Live updates and video: Trump kicks off Inauguration Day pageantry

Key Takeaways:

• Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th U.S. president after overcoming significant legal and political challenges.
• Trump plans immediate executive actions on immigration, including ending asylum access and birthright citizenship.
• Notable figures such as Elon Musk and foreign leaders attend the inauguration.
• Outgoing President Joe Biden issues a record number of pardons and commutations.
• Official social media accounts transition from Biden to Trump, marking a shift in communication platforms.

Trump’s Path Back to the Presidency

Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments, and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, was sworn in today as the 47th U.S. president. His return to the Oval Office marks a significant moment in American politics, as Republicans reclaim unified control of Washington with ambitions to reshape the nation’s institutions.

Inauguration Day Amid Intense Cold

The swearing-in ceremony, initially planned for the Capitol steps, was moved indoors due to intense cold. The festivities began early when the incoming president arrived for a traditional service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, joined a congregation that included entrepreneur Elon Musk, Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio, Argentina President Javier Milei, and his daughter Ivanka Trump.

Notable Attendees and Festivities

Guests filled the historic church on Lafayette Square, reflecting a blend of political, business, and international figures. Meanwhile, long lines formed outside Capitol One Arena as ticket holders braved icy sidewalks to secure seats for the day’s events. Inside, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, underscored by upbeat music like Katrina and the Waves’ “Walking on Sunshine.”

Immediate Immigration Policy Overhauls

On his first day in office, Trump plans to issue a series of executive orders aimed at remaking America’s immigration policies. According to an incoming White House official, the orders include ending asylum access, sending troops to the southern border, and ending birthright citizenship. “It’s unclear how he would carry out some of his executive orders, including ending automatic citizenship for everyone born in the country,” the official noted, indicating that some actions are expected to face immediate court challenges.

Legal Uncertainties and Community Reactions

The specifics of implementing these sweeping changes remain uncertain. Immigrant communities are bracing for the crackdown that Trump promised throughout his campaign, fostering anxiety and prompting preparations for potential legal battles. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, provided a glimpse into the administration’s aggressive approach to immigration reform.

Transition of Power and White House Changes

As Trump’s team moves in, the White House undergoes its own transformation. Cupboards and drawers have been emptied, walls stripped bare, and personal items boxed up, including in Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s office. Most of Biden’s press office staff concluded their government service last week, with a few remaining to facilitate the transition and departure ceremonies.

Biden’s Record-Setting Final Acts

Before leaving office, President Joe Biden set a presidential record for the most individual pardons and commutations issued. On Friday, he announced the commutation of sentences for almost 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. Previously, he commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment. These acts mark significant strides in criminal justice reform during his final days in office.

Social Media Transition and Trump’s Return to X

The shift in power also extends to the digital realm. The White House’s official X account, along with its 37 million followers, will transition from Biden to Trump around midday. This mirrors the 2017 Inauguration Day when the @POTUS account was transferred during Trump’s first term. Twitter had suspended Trump’s personal account, @realDonaldTrump, in 2021 following the Capitol insurrection. However, after Elon Musk acquired Twitter and rebranded it as X, Trump rejoined the platform last summer, though he continues to favor his Truth Social network.

Looking Ahead to a New Administration

As Trump begins his second term, the nation watches closely to see how his policies will unfold. His immediate focus on immigration suggests a swift and assertive approach to governance. Legal challenges are anticipated, and the impact of his actions will be felt both domestically and internationally.

Conclusion

Trump’s inauguration symbolizes more than a return to power; it represents a new chapter fraught with challenges and the potential for significant change. The coming days will reveal how his administration navigates the complexities ahead, shaping the future of the United States.