office four years ago.
Trump overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, and he planned to act swiftly after the ceremony. Dozens of executive orders were prepared for his signature to clamp down on border crossings, increase fossil fuel development and end diversity and inclusion programs across the federal government.
The orders from the incoming Republican president will begin the process of unraveling the Democratic agenda of Joe Biden, whose term ended at noon, moments before Trump took the oath of office.
Declaring that government faces a “crisis of trust,” Trump said in his inaugural address that under his administration, “our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced.”
Trump claimed “a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal," promising to “give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom.”
“From this moment on,” he added as Biden watched from the front row, "America’s decline is over.”
The executive orders are the first step in what Trump calls “the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense."
Other goals will prove more difficult, perhaps testing the patience of supporters who were promised quick success. Trump has talked about lowering prices after years of inflation, but his plans for tariffs on imports from foreign countries could have the opposite effect.
Frigid weather rewrote the pageantry of the day. Trump’s swearing-in was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda — the first time that has happened in 40 years — and the inaugural parade was replaced by an event at a downtown arena. Trump supporters who descended on the city to watch the ceremony outside the Capitol from the National Mall were left to find other places to view the festivities.
At the Capitol, Vice President JD Vance was sworn in first, taking the oath read by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on a Bible given to him by his great-grandmother. Trump followed moments after noon, using both a family Bible and the one used by President Abraham Lincoln at his 1861 inauguration as Chief Justice John Roberts administered his oath.
A cadre of billionaires and tech titans — including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai — were given prominent positions in the Capitol Rotunda, mingling with Trump's incoming team before the ceremony began. Also there was Elon Musk, the world's richest man, who is expected to lead an effort to slash spending and federal employees.
Stopping at the White House on their way to the Capitol, Trump and his wife, Melania, were greeted by Biden and first lady Jill Biden for the customary tea and coffee reception. It was a stark departure from four years ago, when Trump refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory or attend his inauguration.
“Welcome home,” Biden said to Trump after the president-elect stepped out of the car. The two presidents, who have spent years bitterly criticizing each other, shared a limo to the Capitol. After the ceremony, Trump walked with Biden to the building's east side, where Biden departed via helicopter to begin his post-presidential life.
Trump followed Biden's departure with freewheeling remarks to supporters, revisiting a litany of conspiracy theories about voter fraud and grievances against perceived enemies such as former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, whom he called “a crying lunatic.”
He spoke for even longer than in his inaugural address, saying, “I think this is a better speech than the one I gave upstairs.”
Trump's inauguration realized a political comeback without precedent in American history. Four years ago, he was voted out of the White House during an economic collapse caused by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Trump denied his defeat and tried to cling to power. He directed his supporters to march on the Capitol while lawmakers were certifying the election results, sparking a riot that interrupted the country’s tradition of the peaceful transfer of power.
But Trump never lost his grip on the Republican Party and was undeterred by criminal cases and two assassination attempts as he steamrolled rivals and harnessed voters’ exasperation with inflation and illegal immigration.
Trump used his inaugural address to repeat his claims that he was targeted by political prosecutions, and he promised to begin “fair, equal and impartial justice.” He also acknowledged that he was taking office on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which honors the slain civil rights hero. “We will strive together to make his dream a reality,” he said.
Now Trump is the first person convicted of a felony — for falsifying business records related to hush money payments — to serve as president. He pledged to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution from the same spot that was overrun by his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. He’s said that one of his first acts in office will be to pardon many of those who participated in the riot, and he referred to them as “hostages” on Monday.
“It’s action, not words, that count, and you’re going to see a lot of action," Trump said.
Eight years after he first entered the White House as a political newcomer, Trump is far more familiar with the operations of federal government and emboldened to bend it to his vision. Trump wants to bring quick change by curtailing immigration, enacting tariffs on imports and rolling back Democrats’ climate and social initiatives.
He has also promised retribution against his political opponents and critics, and placed personal loyalty as a prime qualification for appointments to his administration.
Trump has pledged to go further and move faster in enacting his agenda than during his first term, and already the country's political, business and technology leaders have realigned themselves to accommodate him.
Democrats who once formed a “resistance” are now divided over whether to work with Trump or defy him. Billionaires have lined up to meet with Trump as they acknowledge his unrivaled power in Washington and his ability to wield the levers of government to help or hurt their interests.
