Summary

  1. Washington DC: A Democratic city hosting a Republican’s celebrationspublished at 10:31 Greenwich Mean Time

    Caitlin Wilson
    Reporting from Washington DC

    Though Washington DC is home to the US federal government’s operations for Americans of every political persuasion, the permanent residents of this city overwhelmingly support the Democrats.

    The capital city's mayors have all been Democrats since the job was created in the 1970s, and more than 80% of DC voters have chosen Democrats since the 1960s.

    In November’s election, more than 90% of voters in the city ticked their ballots for Kamala Harris, while just 6% chose Donald Trump.

    That means that every few years, Democratic DC residents are joined in their city by a president, administration and political appointees with whom they vehemently disagree - and many of those residents could lose their jobs as the politics of the federal government flip.

    That tension can ramp up during inauguration weekend, when hundreds of thousands of a new president’s fans visit to party and revel in their candidate’s victory.

    With the District’s public schools and many workplaces closed for Monday’s events anyway, some Washingtonian Democrats have chosen to leave town for the long weekend, hoping to avoid an influx of ardent Trump-supporting tourists.

    For those who are sticking around and tourists alike, some bars and restaurants are offering inauguration food and drink specials, such as the “$47 for 47” meal and “Dry January, Wet Inauguration” cocktail deal.

    The washington monument and reflecting pool can be seen in the distance. In the foreground, gates have been established for inauguration attendees to congregate.Image source, Getty Images
  2. Trump’s 2017 inauguration in picturespublished at 10:20 Greenwich Mean Time

    Eight years ago, Donald Trump took office as the 45th president of the United States.

    Here's how it looked:

    Trump addresses the crowd from a balcony on the US Capitol buildingImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Trump’s administration contested media reporting which suggested fewer people attended his inauguration than Obama’s

    Trump and Obama shake hands, each reaching out with their other hand to embrace the otherImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    The day marked the end of the Obama administration and the start of the Trump presidency

    Trump speaks from a podiumImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Trump vowed to end ‘American carnage’ in his inauguration speech

    A line of protesters faces off against a line of police. Police officers are spraying something at the crowdImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Anti-Trump protesters clash with police in Washington on the day of the inauguration

    George Bush sitting down, with a plastic rain poncho draped over his headImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Former President George Bush goes viral as he struggles to put on his rain poncho

    Trump waves to the crowd while holding the hand of his wife, Melania. The Capitol building is visible in the backgroundImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Trump walked for part of the parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue between the Capitol building and the White House

  3. Ros Atkins on... Can Trump deliver on his promises?published at 10:08 Greenwich Mean Time

    The BBC's Analysis Editor Ros Atkins looks at some of the key pledges made by Donald Trump during his presidential campaign. Now that he's returning to the White House, how easy will it be for Trump to deliver?

    Media caption,

    Ros Atkins on...Can Donald Trump deliver on his promises?

  4. Trump promises blizzard of executive orders on first day of presidencypublished at 09:56 Greenwich Mean Time

    Donald Trump addresses supporters at a rally. he is pointing. he is wearing a suit and red tie.Image source, Getty Images

    On the eve of his White House return, Donald Trump promised to move "with historic speed and strength" to sign a blitz of executive orders.

    The Republican promised to act unilaterally on a wide array of issues, using his presidential powers to launch mass deportation operations, slash environmental regulations and end diversity programmes.

    Trump is expected to sign more than 200 executive actions today. This would include executive orders, which are legally-binding, and other presidential directives like proclamations, which are usually not.

    The incoming president promised executive orders that would ramp up artificial intelligence programmes, form the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), make records available related to the assassination of John F Kennedy in 1963, direct the military to create an Iron Dome missile defence shield and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies from the military.

    He also told supporters he would stop transgender women from competing in female sports categories and hand back control of education to America's states.

    Trump is also expected to address immigration, but experts say his promise to deport millions of undocumented migrants will face enormous logistical hurdles, and potentially cost tens or hundreds of billions of dollars.

  5. Trump's immigration threats 'could be a lot of hot air', says Harris adviserpublished at 09:44 Greenwich Mean Time

    Frank Sharry is pictured in the BBC studio.
    Image caption,

    Frank Sharry advised Kamala Harris' campaign on immigration

    Among the raft of measures Donald Trump has promised to take when he assumes office later today is what the incoming president describes as the "largest deportation program in American history".

    But an immigration adviser for Trump’s presidential rival Kamala Harris has suggested that the Republican will not have the institutional capacity to carry out these plans.

    "It could be a lot of hot air," Frank Sharry tells the BBC News channel.

