LIVE: Trump’s Inauguration Day 2025

President-elect Donald Trump entered the church at 8:46 a.m., wearing a white shirt, dark suit, and dark overcoat. He was accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, dressed in a dark suit and a wide-brimmed hat with a white band, and their son, Barron Trump. From the pool’s limited vantage point, it was unclear if others accompanied them.

The Trumps took seats in the front pew. Shortly before their arrival, Jared Kushner entered the church.

Among others spotted in attendance were Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez, and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who were seated in the same row.

The service is now underway.

The church service concluded after approximately 25 minutes with a rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

Donald Trump, holding hands with Melania Trump and followed by their son Barron, exited the church at 9:16 a.m. He nodded in acknowledgment to several attendees and briefly patted Javier Milei on the arm as he passed.

Among family members who followed the president-elect out were Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Lara Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump.

Notable attendees spotted at the service included Apple CEO Tim Cook, Rupert Murdoch, Sen. Marco Rubio, Sean Duffy, TikTok CEO Shou Chew, Elon Musk, Rep. Mike Waltz, Pam Bondi, Howard Lutnick, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff stepped onto the North Portico at 9:32 a.m. Sen. J.D. Vance’s motorcade arrived a minute later. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, stepped forward for a handshake. Harris said, “Congratulations,” to the incoming vice president, who was wearing a dark blue suit, overcoat, and red tie. Usha Vance was dressed in a light pink coat.

Before the Vances arrived, Harris was asked how she was feeling about the day. “This is democracy in action,” she said.

The two couples posed for photos and walked inside at 9:35 a.m.

The Vances’ visit was not included in the advance schedule shared with the press.

The Bidens stepped out onto the North Portico of the White House at 9:54 a.m.

At the same time, Donald Trump’s motorcade arrived, pulling up to the North Portico. Trump stepped out of an SUV, and President Biden greeted him with the words, “Welcome home.”

Neither president responded to shouted questions from reporters. The two couples then walked inside at 9:55 a.m.

Among the first high-ranking officials to arrive at the Capitol Rotunda this morning was Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who took a seat on the platform where Donald Trump will take the oath of office at noon.

Current and former congressional leaders have arrived including former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and his wife, former Trump Cabinet member Elaine Chao. Former House speakers Kevin McCarthy, John Boehner, and Newt Gingrich.

President Joe Biden confirmed he wrote a letter to Donald Trump ahead of the inauguration.

While waiting at the North Portico for Trump’s arrival, Biden was asked if he had written a letter to his successor. “Yes,” he replied. When pressed about the contents, Biden said, “That’s between Trump and me.”

When asked about his message for the day, Biden initially responded, “Joy,” before pausing briefly and adding, “Hope.”

Supporters are filing into Emancipation Hall, the overflow viewing area in the Capitol Visitor Center, where President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks following the inauguration ceremony.

Among the notable attendees are AI billionaires Sam Altman and Alexandr Wang, YouTube influencers and brothers Logan and Jake Paul, indicted New York Mayor Eric Adams, mixed martial artist and boxer Conor McGregor, comedian and podcaster Theo Von, and former race car driver Danica Patrick.

House and Senate spouses are also seated in the overflow area, awaiting Trump’s address in the historic venue.

The motorcade, carrying both the Bidens and the Trumps, departed from Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House at 10:39 a.m., en route to the U.S. Capitol.

Donald Trump’s motorcade arrived at the U.S. Capitol at 10:47 a.m. following an uneventful ride from the White House.

Bystanders lined Pennsylvania Avenue behind barricades, with some wearing Trump-branded hats and MAGA gear. One person held up a Waffle House sign, drawing attention from the crowd.

Security personnel were stationed along both sides of the avenue as the motorcade proceeded at a steady, slow pace toward the Capitol, where Trump is set to take the oath of office.

Tesla owner Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch, the media magnate behind Fox News, were spotted taking their seats in the VIP area ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. Podcast host Joe Rogan was also seen settling into his seat near the platform.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers mingled freely, with no designated seating arrangements separating the parties. Some were seen taking selfies and chatting as they waited for the official ceremony to begin.

While the majority of attendees at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration are allies, several lawmakers who have been critical of him, and some recently outcast, also arrived to witness the historic event.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, a member of the Democratic leadership, led colleagues into the Capitol Rotunda. The California lawmaker, who was pardoned by President Joe Biden on Monday, previously served on the Jan. 6 committee, which spent over a year investigating Trump’s efforts to remain in office following the 2020 election.

Also present is Rep. Mike Turner, a Republican from Ohio and former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Turner was removed from the position last week by Speaker Mike Johnson, reportedly at Trump’s urging, to replace him with a more conservative member.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., arrived at the Capitol ahead of the inauguration, holding a bright blue cap. When asked how he felt, Schumer responded with a smile, “Feel great about the Bills.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., commented on the day’s mood, saying, “It’s bright, sunny outside and bright in our heart.” He added that he expects “a lot” of executive orders from President-elect Trump.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., smiled and waved to onlookers but declined to comment.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., kept his remarks brief, saying, “Feel great.”

