Ruth Semilore
Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House for a second, non-consecutive term.
This unprecedented return follows his first term as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.
The swearing-in ceremony took place indoors at the US Capitol, a departure from tradition due to extremely cold weather conditions.
First, JD Vance, United States Vice President-elect, who represented Ohio in the US Senate from 2023 to 2025, took his oath of office.
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Subsequently, Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to Trump at 12 p.m. ET, with First Lady Melania Trump by his side during the ceremony. PUNCH Online followed the inauguration live on CNN.
The event was attended by a limited audience due to the indoor setting, with approximately 700 guests present, significantly fewer than the anticipated 250,000.
Trump made his oath with his left hand on a bible held by Melania, and his right hand raised.
The oath he took was:
“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help my God.”
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Trump is now making his first speech after being sworn in as president for the second time.
He started by thanking the crowd, Vice President JD Vance and other politicians and justices.
“The golden age of America begins right now,” he says.
He says America will be “the envy of every nation”.
“We will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. I will, very simply, put America first.”