    He adds: "It could be a lot of crying families being ripped apart as they’re removed from apartments…Those are the things that Trump and his team have promised."

    And Sharry suggests that Trump’s stance as a "hardliner" on immigration prompted "huge backlash" during his first term.

    "The public wants to get control of the border, they want to deal with those who have committed crimes, they don’t want to see families ripped apart," Sharry says.

    "If he goes ahead with - as he calls it - deportation raids, I think he’s going to engender a real backlash."

    As a result, Sharry says that Trump’s tough talk on immigration could be an attempt to prompt people "to leave the country on their own" through the threat of stronger action.

  6. Melania Trump's return to the White Housepublished at 09:33 Greenwich Mean Time

    Nadine Yousif
    BBC News

    A file photo of Melania. She is wearing black and looking off cameraImage source, Reuters

    When Trump won his first presidency in 2016, Melania was initially absent from the White House, instead staying in New York with their son Barron.

    Born Melanija Knavs, the 54-year-old Slovenian-American former fashion model eventually traded a glamorous life in the gilded walls of Manhattan’s Trump Tower for the confines of political life that came with the Oval Office.

    Described by some as an “enigma”, she has preferred to be less public than her predecessors.

    She avoided the spotlight in recent years as her husband challenged several legal cases against him and campaigned for a second term.

    But she has appeared on key occasions, like when her husband announced in late 2022 that he would be running again.

    A day after Trump’s 2024 victory, she posted a brief message vowing she and her husband would safeguard freedom. Some experts say it suggests a shift in her approach to the largely undefined role of being America’s First Lady.

  7. Pakistan's 'Trump lookalike' hopes for US invitepublished at 09:23 Greenwich Mean Time

    Azadeh Moshiri and Usman Zahid
    Pakistan correspondent and senior producer

    Crowds take a selfie with Saleem Bagga

    There’s one man here in Pakistan who has been capitalising on Donald Trump’s star power: Saleem Bagga. He’s a street vendor who some believe has a striking resemblance to the soon to be president of the United States.

    This apparent likeness attracts crowds in eastern Punjab, and they get more than just a selfie. He sings to them as he sells them his kheer, a type of rice pudding.

    We managed to get in touch with him and he sent us a video serenade ahead of Inauguration Day: “VIP Donald Trump pudding, it’s with butter and milk. It’s ice cream with milk and cream, VIP Donald Trump ice cream with milk.”

    He also has a proposal for Trump: "My wish is that Donald Trump would invite me to the US…I would be really delighted to visit him and see him.”

    Saleem Bagga
  8. We want to hear from youpublished at 09:11 Greenwich Mean Time

    A banner reading Get in Touch

    If you're reading this page, you're probably aware that in a few hours Donald Trump's inauguration day will begin in Washington DC.

    Are you planning to watch the inauguration or travel to the US Capitol? We want to hear from you.

    You can get in touch in the following ways:

  9. TikTok restores service in US after Trump pledgepublished at 08:55 Greenwich Mean Time

    Media caption,

    Watch: How TikTok 'went dark' in the US

    TikTok resumed services to its 170 million users in the US after President-elect Donald Trump said he would issue an executive order to give the app a reprieve when he takes office today.

    On Saturday evening, the Chinese-owned app stopped working for American users, after a law banning it on national security grounds came into effect.

    Trump, who had previously backed a ban of the platform, promised yesterday to delay implementation of the law and allow more time for a deal to be made.

    TikTok then said that it was in the process of "restoring service". Soon after, the app started working again and a popup message to its millions of users thanked Trump by name.

    In a statement, the company thanked the incoming president for "providing the necessary clarity and assurance" and said it would work with Trump "on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States".

    TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration today.

  10. How can I watch the inauguration?published at 08:33 Greenwich Mean Time

    There is typically high demand to watch the inauguration in person, and tickets are highly prized.

    Members of Congress receive a certain number of tickets to the ceremony, which they can distribute to their constituents.

    If you're not able to attend in person, there are plenty of ways to watch remotely.

    The BBC will cover it live on our news channel, and you can follow the build-up at the top of this page - just click watch live.

  11. Inauguration to be coldest in 40 years as Arctic blast hitspublished at 08:17 Greenwich Mean Time

    Helen Willetts
    BBC Weather

    A huge change in the weather is under way in the US. Following a few milder days to end last week, an Arctic blast is driving south and will affect the entire North American continent.

    Indeed, with the wind chill it will become dangerously cold – and the arctic blast is likely to last several days and nights, it could be potentially record breaking.

    For the south, Texas and southern Gulf states there is also the chance of disruptive snow and freezing rain from today too. This weather system will track eastwards over the coming few days.

