WASHINGTON: Donald Trump took the oath of office on Monday, becoming the 47th president of the United States and making history with one of the most extraordinary comebacks in American politics. Overcoming four criminal indictments and surviving two assassination attempts, Trump reclaimed the presidency after his 2020 defeat.
The 78-year-old was sworn in at a private inauguration ceremony held inside the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures in Washington, D.C. This marked a poignant return to the same building stormed by his supporters four years ago in an effort to block the certification of his election loss. Trump recited the oath of office using two Bibles: one gifted by his mother in 1955 and another used by President Abraham Lincoln during his 1861 inauguration. JD Vance was sworn in as vice president moments before Trump.
In his inaugural address, Trump proclaimed, “The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.” The speech, lasting about 30 minutes, was filled with promises of change and a vision of renewed strength for the nation.
Supporters greeted Trump’s arrival at the Capitol with chants of “USA! USA!” In contrast, outgoing President Joe Biden, seated behind Trump during the ceremony, faced sharp criticism as the new president denounced the “radical and corrupt” administration he succeeded.
Calling his inauguration “liberation day,” Trump painted a grim picture of a nation grappling with crime and illegal immigration, blaming the previous administration for fostering “sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals.” Trump vowed swift action, stating, “All of this changes starting today,” and claimed a mandate to correct what he described as the “horrible betrayal” under Biden.
Prominent figures, including Trump’s family, Cabinet nominees, and tech billionaires such as Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, and Elon Musk, were present at the ceremony. The event also featured performances by opera singer Christopher Macchio, who sang “Oh, America!,” and country star Carrie Underwood, who delivered a rendition of “America the Beautiful” after Trump’s address.
Trump’s return to office is historic in multiple ways. He is only the second former president to win back the presidency after losing it, following Grover Cleveland in 1893. He also becomes the first impeached president and the first convicted felon to serve as commander-in-chief, as well as the oldest president inaugurated in U.S. history.
