Donald Trump inauguration LIVE as thousands flock to freezing Washington DC (2025)

Crowds have gathered in freezing -6C temperatures for Donald Trump's inauguration - but many of them will not catch a glimpse of the 78-year-old as he is sworn in away from the cold.

The ceremony today will usher the controversial ex-President back into the Oval Office, with millions of people watching on as he prepares for an anticipated and feared second four-year term.

Tens of thousands of Americans and foreign nationals have descended on Washington DC to watch the formal ceremony take place at 12pm local time (5pm GMT). Millions of people will tune in overall as inclement weather chases the event indoors for the first time in 40 years, with Trump taking the Oath of Office from the Capitol Rotunda instead of the grand stage used for most ceremonies due to -11C temperatures forecast.

The ceremony, as well as reintroducing a fired-up and potentially vengeful Trump to the most powerful office in the world, will also mark the end of Joe Biden's one-term Presidency. He is expected to sit with national and international leaders as his two-time rival takes his place later this afternoon.

The formal swearing-in isn't the only event on the cards in the United States today, however, with a full programme of performances, formal balls, and musical performances due to take place afterwards. Once those have concluded, the new President will usher in his term with a flurry of executive orders - as many as 200 - to kickstart his agenda.

This is a live blog. Follow below for live updates...

Key Events

  • Trump officially become US president as he swears oath

  • Trump and Biden arrive at the US Capitol

  • Conor McGregor pictured on his way to the inauguration

  • Biden welcomes Trump to the White House

  • How to watch Donald Trump's inauguration

Anita McSorley

Donald Trump heads to Capital One Arena

Donald Trump is now leaving the Capitol. He’s expected to head next to the inaugural parade at Capital One Arena. Supporters have been there all day, watching video of the swearing-in and other events.

Anita McSorley

Trump takes part in a signing ceremony in the President's Room

Donald Trump today declared the USA would enter a "golden age" and made a flurry of pledges including sending Americans to Mars, "take back" the Panama Canal and renaming the Gulf of Mexico.

The 47th President said he would immediately begin issuing executive orders that would designate cartels as terrorist organisations, send the military to the southern border with Mexico and tackle gender recognition. He is expected to sign upward of 200 executive orders today.

  • Full story here: Donald Trump's radical inauguration pledges - death penalty for migrants to sending Americans to Mars

Anita McSorley

Cost of Melania outfit revealed

The price of Melania Trump's inauguration outfit is sure to make some eyes water.

The former model was by her husband Donald Trump's side as he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Melania, 54, wore a custom double-breasted navy coat by Adam Lippes.

She paired it with a matching boater hat by Eric Javits. Both items were expertly made by American designers for the occasion.

  • Full story here: Melania Trump's inauguration outfit brutally mocked as eye-watering cost revealed

Anita McSorley

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch watches Trump inauguration

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch was seen sitting before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington. The 93-year-old was in attendance along with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg, Apple leader Tim Cook and Google chief Sundar Pichai .

Trump, who once asked Murdoch to stop negative Fox News against him, has had a rocky relationship with the billionaire but they are seemingly back on speaking terms following his win in November.

Donald Trump inauguration LIVE as thousands flock to freezing Washington DC (1)

Anita McSorley

'Never give up', Joe Biden tells supporters

Joe Biden spoke at a sendoff ceremony at an airfield in Maryland, after being flown by helicopter from the US Capitol.

He said Trump's inaugural speech showed "we have a lot more to do" and told the crowd: "Never give up."

Anita McSorley

Trump gives speech to lawmakers

President Donald Trump has now moved on to another part of the US Capitol building, where he is currently giving a speech to lawmakers after an introduction by JD Vance.

Anita McSorley

President Biden leaves in helicopter

Joe Biden has now left the US Capitol in a helicopter. He is no longer the current US president and has officially handed over to Donald Trump.

Anita McSorley

Taoiseach and Tanaiste send congratulations

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have congratulated US President Donald Trump on his inauguration and promised America that “Ireland will always remain a constant and reliable partner and friend”.

Mr Trump became the 47th President of the United States this afternoon, returning to the White House for a second term.

Outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris and incoming Taoiseach Micheál Martin both issued statements congratulating Mr Trump on his inauguration. Both promised that the Irish Government would continue to work closely with the US.

