Donald Trump sworn in as 47th US President | WATCH
Washington: Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, marking a historic second term and pledging swift action on immigration and cultural policies. This extraordinary comeback sees Trump returning to the White House at the age of 78, following his defeat in 2020.
Trump took the oath of office with one hand on a Bible given to him by his mother, beneath the iconic Rotunda of the US Capitol.
"The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world," he said.
The ceremony, moved indoors due to frigid weather, featured a much smaller audience than usual.
Earlier, Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden travelled together by motorcade to the Capitol, maintaining a sense of tradition. At the White House, the Bidens greeted Trump and his wife, Melania, with a warm welcome. "Welcome home," Biden said as he and First Lady Jill Biden ushered in their successors.
Trump’s return to the White House cements his reputation as a political strongman with a vision of an all-powerful presidency. He has vowed to aggressively reset US policies across key areas, including immigration, trade tariffs, and energy.
The 2024 election saw Trump register a spectacular victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the November 5 polls. His triumph comes despite enduring two assassination attempts, two impeachments, and a criminal conviction — challenges that would have ended most political careers.
His comeback is widely regarded as the most momentous in American political history. Four years ago, Trump left Washington as a pariah, facing immense criticism for his actions during the final days of his first term.
Historic inauguration ceremony
The inauguration ceremony, typically held outdoors, was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures in the US capital. Trump was joined by key family members, including his wife, Melania, his daughter Ivanka, and her husband Jared Kushner.
The event also attracted high-profile attendees such as billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Tim Cook. JD Vance, a prominent ally of Trump, was sworn in as vice president ahead of the new president’s oath.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented India at the ceremony as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy.
Policy shifts on the horizon
Trump is expected to act swiftly during his first day back in office. Reports suggest he will sign a series of executive orders, including measures to begin the process of ending birthright citizenship, a controversial policy that has long been a focal point of his agenda.
“This is a new beginning for America,” Trump declared in a private statement to close aides before the inauguration.