The leaders’ comments reflected a mix of optimism and anticipation as Trump prepares to take the oath of office.

President-elect Donald Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden entered the U.S. Capitol together, walking side by side in a display of tradition during the transition of power.

They were flanked by a military honor guard contingent as they made their way through the halls, followed closely by their wives, Melania Trump and Jill Biden, as well as the outgoing and incoming vice presidents.

“Good morning,” Trump said as he entered the Capitol with Biden.

Asked how they felt, Biden responded: “Well.”

The CEOs of Meta, X, and Amazon are seated prominently in front of President-elect Donald Trump’s entire Cabinet, signaling the significant role Trump has placed on the leaders of some of the world’s most influential tech and social media companies.

Former and current foreign leaders have also arrived at the Capitol Rotunda, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Argentina’s recently elected President Javier Milei.

All living former presidents have arrived at the U.S. Capitol for Donald Trump’s inauguration, followed shortly by the Supreme Court justices.

All of Trump’s children have taken their seats, joining the assembled dignitaries and officials as the ceremony prepares to get underway.

Emancipation Hall overflow viewers jumped to their feet in applause as the president-elect walked into the Rotunda and onto their screens. They started a muted “U-S-A” chant that quickly fizzled as the announcer asked everyone to take their seats for the ceremony.

The bipartisan leaders of the 60th Inaugural Committee opened the swearing-in ceremony with speeches emphasizing the resilience and endurance of American democracy.

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the speakers underscored the importance of unity and the shared commitment to the democratic process. 

“Our great American experiment, grounded in the rule of law, has endured. So as we inaugurate a new president, let us remember that the power of those in this room comes from the people,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the committee chair, said in her speech. 

Her Republican counterpart, Sen. Deb Fischer, echoed that sentiment. 

“Our democracy promised the American people the power to change, to chart their own destiny,” Fischer said. “That’s the beauty that is the importance of democracy. It allows endurance, the permanence of a nation and never change.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain released a joint statement following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States and J.D. Vance as the 50th vice president.

“President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance have now been formally inaugurated, and our country now stands at the threshold of a new era — America’s Golden Age has arrived,” the statement read.

The leaders emphasized their commitment to advancing the administration’s America First Agenda, pledging to collaborate on economic policies aimed at creating jobs, lowering inflation, cutting taxes, and revitalizing the manufacturing sector. They also stressed priorities such as securing the nation’s borders, enforcing laws, increasing government efficiency, and promoting peace through strength.

“From coast to coast, Americans are celebrating because they finally have a government that will be accountable to its people — one that defends liberty, fosters opportunity, and inspires the world,” the statement continued. “As we begin this new chapter of our national story, we move forward with confidence and renewed hope that America’s best days are ahead.”

President Donald Trump on Saturday declared the beginning of a “golden age” for America, vowing to prioritize the nation’s interests above all else and restore its sovereignty.

“The golden age of America begins right now…we will be the envy of every nation…during every single day of the Trump administration I will, very simply, put America first. Our sovereignty will be restored,” said President Trump.

Trump said America’s “decline is over.”

Newly inaugurated President Donald Trump outlined an ambitious agenda on his first day in office, promising sweeping changes across domestic and foreign policy while issuing a series of Executive Orders aimed at addressing key campaign promises.

Elon Musk throew his hands up in the air as Trump announced the U.S. will plant its flag on Mars.

Trump said his administration will “restore” the “integrity” of the U.S. government and expressed optimism about its legacy, stating, “I hope my administration will be remembered as the most consequential in history.”

Trump referenced an assassination attempt during his campaign, saying he feels his life “was saved for a reason” to “make America great again.”

Trump signed several Executive Orders in his speech, including a national emergency declaration at the southern border. “All illegal entry will be immediately halted,” he said, adding that his administration will reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy and terminate the practice of “Catch and Release.”

In a significant policy shift, Trump announced he will designate drug cartels as terrorist organizations and direct his Cabinet to prioritize addressing the inflation crisis. “America will be a manufacturing nation once again,” he said, promising to declare an energy crisis, which he linked to the country’s inflation woes.

The President also vowed to dismantle the New Green Deal and end the electric vehicle mandate, saying, “In other words, you will be able to buy the car of your choice.”

Trump promised to “bring back free speech to America” by ending “government censorship” and pledged that his administration will halt the persecution of political opponents, hinting at his own experiences with such actions.

He also announced plans to roll back progressive gender policies, declaring that official U.S. policies will recognize “there are only two genders, male and female.”

Trump said his administration will reinstate military personnel who were dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and compensate them in back pay for their losses.