    As for Washington DC today, the forecast maximum temperature is -4C (that’s 25F) but add on the wind chill with gusts to around 30mph and it will feel closer to -13C (9F).

    This makes it the coldest inauguration since 1985, which was the coldest on record, when the high was only -8C (17F) and the midday temperature just -14C (7F).

    Although there has been snow over the weekend, the day ahead is expected to be dry with sunny spells.

  12. Analysis

    Trump looks to remake America with sweeping second actpublished at 07:55 Greenwich Mean Time

    Sarah Smith
    North America editor, in Washington DC

    Every new president begins a fresh chapter in American history. And when Donald Trump is inaugurated in a frigid Washington DC today, he will be hoping to usher in a new era for this country.

    The ceremony in the rotunda of the US Capitol, moved indoors for the first time in decades due to the bitter cold, will also mark the moment he starts being judged on action and not promises.

    And he has promised seismic change as well as action on day one. At a raucous rally in the city on Sunday, Trump said he would sign a flurry of executive orders within moments of being inaugurated, covering issues ranging from immigration and deportations to the environment and transgender rights.

    But even if his presidency begins with a serious bang, there are still questions about what Trump's second act will look like.

    Will we feel the tectonic plates of power shift beneath our feet as he re-enters the White House? Can he deliver his pledged sweeping reforms? Will it be as apocalyptic as his opponents suggest?

  13. When will Trump become US president?published at 07:51 Greenwich Mean Time

    The inauguration takes place at the US Capitol in Washington DC today and both Donald Trump and his Vice-President JD Vance will take part in swearing-in ceremonies at 12:00 local time (17:00 GMT), where they take the oath of office.

    The newly-elected president then gives what is known as the inaugural address - their first speech to the nation since officially taking office.

    Trump’s “American carnage” speech at his 2017 inauguration was about 17 minutes in length.

    The president then heads inside the Capitol where they will sign off on their first official actions.

    They’ll then eat an inaugural luncheon, before heading out to review troops from the Capitol steps, and leading them in a procession.

    A map of the US Capitol and surrounding areas in Washington DC with a line showing the parade route for Donald Trump’s inauguration, which travels from the Capitol along Pennsylvania Ave to finish at the White House
  14. What is an executive order?published at 07:38 Greenwich Mean Time

    Trump is expected to sign more than 200 executive actions today. This would include executive orders, which are legally-binding, and other presidential directives like proclamations, which are usually not.

    An executive order is a written order issued by the president to the federal government which does not require congressional approval.

    In other words, they are one of the ways presidents can implement policy changes without having to get lawmakers to vote for them.

    But executive orders have to work within the confines of the law, and can be subject to legal review.

    Trump signed 220 executive orders in his first term, some of which were challenged in the courts.

    Biden issued 160 executive orders, and Obama and Bush, who both served two consecutive terms, issued 277 and 291 respectively.

  15. Listen: Trump promises 'historic' first day with flurry of executive orderspublished at 07:27 Greenwich Mean Time

    U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attends a rally the day before he is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term, in Washington, U.S., January 19, 2025.Image source, Reuters

    The Americast team are in Washington DC ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration today and they’ve recorded an episode after he spoke at a rally in front of thousands of supporters in Washington DC.

    Justin, Sarah and Marianna assess how Trump will try to use executive orders to push through his agenda and what obstacles could stand in his way.

  16. Party atmosphere outside jail as 6 January convicts expect pardonpublished at 07:15 Greenwich Mean Time

    Regan Morris
    Reporting from Washington DC

    A crowd gathers outside a jail. There are American flags and placards dotted about

    For 902 nights, supporters of those convicted of participating in the 6 January 2021 US Capitol riots have gathered outside a DC jail to hold a vigil and show support to the inmates inside.

    On the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration, they were hopeful that pardons could be coming their way in a matter of hours.

    “This could be our last night,” says Nicole Reffitt, whose husband is serving a nearly seven-year sentence for his role in the riots, which aimed to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

    A crowd of about 40 people gathered outside the DC Central Detention Facility danced and hugged and broadcast phone calls with the inmates via speakerphone to the crowd.

    “Your son is going to be coming home very soon and thank you for everything that you’ve done,” inmate Dominic Box says in a phone call to the crowd. He was found guilty in October of violent entry and disorderly conduct.

    President-elect Trump has promised “major pardons” for those convicted of their participation in the 6 January attacks and he’s referred to many of the more than 1,200 convicted as “political prisoners.” But he has not stipulated who exactly might be pardoned.

