President Donald Trump was officially sworn in for his second term in office on Monday, Jan. 20. This inauguration was quite different because Trump is only the second president to be sworn in to a second, non-consecutive term. The first person to do this was Grover Cleveland, who served his first term from 1885-1889, then served his second term from 1893-1897 after defeating Benjamin Harrison. Another reason President Trump’s inauguration differed is because it was held indoors in the Capitol Rotunda. President Trump moved his inauguration inside, citing freezing weather. The inauguration has not been inside since Ronald Regan’s second inauguration in 1985.
Why should Americas watch an inauguration though? LHS students commented on the importance of tuning in for the inauguration. Gabriella Gioulis, a sophomore, said, “It is important because it shows a peaceful transfer of power, which is a big deal for democracy. It also is a chance to see what the new president will do.” Iman Aboud, a sophomore, said, “I think it is important [to watch the inauguration] because it is a historic event where past presidents and other political figures attend.” Finally, Grace Clausen, a sophomore, said, “It is a pivotal moment in history that happens every four years. It is important to look at what is to come for the county.”
The inauguration festivities began early in the day. President Trump and Vice President Vance kept up with the long-standing tradition of attending a church service that morning. The President and Vice President attended a service at St. John’s Church in Washington D.C. President Trump was joined by his wife, Melania Trump, who will be taking over the role of first lady again, and Vice President Vance was in attendance with his wife Usha Vance, who will be assuming the role of second lady.
After President Trump and Vice President Vance attended the church service, they went to the White House. While they were at the White House, President Trump met with outgoing President Biden, and Vice President Vance met with outgoing Vice President Harris. At the White House, President Biden hosted President Trump for tea.
After the meeting at the White House ended, President Trump, President Biden, and Senator Amy Klobuchar, the chair of the joint congressional committee on inaugurations, made their way to the Capitol building, where the inauguration was held. Waiting for them were former presidents and first ladies, including Bill Clinton and Hilary Clinton, George W. Bush and Laura Bush, and Brack Obama. Noticeably, President Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, was absent for the event. According to a CBS News article entitled “Michelle Obama Not Attending Trump’s Inauguration” (cbsnews.com), a statement from the Office of Michelle and Barack Obama said, “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.” Michelle Obama was also noticeably absent from the funeral of former president Jimmy Carter on Jan. 7.
Once all guests arrived at the Capitol, the ceremony began. Vice President Vance was first to take the oath of office. Soon after being sworn in, President Trump gave his inaugural address. “The Golden Age of America begins right now,” President Trump said. Trump added, “We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer.” Trump went on to bring up themes that have been present throughout his campaign. He mentioned immigration, the economy, and his issues on the justice department. He also addressed an issue that had come up in one of his press conferences as president-elect, which is renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Noticeably, during this portion of his address, former first lady and former presidential opponent Hilary Clinton appeared to laugh.
After the inauguration ceremony was over, President Trump and Vice President Vance went to the traditional luncheon. After that, the work began of the new administration. Trump and Vance went to their indoor parade. After the parade was over, Trump signed nine executive orders with supporters at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. Those executive orders included ending 78 executive actions taken by the Biden-Harris administration, a “freeze” on all federal hiring except the military, and a requirement that all federal workers return to work in person. After signing those executive orders, President Trump made his way to the White House where he would sign dozens more, including one that ends birthright citizenship, which is enshrined in the 14th amendment. This specific executive order has caused 18 states, including New York, to sue the federal government. According to a CNN article entitled “Judge Blocks Trump’s ‘Blatantly Unconstitutional’ Executive Order that Aims to End Birthright Citizenship” (cnn.com), a judge appointed by President Reagan blocked the implementation of this order for 14 days
