Pres. Donald Trump moves swiftly to implement his new agenda after inauguration

Donald Trump took the presidential oath for a second time at the Capitol.

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Last updated: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:03AM GMT
Trump returns to power in historic inauguration
Dignitaries from across Washington and around the world gathered into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda to watch power transfer peacefully from Democratic former President Joe Biden to his Republican successor, Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump returned from a campaign-style rally at a Washington, D.C., arena to the White House to sign more executive orders, including a sweeping one that pardoned those convicted of storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Earlier after taking the oath of office and events at the Capitol, Trump spoke to a roaring crowd at Capital One Arena, where he also signed several executive orders.

Now that he's finished signing the orders, Trump is attending several inaugural balls.

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Jan 20, 2025, 10:40 AM

Photos show inauguration events, preps, protests

From events for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump to excitement from eager attendees and outrage from protesters, here's a look at the most recent photos.

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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the Commander-In-Chief inaugural ball in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025.
JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

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Jan 20, 2025, 5:00 PM GMT

Theme for inauguration is 'our enduring democracy'

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, who sit on the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, are speaking on the importance of democracy.

"Our theme this year is our enduring democracy, the presence of so many presidents and vice presidents here today is truly a testament to that endurance," Klobuchar said in her opening remarks.

Fischer noted the past several years have been a "trying" time for the nation but today's events marks its 60th inauguration ceremony.

"Endurance through the years is the ultimate test," she said. "To persevere through time is the truest measure of an idea."

Jan 20, 2025, 4:59 PM GMT

Biden announces pardons of family members minutes before Trump takes oath

President Joe Biden issued pardons to his siblings and their spouses in the final minutes of his presidency.

"My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me -- the worst kind of partisan politics. Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end," Biden said in a statement.

He pardoned his siblings, Valerie Biden Owens, Francis Biden and James Biden, as well as Owens' husband, John Owens, and James Biden's wife, Sara Jones Biden.

"The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense," Biden said.

Jan 20, 2025, 4:45 PM GMT

Trump enters Capitol Rotunda for transfer of power

Trump walked into the Capitol Rotunda solo as he prepares to be sworn in for another four years.

It is a historic moment, as he is the first president in more than a century to win non-consecutive terms. He will also be the first convicted felon to serve as president.

Jan 20, 2025, 4:33 PM GMT

Trump's children at his side but won't join his administration

Trump's five children were seen entering the Capitol, moments before he is set to be sworn in for a second term.

Unlike his first term, none will serve in his administration.

Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, were advisers in the West Wing during his first presidency. But neither are returning this time around. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are currently leading the Trump Organization.