    Mimi Yu was outside the jail decked head to toe in MAGA gear. She travelled to Washington from Toronto with a crowd waving a “Canadians for Trump” flag.

    “I love Donald Trump. I love America. Sometimes I forget I’m Canadian,” she says.

    Many object to the possible pardons. Police officer Michael Fanone was brutally attacked that day, beaten and tasered and restrained. He suffered a brain injury and a heart attack. After he testified in the 6 January hearings, he and his family received death threats.

    “These are individuals who committed acts of violence, for a political purpose,” he tells the BBC. “So what Donald Trump is saying is that listen if you commit acts of violence on my behalf, I’ll give you a pass.”

  17. Trump says Israel-Hamas ceasefire 'better hold'published at 07:01 Greenwich Mean Time

    Trump has claimed some credit for the ceasefire deal agreed between Israel and Hamas last week.

    "This epic ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our historic victory in November," the incoming president wrote on social media following the agreement.

    He was one of the first to say that the agreement was reached - and signalled in the lead up to the inauguration that he wanted to see a ceasefire agreed before taking office.

    In December, Trump issued an apparent warning to Hamas to agree to a deal, writing: "There will be all hell to pay in the Middle East … Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America."

    Speaking to NBC News, Trump said Saturday that the deal "better hold".

  18. Immigration, 6 January pardons and the war in Ukraine - Trump’s day one prioritiespublished at 06:37 Greenwich Mean Time

    Trump at border wall on 30 June 2021Image source, Reuters

    As we reported in our previous posts, Donald Trump promised to sign a blitz of executive orders on his first day as president, telling supporters that he would move with "historic speed and strength" in the hours after taking the oath of office.

    Here’s what could be towards the top of his to-do list:

    • Immigration - The president-elect has vowed to end automatic citizenship for anyone born in the US, although that move could face significant hurdles. His press secretary has previously said Trump plans on launching “the largest mass deportation of illegal immigrants in American history” on day one
    • 6 January pardons - Trump says his administration will “look at independent cases” but has vowed to pardon those involved in the 2021 Capitol riot
    • Paris climate agreement - During his last time in office, Trump walked away from the major climate deal. The US was later readmitted under Joe Biden, but reports suggest he is looking at withdrawing again when he takes office. It would mean the US is no longer beholden to meeting carbon emission reduction targets
    • Russia and Ukraine - On the campaign trail, Trump said he could end the war in Ukraine “in a day”, and he has since said Ukraine should “probably” expect less aid when he returns to the White House
    Media caption,

    What Trump biggest fans want him to do on day one

  19. YMCA, Musk and a pledge to end 'four long years of American decline'published at 06:26 Greenwich Mean Time

    Merlyn Thomas
    Reporting from the rally in Washington DC

    U.S. President-elect Donald Trump dances onstage as the Village People perform during a rally the day before he is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term, in Washington, U.S., January 19, 2025Image source, Reuters

    “We won”. Those were the first words of a triumphant Donald Trump as he addressed a sports arena packed with his supporters yesterday.

    He said his swearing in ceremony on Monday would end what he called “four long years of American decline” and bring “a brand new day of American strength, prosperity and pride”.

    He told the crowds he planned to sign a host of executive orders on his first day in office. Immigration was a major theme - he promised to crack down on undocumented migrants. After the president-elect’s speech, he was joined on stage by the Village People, who sang the MAGA anthem YMCA.

    His close ally, the billionaire Elon Musk, also joined him briefly, promising America would be made great again. During the day Trump and Vice-President-elect JD Vance took part in a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

    Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk gestures during a rally for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, the day before he is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term, in Washington, U.S., January 19Image source, Reuters
  20. Trump promises blizzard of executive orders on first day of presidencypublished at 06:05 Greenwich Mean Time

    Rachel Looker and Sumi Somaskanda
    Reporting from Washington DC

    Media caption,

    Watch: Trump promises 'brand new day' at pre-inauguration rally

    Ahead of his return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, President-elect Donald Trump addressed a raucous crowd of thousands in a Washington DC arena for a "Victory Rally" in which he offered a preview of the next four years.

    The Republican promised to act unilaterally on a wide array of issues, using his presidential powers to launch mass deportation operations, slash environmental regulations and end diversity programmes.

    He is expected to sign more than 200 executive actions today. This would include executive orders, which are legally-binding, and other presidential directives like proclamations, which are usually not.

    "Every radical and foolish executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of when I take the oath of office," the incoming president said.

    Trump promised executive orders that would ramp up artificial intelligence programmes, form the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), make records available related to the assassination of John F Kennedy in 1963, direct the military to create an Iron Dome missile defence shield and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies from the military.