Trump said he will “win” for Americans, as he said “our nation has suffered, greatly.”

President Trump, VP Vance and the First and Second Ladies have departed as well as former President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The Trump family is waiting for the remaining former presidents to leave the platform before they are escorted out.

Former President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, joined by President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President Jason Vance, and Mrs. Vance, emerged from the east side of the Capitol at 1:07 p.m. Friday.

At 1:11 p.m., the first couple and the Bidens walked toward Nighthawk 46, a Black Hawk military helicopter stationed nearby. The Bidens boarded the helicopter as the Vances stayed behind, watching from a distance.

Following the departure of the Bidens, the Trumps returned to the Capitol steps to join the Vances. The two couples then walked back inside the Capitol as Nighthawk 46 lifted off at 1:14 p.m.

The helicopter, bound for Joint Base Andrews before continuing to Santa Ynez, California, soared away under cold and windy conditions, with temperatures at 24 degrees.

Among those watching the departure from the Capitol steps were Rep. Mike Johnson, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Guests have begun arriving at the traditional inaugural luncheon held in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall, a bipartisan celebration welcoming President Trump. The event brings together leaders and members from both parties, along with the new president’s guests, fostering a rare moment of unity.

The historic hall, formerly the House chamber, features statues of notable Americans and is set for the occasion with 24 tables draped in blue cloth and adorned with gold-colored cutlery. Each guest is provided with a booklet bearing the presidential seal.

Sen. Richard Durbin was the first to enter Statuary Hall, setting the tone for a diverse mix of attendees. Cabinet members followed, including Pete Hegseth, who greeted House Majority Whip Tom Emmer. Elsewhere, Rep. Lois Frankel engaged in a lengthy conversation with Susie Wiles, Trump’s chief of staff.

Prominent figures like Tulsi Gabbard, Elyse Stefanik, Doug Collins, Pam Bondi, and Sen. Marco Rubio also made appearances. Bondi, Trump’s pick for attorney general, warmly greeted Emmer, saying, “Hi! It’s good to see you!” with a bright smile.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton mingled among the room’s high-profile guests, greeting billionaires Mark Zuckerberg, the owner of Meta, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who attended with Lauren Sanchez.

Rep. Debbie Dingell shared a table with Zuckerbergs and greeted him with an elbow bump rather than a handshake. “I’m going to elbow bump you. I’m not contagious,” she was overheard telling Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, explaining she wasn’t feeling her best but assured them she did not have COVID-19.

The menu reflects bipartisan collaboration, featuring Greater Omaha Angus Ribeye Steak and Minnesota Apple Ice Box Terrine, nods to Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Rules Committee, respectively. The committee is instrumental in planning the inauguration.

After delivering his inaugural address, President Trump, joined by Vice President Vance, convened with aides and congressional leaders in the historic President’s Room near the Senate chamber.

The ornate room, adorned with portraits of George Washington and his first cabinet, has been used for ceremonial events since President Reagan established the tradition of post-address meetings in 1981.

Among those present were House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, and Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Deb Fischer.

President Trump entered at approximately 2:15 p.m. with First Lady Melania Trump. An aide presented him with a half-dozen documents to sign, including nominations for cabinet and sub-cabinet positions and commissions. The session concluded with the signing of a proclamation declaring that flags will be flown at full measure on all future Inauguration Days, beginning with this one.

When asked about his morning meeting with President Biden, Trump described it as “very nice” and praised the gathering as a “beautiful custom.”

The president declined to comment on the pre-emptive pardons issued by Biden earlier in the day, saying, “I’m not going to discuss it now.”

President Trump arrived at Capital One arena at 4:41 pm. Law enforcement officers stood along the route, close together,  with bystanders behind barricades. Crowds along Pennsylvania Ave are much bigger than this morning.

The Capital One Arena was packed as a military band played patriotic music when the press pool entered at 4:45 p.m. The arena, which has a capacity of about 20,000 people, hosted a vast sea of media cameras positioned at one end opposite the stage. This rally served as a substitute for the inaugural parade, which was moved indoors due to the frigid temperatures outside. It was 21 degrees, with a wind chill making it feel like 11.

The crowd chanted “Eric, Eric” when Eric Trump entered the arena at 5:14 p.m. with his siblings, wife Lara Trump, and Melania Trump’s father. Eric stood and pumped his fist, while Don Jr. urged the crowd on. Lara Trump received cheers when she appeared on the big screen and blew the crowd a kiss. Ivanka Trump waved with both hands when the camera turned to her.

At 5:22 p.m., Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance were announced to fanfare. They were accompanied by their three young children, with the vice president holding his daughter, who wore a white dress.

At 5:24 p.m., President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were announced to “Hail to the Chief” and made their way down the steps, through the crowd, to the stage. The first couple stood and applauded as the crowd erupted into chants of “USA! USA!”