  • Full story here: Taoiseach and Tanaiste congratulate Donald Trump amid hopes of Irish visit

Anita McSorley

Photo of Donald Trump checking iPhone reveals bizarre tech habits

Donald Trump was pictured leaving the White House checking an iPhone - which revealed some of the 78-year-old's bizarre tech habits. Photographers were able to sneak a rare glance at Trump's phone as he was on his way to his inauguration to be sworn in as the 47th president.

They snapped an intimate shot of the screen which showed the president's wallpaper background is a painting - of himself giving a thumbs up.

Donald Trump inauguration LIVE as thousands flock to freezing Washington DC (2)

He also had a congratulations text from someone, a missed call from advisor Boris Epshteyn and even a news notification about his own inauguration, to which he was travelling to at the time.

It comes as Trump marked the fact that his inauguration is occurring on Martin Luther King Jr. Day., saying in his speech that his administration will “strive together to make his dream a reality.”

Donald Trump inauguration LIVE as thousands flock to freezing Washington DC (3)

Anita McSorley

Donald Trump leaves US Capitol for White House

Donald Trump is now only hours away from returning to the Oval Office to yet again become the most powerful man in the world. He has just left the inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol, and there will be a few more ceremonial events and balls this evening before he takes up residency at the commander-in-chief's home.

Anita McSorley

Carrie Underwood hit by glitch

A technical glitch hit the inauguration coverage as Carrie Underwood prepared to sing in front of the new president. The country star was set to sing in front of Donald Trump as the sound went off of the BBC coverage of the stateside event.

Followers on social media praised her a cappella version of America the Beautiful due to the glitch. One user on Twitter/X wrote: "Carrie Underwood sang American the Beautiful perfectly a cappella when there was a technical glitch at the inauguration, after a taped backing orchestra failed. She is a voice of a generation. Bravo."

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Inauguration ceremony comes to a close

Opera singer Christopher Macchio sang America's national anthem - the Star-Spangled Banner - with Donald Trump seen saluting throughout.

The president then exited the Capitol Rotunda, marking an end to his inaugural ceremony.

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Donald Trump arriving for his inauguration

Donald Trump inauguration LIVE as thousands flock to freezing Washington DC (4)

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Kid Rock derails BBC interview after flirting with Caitríona Perry

With everything going on at the US Capitol this afternoon, you may have missed Kid Rock's interview with BBC News, which took an awkward turn as he started 'flirting' with Irish presenter Caitríona Perry.

Full story here.

Ruairi Scott Byrne

'Our golden age has just begun'

Donald Trump ends his speech, which lasted around 29 minutes, by saying nothing will stand in the way of the United States and that a new dawn is beginning in the nation.

"In recent years, our nation has suffered greatly, but we are going to bring it back and make it great again, greater than ever before. We will be a nation like no other, full of compassion, courage and exceptionalism," he said.

"Our power will stop all wars and bring a new spirit of unity to a world that has been angry, violent and totally unpredictable. America will be respected again and admired again, including by people of religion, faith and good will. We will be prosperous, we will be proud, we will be strong, and we will win like never before.

"We will not be conquered. We will not be intimidated. We will not be broken, and we will not fail. From this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign and independent nation. We will stand bravely, we will live proudly. We will dream boldly, and nothing will stand in our way because we are Americans, the future is ours, and our golden age has just begun."

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Trump pledges to reclaim Panama Canal

Trump spoke about his desire to reassert US control over the strategically important Panama Canal, accusing the central American country of mismanaging the vital trade route and vowing: “We’re taking it back”.

"President McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent. He was a natural businessman, and gave Teddy Roosevelt the money for many of the great things he did, including the Panama Canal, which has foolishly been given to the country of Panama after the United States, the United States, I mean, think of this, spent more money than ever spent on a project before and lost 38,000 lives in the building of the Panama Canal," he said.

"We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made, and Panama’s promise to us has been broken. The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated. American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, and that includes the United States Navy, 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."

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Trump says his legacy will be as a "peacemaker and unifier"

Trump says that his "proudest legacy" will be as a "peacemaker and unifier," saying that's what he wants to be.

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Trump says there will only be "two genders"

Speaking about gender, Trump said: "As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female."

This will happen this week, he says, with an end to "the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life".

"We will forge a society that is colour-blind and merit based," he adds.