Long skeptical of American alliances, Trump's “America First” foreign policy is being watched warily at home and abroad as Russia's invasion of Ukraine will soon enter its third year, and a fragile ceasefire appears to be holding in Gaza after more than 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. Trump, who had promised to end the Ukraine war even before he was sworn-in, did not mention the conflict in his inaugural address.
Trump said he would lead a government that “expands our territory,” a reference to his goals of acquiring Greenland from Denmark and restoring U.S. control of the Panama Canal.
He also said he would “pursue our manifest destiny into the stars" by launching American astronauts to Mars. Musk, the owner of a space rocket company with billions of dollars in federal contracts, cheered and pumped his arms above his head as Trump spoke.
Trump plans to crack down on the U.S. southern border with a playbook that's similar to his first term — declaring a national emergency, limiting the number of refugees entering the U.S. and deploying the military.
He's also expected to try to end birthright citizenship automatically bestowed on people born in the U.S. and to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government.
AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro, and AP writers Josh Boak, Lindsey Bahr, Will Weissert and Aamer Madhani contributed to this report.
© Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
94 Comments
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Newgirlintown
Let the crazy begin.
Underworld
That will be a change. Because there was precious little action last time.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Let's just hope there is still an America to swear in the 48th president.
fxgai
After all the lawfare and media bias against him, American democracy prevailed. Alls well that ends well.
John-San
Do your best for your plutocracy mate and don’t worry about nutter leftists. All fart and not go. The world autocracy is against your stupidly but just do your best. Who cares about those when they hate you and do there best to bring you. You do a great job of that yourself. So enjoy the power that idiocy crowd have trusted you with. Keep dodging those bullets because there will be plenty more. God save the rest of the world.
Japantime
It was amazing to see this type of event live on TV. They showed it live in every country. You can see why he was elected as President. The crowd was happy and all Americans are walking a lot taller today.
Tamarama
It's funny, in 2016 it just seemed completely ludicrous that Donal Trump would be elected President of the US. It was comedic, a farce. Beyond ridiculous..
In 2025, it seems about right for the US.
Cue 4 years of unhinged headlines and unfettered nonsense.
Thanks very much, the people of America....
TaiwanIsNotChina
The "crowd" was invited MAGAs and people who had to be there.
didou
Order to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement is a first big mistake. , and it’s gonna be many from him
Arrrgh-Type
Apparently, Trump couldn't even be bothered to put his hand on thr Bible when he was sworn in. Not that anybody expected him to take his oath seriously, anyway.
plasticmonkey
All the tech titans in the front row.
The little people finally have their rightfully prominent place in government!
Bret T
Very excited to see the US get back on the course that the majority of us desire: secure our borders; get the Federal government out of our schools (and PTA mtgs); go back to a two-gender country; deport criminals in the country illegally; support our law enforcement and let them do their jobs; end "lawfare"; become energy independent; stay out of International conflicts unless we or close allies are threatened. The list could go on and on.
I believe Trump will be a better president this term than he would have if he'd gone straight from #45 to #46. With all he's been through over the last 4 years, he's learned a lot and worked on his agenda and solidified his supporters.
JJE
Photo 3 at the bottom sums up the mood in a nutshell:
Welcome back, Mr President!
bass4funk
This is just beyond fantastic, the nightmare is over and so it begins, the border will be completely and illegals are out on notice so it’s happening all in real time. So happy!
bass4funk
I agree 100%!
TaiwanIsNotChina
This will never happen. He who pays the piper calls the tune and states pay for education.
Also will never happen. Proclamations on Trump's understanding of biology have no legal value.
IOW, carry on as before.
Close allies are threatened in Eastern Europe.
bass4funk
I’m happy he did leave, finally.
NOMINATION
Tech titans didn't bother you 4 years ago.
Jimizo
He certainly provided material for media and comedians last time.
Hope he does more help people in need this time around.
JJE
Attacking the "tech titans" is more than a little bit gratuitous as there was no problemo when they were barracking for Joe.
Michael Machida
Let the Mayhem begin!
Yrral
Trump will crater the US economy,lots of people accept Trump as President,but will not tolerate his violations of rights,it not like they loved, Trump Harris know why she not President,it revolve around her support for Israel
kurisupisu
Truly,a great era is to begin and democracy shines forth in the Land of the Free!
bass4funk
He didn’t last time, and in the end, he won’t.
