Trump’s inauguration: In pictures

Defining images from swearing in of 47th US president

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump looks on during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC

Defining images from swearing in of 47th US president

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By the Visual Journalism team 20 January 2025 News

Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th US president in an inauguration ceremony that combined grand tradition and moments of intimacy.

Here are some of the most striking images from the day.

US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administers the presidential oath to Donald Trump in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington DC

US President Donald Trump after speaking during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on 20 January

Last minute change of plan

The ceremony usually takes place on a specially built stage in front of the US Capitol building, with VIP guests on the platform and thousands watching from the Mall.

But a forecast of freezing temperatures with a wind chill of -13C (9F) prompted a decision to move the ceremony inside the Capitol building's Rotunda.

Trump supporters who had travelled to the capital to see the ceremony have flocked to the Capital One arena to watch it streamed live on big screens.

Preparations inside the Rotunda building

A staff member places a marker for the first lady ahead of the inauguration in the Rotunda

Church service

Trump spent the night before the inauguration at Blair House, just across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, as is tradition for incoming presidents.

Trump, his wife Melania, and incoming Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha attended a church service at St John’s Episcopal Church.

President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a service at St John's Church — President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive for a service at St John's Church

Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance arrive for a service at St. John's Church — Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife Usha arrive for the service

Donald Trump sits next to his wife Melania during a church service at St John's Episcopal Church — Donald Trump sits next to his wife Melania during the church service

Rotunda ceremony

Guests at the inauguration ceremony in the Rotunda of the Capitol building included former presidents, foreign dignitaries, Trump's family and his picks for his new administration.

Elon Musk checks his photo in the Rotunda — Among them was tech giant Elon Musk.

President Obama was among other former presidents at the ceremony

Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump was in the audience with her husband Donald Trump Jr — Trump's daughter Ivanka was also close by

Country music artist Carrie Underwood performs during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC — Country music star Carrie Underwood performed “America the Beautiful” following Trump's inaugural address

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shares a joke wth Argentina's President Javier Milei — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentina's President Javier Milei were among the first foreign leaders to attend a US presidential inauguration

J D Vance is sworn in as the US Vice President — J D Vance was sworn in as the US Vice President

Trump took the oath, before celebrating with his family.

In his inaugural address, Trump detailed a string of plans for his presidency including tackling immigration, taking control of the Panama Canal and planting the stars and stripes on Mars.