President-elect Donald J. Trump, along with his wife Melania, was welcomed by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House on January 20. The two couples shared tea before traveling together to the U.S. Capitol for Trump's swearing-in ceremony as the 47th president of the United States.
Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to Trump, with Melania holding two Bibles—one from Trump's childhood and another used by Abraham Lincoln in 1861. The inauguration ceremony, marking the 60th presidential inauguration, was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to cold weather conditions.
JD Vance took his oath as vice president, sworn in by Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Following his swearing-in, President Trump embraced Melania and received applause from his children.
In his inaugural address, Trump spoke longer than during his first inauguration in 2017. He acknowledged that this year's event coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and highlighted his political comeback: “In America, the impossible is what we do best.” He also outlined policy plans for the next four years.
The low temperatures led to an indoor parade at Capital One Arena, providing entertainment for Vice President Vance's family and others present. Several marching bands performed inside for an audience of around 20,000 people celebrating alongside the new administration.
Later that evening, President Trump and First Lady Melania attended several inaugural balls across Washington D.C., including the Liberty Ball at Walter E. Washington Convention Center where they danced alongside Vice President Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.