Anyway, that banter won’t help the left, if Dems wants to win another election, they can’t do what they did that got them booted in the first place.
wallace
A house representative resigns to join Trump's government reducing the GOP House majority to just 3. Now 218-215.
itsonlyrocknroll
Melania Trump is stunning, the hat a touch of class.
WATCH: Donald Trump’s full inaugural address as 47th U.S. president
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MvI_1kYJjw
I wish the US people well, Donald Trump (47) will for better or for worse will present change.
That democracy.
The_Beagle
Our long national nightmare is over. It's morning in America.
ulysses
It was the darkest of times, it was the dumbest of times…..
utorsa
Vice-President JD Vance on Trump:
"He's America's HITLER!"
bass4funk
As long as they stick together on key issues they should be fine. The Senate looks fantastic though, no worries there.
Jimizo
And it could start p##sing down with rain.
Ever heard of judging politicians based on what they actually deliver?
Is that an old-fashioned idea these days?
Bad Haircut
And now we've emerged from them, let the good times roll!
ulysses
Sir, 2029 is 4 years away!!!
bass4funk
Vance is even more shrewd than Trump, loving it.
ulysses
Me too sir, they can be shrewd to each other all they want.
President Musk isn’t bothered too much!!!
maxjapank
Lol. Elon musk with a nazi salute to the cheers are everyone! The crazy has already begun. /smh
ulysses
Sir, it’s actually night right now, daybreak is 4 years away!!!
CigarLUV88
God bless you President Trump! His first executive orders are already working! Illegals are at the border crying probably a fake actor but it’s time to Make America Great once Again!
Biden left America in the garbage bin! One of Trumps executive orders is going to be ending propaganda on tv and the news!
ulysses
Very true sir, we’ll provide him a nice couch.
President Musk will ensure that!!!
Aly Rustom
Not a fan of Trump, BUT SOOOO happy to see Biden go.
itsonlyrocknroll
Under estimate JD Vance at your peril, I will not, at present bet against Vance as 48.
JD Vance and Tim Walz vice presidential debate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAGZGQg31hs
Tim Walz foolishly made that mistake.
Peter Neil
and now begins the biggest grift in history.
no more elections for trump. he’s going to go full scam mode because it doesn’t matter anymore.
he refused to sign the financial ethics documents that presidents sign before taking office.
his pocket supreme court essentially nullified the emoluments clause of the constitution by saying he has total and complete immunity in office.
his and melania’s crap meme coins, with the fingerprints of musk all over them, will suck more money out his maga cult followers than all of the other grifts in total. the top people in crypto are saying it is such a blatant con that it can destroy crypto. the terms of the coins are the most horrific ever written.
bass4funk
Nice
No, but the Dems will have to see if they want to run on the same policies that made them almost extinct as a party or moving forward and just using common sense policies to address the average Americans then perhaps, now, it doesn’t seem like it.
bass4funk
Oh, please! Lol
Hope so
Biden preemptively pardoned his family
The last 8 of the 11 SC justices cases went the lefts way, so that means, it’s not going Trump’s way.
Really now?
lincolnman
The only thing he will "embolden" are the felons, pervs, and tech billionaires who will shaft the MAGA little guy on their way to fattening their wallets...
it's already started even before he was inaugurated - he threw all his 'America-firsters" under the bus and sided with his billionaire donors to INCREASE immigration - taking jobs away from Americans...
Just like his previous four years, he'll protect and serve the uber-wealthy and stick it to the masses...
You're going to get what you voted for MAGA-friends - the shaft...
wallace
National Energy Emergency
"Drill Baby Drill"
There is no shortage of oil and gas. The US is a net exporter.
ulysses
The nicest there is!!!
Yes sir, President Musk represents average Americans!!!
Peter Neil
yes, really.
easier to fool people than convince them they were fooled.
wallace
The combined wealth of Trump's cabinet is more than $350 billion not including Musk's $450 billion.
Some dude
Anyway, as a British person, I really like the Onion spoof newspaper, and they are already having a ball with this. My favourite so far is "Confused Trump autographs swearing-in bible before handing it back to Justice Roberts".
bass4funk
More is never enough
And now will continue to be an even bigger exporter without the interruptions
itsonlyrocknroll
Governor Josh Shapiro, I suggest will present a worthy opponent to JD Vance.
The democrats may be down but certainly not out.
