Trump’s 2nd presidential inauguration kicks off in DC as friends and foes flock to nation’s capital
FOX NewsJAN 18
Trump Takes Office as 47th President, Vows Major Policy Shifts
Above: US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administers the oath of office to US Pres.-elect Donald Trump during the 60th presidential inauguration in the rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Morry Gash/Contributor/AP Photo/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres. Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, becoming only the second president to reclaim the White House after losing reelection. Just moments before, Vice Pres. JD Vance took his oath.
The speech, which was moved indoors due to subfreezing temperatures, marked the first indoor presidential swearing-in in four decades, with approximately 500 attendees including former presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton.
In his 29-minute inaugural address, Trump declared, that the "golden age of America begins right now," that he was "saved by God to make America great again" and wants to be a "peacemaker and unifier." He also declared an "end" to what he deemed the "weaponization" of the previous Dept. of Justice.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trump's inaugural address signified a promising future for America, emphasizing a return to national pride, prosperity, and security. His vision of a "golden age" with immediate action on immigration, trade, and energy also promises a revitalized nation. His focus on practical, achievable goals over poetic rhetoric suggests a commitment to tangible progress — heralding an era of unity and confidence.
Democratic narrative
Following his past of dictatorial tendencies, coupled with his coronation-like inauguration, America must prevent Trump from assuming monarchical powers. The Supreme Court's immunity ruling has also dangerously elevated him above the law, eroding democracy's checks and balances. To keep Trump in line with the principles of the first president George Washington, who vowed not to be a monarch, the country must resist any signs of authoritarian creep.