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Trump vows to make America a 'rich nation again'

Laying out his economic plans for the country, Trump says the US will be a "rich nation again" because of the "liquid gold under our feet".

"We will drill, baby, drill."

He says his administration will end the Green New Deal and revoke the electric vehicle mandate, says the president.

The trade system will be overhauled, he says.

"We will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens."

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Trump delivers his Inauguration speech

Donald Trump inauguration LIVE as thousands flock to freezing Washington DC (5)

Ruairi Scott Byrne

'National unity is now returning'

"National unity is now returning to America and confidence and pride is soaring like never before," Trump said. "In everything we do, my administration will be inspired by a strong pursuit of excellence and unrelenting success. We will not forget our country, we will not forget our Constitution, and we will not forget our God."

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Trump to declare national emergency at southern border

Trump has declared he will sign a series of executive orders that will impose strict anti-migration policies across the US.

He says he will declare a national emergency at the southern border.

All illegal entry will "immediately be halted" and the government will begin returning "millions and millions of criminal aliens".

"I will sign a series of historic executive orders. With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense. It’s all about common sense," he said.

"First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. We will reinstate my “remain in Mexico” policy.

"I will end the practice of catch and release, and I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country.

"Under the orders I signed today, we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organisations, and by invoking the Alien Enemies act of 1798, I will direct our government to use the full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to US soil, including our cities and inner cities."

Ruairi Scott Byrne

'I was saved by God to make America great again'

Trump said over the past eight years he has been "tested and challenged" more than any US president in history, saying "the journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one."

The US president cited the attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year when a bullet grazed his ear, narrowly missing his head.

"My life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again," he added.

"Our liberties and our nation’s glorious destiny will no longer be denied, and we will immediately restore the integrity, competency and loyalty of America’s government. Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250 year history, and I’ve learned a lot along the way," he said.

"The journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one, that I can tell you. Those who wish to stop our cause have tried to take my freedom and indeed to take my life. Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear, but I felt then and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again."

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Trump hits out at 'corrupt establishment'

Trump says a "radical and corrupt establishment" has wreaked havoc on the US for a number of years. He said the US government can no longer provide basic services, pointing to the disastrous fallout from the hurricane that crushed western North Carolina. And he argued that the situation at the southern border is out of control.

"All of this will change starting today," Trump said.

He adds that his recent victory is a "mandate" to completely reverse what he called a horrible "betrayal" of the American people.

He says the country's challenges will be "annihilated".

The previous administration, he says, has provided sanctuary and protection for "dangerous criminals" who have illegally entered our country.

The government has given "unlimited funding to the defence of foreign borders" but refuses to defend American borders, he claims.

Ruairi Scott Byrne

'A thrilling new era of national success'

Trump says he returns to the presidency "confident and optimistic" and that it is the "start of a thrilling new era of national success".

"A tide of change is sweeping the country," he says. "Sunlight is pouring over the entire world and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before."

He vows to give people back their "wealth, their democracy".

"From this moment on, America's decline is over."

He talked about a "crisis of trust" in the government, which he says can't handle a "simple crisis at home".

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Trump lays out his vision for the US

Trump continues his speech by laying out his vision for America.

"Our sovereignty will be reclaimed, our safety will be restored, the scales of justice will be rebalanced," he says.

"Our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous and free," he says. "America will soon be greater, stronger and far more exceptional than ever before.”

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Trump says the US will be 'the envy of every nation'

Trump says the US will be respected again and "the envy of every nation".

"From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world," he continued. "We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer."

He continues: "I will, very simply, put America first."

Trump says the "vicious," "violent" and "unfair weaponisation" of the justice department will end.

Ruairi Scott Byrne

Trump delivers his second inaugural address

Donald Trump is making his first speech after being sworn in as US president for the second time.

Trump begins his remarks by thanking the crowd, Vice President JD Vance and other politicians and justices.

"The golden age of America begins right now," he says.

Ruairi Scott Byrne

The moment Donald Trump was sworn in as US president

Donald Trump inauguration LIVE as thousands flock to freezing Washington DC (6)

KEY EVENT

Trump officially become US president as he swears oath

Donald Trump is now officially the president of the US after he was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

Donald Trump inauguration LIVE as thousands flock to freezing Washington DC (2025)
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