On January 20th, 2025, Donald J. Trump became the 47th president of the United States, becoming the second president in United States history to serve two non-consecutive terms, the first being Grover Cleveland in 1837. JD Vance was sworn in as vice president, becoming one of the youngest vice presidents ever.
What is the inauguration?
The inauguration marks the transfer of power to the new president. A highlight of this ceremony is the president taking the oath of office, stating, “I do solemnly swear 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.”
What events took place?
Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended three inaugural balls: the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Starlight Ball. There were musical performances from Carrie Underwood, who performed “America the Beautiful,” along with other artists such as Village People, who performed “Y.M.C.A,” a song that has become a staple of Trump’s campaign.
Who attended?
Many former presidents such as Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton attended the event, along with notable celebrities, athletes, and billionaires. Former President Joe Biden and former Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris were present, though Trump did not attend Biden’s inauguration in 2021.
What has Donald Trump done so far in office?
Donald Trump has promised to make a lot of changes and has already signed numerous executive orders. Trump promised in his inaugural speech that these orders would bring a “complete restoration of America.” Listed below are some of the most notable actions Trump has taken in his second term as president.
- Pardoned nearly all participants in the January 6th attack on the United States Capitol in 2021.
- Signed an order pulling the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations agency that focuses on global public health, because of alleged corruption and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Signed an order that paused the current ban on TikTok for 75 days.
- Withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty designed to lower global emissions.
- Signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born from parents who are in the United States illegally, however, it is doubtful if he is able to do this because birthright citizenship is guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.
- Ordered for the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed “The Gulf of America” and Denali to be renamed Mount McKinley.
- Signed an executive order that recognizes only “two sexes, male and female,” which will stop the “X” gender being used on passports and other documents for people who identify as non-binary.
- Declared a national border crisis, sending troops to the southern border and beginning what will be “the largest deportation operation in American history.”
