Donald Trump sworn in as 47th president of the United States

Donald Trump has taken the oath of office to become the 47th president of the United States of America, with JD Vance also part of the proceedings which saw him sworn in as Vice President. 

The inauguration is the formal ceremony that marks the end of one president’s time in office and the start of the successor’s administration and represents the most high-profile part of the transition of power between government leaders in Washington DC.

The ceremony was due to take place in front of 220,000, but was moved inside to the United States Capitol Rotunda building because of freezing temperatures.

Prior to the inauguration Mr Trump had boldly promised to “reverse 4 years of American decline” and bring “a brand new day of American strength, prosperity and pride”.

Weather forces inauguration inside

A huge change in the weather is under way in the US with an Arctic blast driving south affecting the entire North American continent. The warning was for it to be dangerously cold, potentially record breaking.

This fear caused the inauguration to be taken inside, but that mattered little to Mr Trump as he quickly set about bringing in his own unique style of presidency.

Executive actions begin immediately

He is expected to sign more than 200 executive actions immediately. 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.

Biden’s orders repealed

Mr Trump declared in the build up: “Every radical and foolish executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of when I take the oath of office”.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 Trump administration will definitely announce a “national emergency” at the US-Mexico border and direct the defence department to “seal the border” as one of the very first of those executive actions, aimed at restoring what they say will be a “common sense immigration policy”.

Through gritted teeth?

Despite their differences it was all smiles and handshakes on the front steps of the White House earlier in the day, as Mr Trump and Melania Trump were greeted by Joe and Jill Biden.

The four of them met for tea, a tradition that is supposed to serve as a visible sign of the peaceful transfer of power following a democratic election.

National pride?

It has typically been a source of American pride that, despite partisan differences, the nation could come together for at least one day.

However, it was a tradition that was discarded four years ago, after the 6 January attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters and the outgoing president’s decision not to meet with Mr Biden or attend any of the inauguration ceremonies.

Message from Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his congratulations to incoming US President Donald Trump on his inauguration. In a televised address to his national security council, he also acknowledged Mr Trump’s desire to resume contact with Russia, and his previous remarks on doing everything possible to prevent a third world war.“Of course, we welcome this stance and congratulate the newly inaugurated US president on assuming office,” Mr Putin said. The Kremlin leader added that he is open to dialogue with the Trump administration on the Ukraine war, although he was quick to add: “Naturally, we will stand up for Russia’s interests.”