Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic second term and an extraordinary political comeback. With one hand raised and the other placed on a Bible gifted by his mother, Trump took the solemn oath of office beneath the grand Rotunda of the US Capitol.
This unique inauguration ceremony, held indoors due to frigid weather, was a departure from the typical outdoor spectacle, offering a more intimate yet equally significant setting. Trump, now stepping into a second term, vowed to take bold action on key issues, including immigration and cultural policies, signaling the start of an ambitious agenda.
In a notable shift from his absence at President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration, Trump and Biden participated in several traditional ceremonial moments together. Earlier in the day, both leaders and their spouses met for tea at the White House, where Biden greeted Trump with a warm, “Welcome home.”
The motorcade journey to the Capitol was another nod to tradition, symbolizing unity and the peaceful transfer of power, even in the context of political rivalry.
The ceremony was attended by former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, accompanied by former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. This show of bipartisan support underscored the enduring importance of democratic processes and traditions.
However, the absence of Michelle Obama was noticeable. While reasons for her decision to skip the event remain private, her absence was a quiet reminder of the divisions that have shaped recent years in American politics.
AFP