Ken
The only reason why this happened is because racism and sexism teamed up together
Chabbawanga
America going back to its roots
The Wild West Part Deux
bass4funk
Ok, so Blacks and Latinos that essentially pulled him over the finish line are racists? Wow! And let’s not forget Trump appointed more women than men in his inner cabinet. So as to how he’s racist and sexist is a bit befuddling
Geeter Mckluskie
It's a beautiful thing. Great cabinet. Great agenda. Make the world great! Get the warmongers out! Peace and prosperity to all! God Bless America!
4Tno
What a great time to be alive. Let the golden age begin!
itsonlyrocknroll
Donald Trump lost 2020, Joe Biden rightfully became US President 46.
November 5th 2024, Donald Trump historically regained the White House, the US Presidency.
The Democrats must move on, they deserved to lose.
However, in 4 years all bets could well be off.
Chabbawanga
It is because Democrats allowed the US to stagante, pandering to tiny minority groups rather than tackling more fundamental issues like the cost of living crisis. Democrats have themselves to blame.
If Democrats are "lucky" Trump will be unable to fulfil his promises in the next 4 years. On the other hand, if he does manage to deliver I think you might see the first ever third term president.
owzer
Good times!!
CigarLUV88
Trump signing the executive orders in front of the crowed! Genius
GuruMick
More fossil fuels ...Yah
Profiling Latinos....Yah
Buying Greenland...jury still out but Yah anyway.
The American people have been sold a dodgy used car by a dodgy used car salesman.
Suckers.
wallace
Trump throwing his Executive Order Sharpies into the crowd.
JJE
Trump, at this very moment, is signing over 80 executive orders that will dismantle the Biden legacy, totally holing it below the waterline. And this is just the opening volley apparently: more, bigger and bolder ones to come.
wallace
Posting what Trump said in his speech is off-topic.
bass4funk
Lincoln puts speeches and quotes from people related or not of a topic, all the time, every single time, I don't hear you complaining about that.
Blacklabel
Day 1 is here at last. Let’s goooo!
chotto_2
The irony will be lost on his supporters.... all standing out in the freezing cold cos Trumple thinskin doesn't ant to face a city with barely 70% hotel occupancy.
His friends are not wealth creators; they are wealth hoarders. It's trickle UP economics.
And at least 4 dark years ahead, because if Americans think they're going to have another Presidetial election again, they're out of their minds.
lincolnman
Uh-oh - first his flip on abortion...now this - the evangelicals won't be happy...
"Donald Trump appeared to forget to place his hand on a stack of Bibles held by his wife Melania Trump as he was sworn into office on Monday."
"Trump held up his right hand and repeated the oath of office as read to him by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, as is customary, but his left remained at his side."
https://www.yahoo.com/news/donald-trump-didnt-place-hand-210626528.html
I guess Trump knows what happens when a "false prophet" and "heathen" touches the Bible...
OssanAmerica
Are you sure?
https://theconversation.com/why-china-is-worried-about-a-second-trump-presidency-and-how-beijing-might-react-243134
wallace
Out of 22 Trump cabinet nominations, 13 are billionaires.
JJE
Some reports indicate 200 XOs to be signed.
Trumps senior staff have fanned out all across the WH and taken control of the west wing.
Biden's oval office decor is currently being removed apparently.
Burgerland
The Trump family women sure are a fashionable lot.
bass4funk
Melania and Ivanka looked fantastic!!
Attilathehungry
Daddy's home!
Amazing how, a few short weeks ago, we were treated to an onslaught of media and leftist politicians belaboring the point about how fascism is coming, how The Donald will be Hitler 2.0. etc. Yet now, here we are. Everyone is playing nice, congratulating the victor, behaving with decorum. I guess that is all the evidence we need that the public was being gaslit for months about the danger we faced if Trump were to win.
itsonlyrocknroll
President Trump has set his Presidency some very challenging tasks,
Two wars, both yet to be fully resolved.
Ukraine could well present the most urgent diplomacy headache.
Putin is foaming at the mouth.
Europe pollical belly button gazing between a liberal centre left, with an opposing populist right.
Economies in chaos.
This Trump will insist EU/UK etc contribute more to a Nato security commitment.
Climate change is another bone of contention,.
Before a potential trade war.
All could erupt in the first 200 days. .
CigarLUV88
“Out of 22 Trump cabinet nominations, 13 are billionaires.”
like I said the lefts motto “Hypocrisy”
There were many more billionaires supporting Biden!
The lef’s billionaires are ok the right’s billionaires are bad! Haha guys it gets so old!
