Trump inauguration live updates: Donald Trump moves swiftly to implement his new agenda

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

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Last updated: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 3:16AM GMT
LIVE: The second inauguration of Donald J. Trump
LIVE: The second inauguration of Donald J. 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.

After he is through signing the orders, Trump will attend inaugural balls tonight.

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Jan 20, 2025, 3:26 PM

Watch ABC News coverage of Trump inauguration

ABC News will have comprehensive coverage throughout the inaugural events -- led by "World News Tonight" anchor and managing editor David Muir.

A primetime special anchored by Muir, "The Second Inauguration of Donald J. Trump - An ABC News Special," will air Monday night at 10 p.m. EST on ABC and Tuesday on Hulu.

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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 signs an executive order as he attends an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington.
AP Photo/Evan Vucci

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Jan 20, 2025, 11:30 PM GMT

Trump says he will pardon Jan. 6 'hostages' tonight

Almost immediately after Trump took the stage, he said he would be signing pardons for Jan. 6 rioters.

"Tonight, I'm going to be signing on the J6 hostages, pardons to get them out," Trump said. "And as soon as I leave, I'm going to the Oval Office and we'll be signing pardons for a lot of people. A lot of people."

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Jan 20, 2025, 11:29 PM GMT

Steve Witkoff touts ceasefire deal, brings up families of hostages

Steve Witkoff, the first speaker following the parade in Capital One Arena, touted the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Gaza, a day after some hostages returned home.

"This achievement demonstrates the strength President Trump's leadership and the respect he commands on the global stage," Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, said. "It is yet another example of his ability to deliver results in the most complex and challenging situations."

The family members of several hostages, including those whose loved ones have been released and those who are still being held in Gaza, are in attendance. They received a large round of applause from the audience and also shook hands with Trump.

During his remarks, Witkoff also outlined some of Trump's foreign policy principles, including "reciprocity and accountability."

"We are done carrying the financial burden for nations that are unwilling to fund their own progress. The days of blank checks are over," he said to applause.

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Jan 20, 2025, 11:11 PM GMT

Trump, Vance families look on as parade passes in review

The Trump and Vance families are all gathered together watching as the parade rolls on in Capital One Arena.

Vance's young children are seated near him in the front row. His son, Vivek, was seen leaning over the presidential seal placed on the risers.

Barron Trump, the president's youngest son, is also in the first row next to Melania Trump.

From left to right: VP JD Vance, his son Vivek, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend an indoor inauguration parade event in Washington on Jan. 20, 2025.
From left to right: VP JD Vance, his son Vivek, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend an indoor inauguration parade event in Washington on Jan. 20, 2025.
Vice President JD Vance, left, President Donald Trump, right, and Vance's son Vivek attend at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington on Jan. 20, 2025.
Vice President JD Vance, left, President Donald Trump, right, and Vance's son Vivek attend at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington on Jan. 20, 2025.
Second lady Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance stand on stage with their three children at an indoor inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Second lady Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance stand on stage with their three children at an indoor inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Ivanka Trump arrives at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Ivanka Trump arrives at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
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Jan 20, 2025, 10:55 PM GMT

White House confirms Vivek Ramaswamy is leaving DOGE

The White House confirmed to ABC News that Vivek Ramaswamy, who Trump had picked to help lead his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, will now step aside to focus on running for governor of Ohio.

"Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create DOGE," Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Anna Kelly told ABC News in a statement. "He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE based on the structure that we announced today. We thank him immensely for his contributions over the last 2 months and expect him to play a vital role in making America great again!"

Vivek Ramaswamy arrives before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Vivek Ramaswamy arrives before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.

An Ohio operative told ABC News last week that Ramaswamy would announce his gubernatorial run soon.

"Vivek's base plan remains [the] same: to get accomplishments at DOGE and then announce a run for governor shortly," the operative said.