Invocations Led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Rev. Franklin Graham
Attendees at the inauguration of Donald Trump were asked to stand as New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan led an invocation, calling for divine guidance and blessings for America:
“Send wisdom from heavens, that she may be with him, that he may know your designs. Please, God bless America. Please mend her every flaw. You are the God in whom we trust, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen,” Dolan prayed.
Following Dolan, Rev. Franklin Graham, son of the legendary Billy Graham, offered a heartfelt prayer for President Trump’s protection and guidance, asking for divine wisdom to lead the nation:
“We pray for President Trump. That you’ll watch over, protect, guide, direct him, give him your wisdom from your throne on high. We ask that you would bless him and that our nation would be blessed through him.”
JD Vance Takes Oath as Vice President
JD Vance was sworn in as vice president, surrounded by his family—wife Usha and children Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh administered the oath of office.
While the presidential oath is enshrined in the Constitution, the vice presidential oath, crafted by Congress, mirrors the oath taken by other federal officials:
“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
Trump Sworn in as 47th President of the United States
Donald Trump officially took the oath of office as the nation’s 47th president inside the Capitol Rotunda, opting for an indoor ceremony due to frigid weather conditions. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the presidential oath, and Trump relied on two Bibles: the historic Lincoln Bible and his personal Bible used in his 2017 inauguration.
The Constitution outlines the presidential oath in Article II, Section 1:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Notably, the phrase “so help me God,” traditionally used, is not specified in the original text but was reportedly first ad-libbed by George Washington. However, historical evidence remains inconclusive.
President Trump Delivers His Inaugural Address
Now inaugurated, President Trump began his speech by thanking former presidents and outgoing President Joe Biden. He declared the dawn of a transformative era, promising a renewed and respected America:
“The golden age of America begins right now,” he proclaimed, calling for a “revolution of common sense.”
In contrast to his 2017 address, aides noted this speech would reflect a shift in his vision for the presidency. Trump’s rhetoric quickly sharpened as he criticized previous administrations and lamented domestic and international challenges.
Seated nearby, Biden listened as Trump condemned the current government’s failure to manage crises and border security issues:
“We now have a government that cannot manage a simple crisis at home while at the same time stumble into a continuing catalog of catastrophic events abroad.”
Addressing natural disasters and border control, Trump warned of governmental shortcomings and pledged sweeping reforms. He criticized educational systems for teaching self-loathing and attacked public health failures.
The Fight for Justice
Trump promised to dismantle political weaponization within the Department of Justice:
“The scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and government will end.”
A Confident Return and Rapid Change
Trump spoke of optimism, declaring his return marks the start of “a thrilling new era of national success” and the end of America’s decline:
“All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly.” He described his election as a mandate to reverse betrayal and restore faith, freedom, and prosperity.
Inauguration Day as Liberation Day
Labeling January 20, 2025, as “liberation day,” Trump thanked minority communities for their electoral support, vowing to honor their trust.
“We set records and I will not forget it,” he said, acknowledging Black and Hispanic voters. President Donald Trump said his “life was saved” by the grace of God to make America great again, in reference to the assassination attempt made on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania while he was on the campaign trail.
Historic Executive Actions to Begin
Trump detailed executive orders aimed at reversing climate regulations, defending free speech, and enhancing border security. He promised to rescind the electric vehicle mandate, declaring:
“With my actions today, we will end the Green New Deal and we will revoke the electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto industry and keeping my sacred pledge to my great American auto workers,”. “In other words, you’ll be able to buy the car of your choice. We will build automobiles in America again at a rate that nobody could have dreamt possible just a few years ago.” He went on to thank auto workers for their “inspiring vote of confidence and reiterates promise to lower prices, one of his key campaign promises.
New Economic Policies
Announcing the creation of an External Revenue Service, “We will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” Trump said during his inaugural address. “For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties and revenues.” Trump pledged to reform trade policies and impose tariffs to protect American workers.
Trump claimed in the speech that “the inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices. He promise to direct his Cabinet to use “the vast powers at their disposal” to bring down the cost of goods. Trump vows to “immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system” to protect American workers and families”. He added that this will bring in “massive amounts of money” to the country’s treasury “coming from foreign sources.”
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico
In a move aimed at redefining national identity, Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America as he highlighted the several actions he will immediately take. “America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth.
Panama Canal Disputes
Trump also accused Panama of treaty violations over canal operations, promising decisive action against unfair practices. Trump claims Panama has violated treaty agreement that require neutrality in the canal’s operations. “American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, and that includes the United States Navy,” Trump claimed. “And above all, China is operating the Panama Canal and we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back. Trump said.
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With sweeping pledges and bold declarations, President Trump signaled a presidency of rapid action and transformative ambition. Trump’s address, blending nationalism, economic protectionism, and promises of swift reform, marks a dramatic start to his second presidency.