Donald Trump has officially been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House for a second term.
The ceremony took place inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, where Chief Justice John Roberts administered the presidential oath to Trump. Concurrently, Justice Brett Kavanaugh officiated the swearing-in of Vice President J.D. Vance.
Vance was the first to take the oath, stating, “I James David Vance do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
Following suit, Trump affirmed his commitment to the nation by reciting, “I Donald John Trump do solemnly swear (or affirm) 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 me God.”
Trump succeeded President Joe Biden, who completed one term before withdrawing his candidacy to endorse Kamala Harris for the election. Harris was ultimately defeated by Trump in the November 5 election. In his final address from the Oval Office, Biden reflected on his tenure, highlighting his administration’s achievements and expressing gratitude to the American people. However, he also voiced concerns about the concentration of power, warning, “Today, I warn the country about some things that give me great concern,” pointing to “a dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultra wealthy people” and the potential “dangerous consequences if their abuse of power is not checked.” Biden concluded by expressing his pride in the accomplishments of his administration and his hopes for America’s continued success.