TokyoLiving
The nightmare has begun.. The persecution against civil liberties and minorities will not relent.. Democracy is dead in the U.S..
I assure you that Trump will come with more violence, belligerence and fascism, he will be more extremist and the result will be that inevitably in 4 years the next president of the US will be again a Democrat..
Biggest circUS of the world 2.0 has begun, you elect a clown and you get a circus..
wallace
Not all of Trump's executive orders will be legal.
Trump signed an order to end birthright citizenship that is guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. That will be challenged in the courts.
ok1517
Such a great inauguration (NOT!)
What happened to Donald's left hand?
Doing some grabbing practice?
And Melonia looking so happy in her funeral outfit.
Elon Mask already doing the Caesarean (or was it 1933) greeting: "Heil Trump, morituri te salutant".
Barron, that kid following in his father's steps already (still sometimes wonder who his father is)
That Bezos fiancee dressed appropriately for distraction.
But great reactions from President Bush, Hillary Clinton and others - laughing at / about him already!
bass4funk
Democracy is alive, not to be confused with woke, that is dead for sure.
I doubt it, for starters, the Dems don't have the leadership, nor message and they lost a big chunk of their core constituencies
No, we got rid of the clown, he got voted out along with his......VP.
Zaphod
Congratulations, US! A 4 year nightmare is over. I was worried til the last moment that the deep state would try another JFK event.
Now I only hope that some of the populist blow-back will also reach Western Europe, which is in the same elitist nightmare that the US was in until now.
bass4funk
Maybe, so take him to court, go for it. Lol
I hope so, but as of now, it's ended.
lincolnman
And right on cue, "Shadow" President Musk gave us a preview of what is coming....
"Right-wing extremists, white nationalists, and neo-Nazis are celebrating an alarming gesture made by the world's richest man."
"At a post-inauguration rally Monday, Elon Musk thanked Donald Trump's supporters with a gesture that resembled a Nazi salute, first putting his palm to his chest and then extending a stiff right arm toward the crowd, at a slight elevation and with his palm down. It wasn't a one-off. He later repeated the gesture."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/right-wing-extremists-are-abuzz-over-musk-s-straight-arm-salute/ar-AA1xxNgo?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=7dcefe904a9d468c906a494161e9ec9e&ei=49
2025? More like 1933 - and we know how that turned out...
thinkbefore
Good! The cost of living is insane! Do you have dreams of owing a house, having enough money for your retirement? The economy needs to be fixed. This man can do it!
itsonlyrocknroll
Wonderful photo, what catches the eye is Melania Trumps Hat and Ivanka Trump beret, a nod from the French resistance. Or a moment of "Che Guevara" cliché....
lincolnman
Interesting who was a "no-show" at the inauguration today - one of the "high priests" of MAGA-world - STEVE BANNON....
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/bannon-s-absence-from-inauguration-suggests-musk-may-be-getting-the-last-laugh-in-maga-war/ar-AA1xxza2?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=7dcefe904a9d468c906a494161e9ec9e&ei=94
Yes, Steve either didn't get an invitation (unlikely) or he said $%^& you - I ain't going....
You think it has to do with Trump throwing all his MAGA base buds out the window and siding with his Fat Cat immigrant tech bros? The ones Bannon calls "evil"?
The MAGA-Civil-War...getting ultra hot and it's only Day #1....ROFL...
Blacklabel
Signing away all the liberal priorities, bye!
Great executive orders so far, still going.
wallace
Trump signed an order to end birthright citizenship that is guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. That will be challenged in the courts.
It will affect all American citizens.
CigarLUV88
Watching Biden and Kamallia was hilarious!
14th amendment was referring to Americans born in America or naturalized citizens. Not illegals having their babies two feet across the boarder!
Chabbawanga
He can try. The US is nearing the end of a long-term debt cycle, and it requires radical changes to prevent debt spiralling out of control. Filling the pockets of his mates, and scapegoating are not going to cut it. I hope he succeeds.
JJE
Breaking - Trump signed XO pardoning about 1500 Jan 6th people, including a number of commutations, from the Oval Office.
David Brent
It's too late for the UK, but Germany has a chance with the upcoming election if the AfD win big. (Of course, even if the AfD win, the other parties will refuse to work with them, such is their disdain for democracy).
bass4funk
If your parents are illegal and came into the country illegally, they it absolutely should affect them.
CigarLUV88
Trump will most likely get two more justices on the Supreme Court