During the 2024 election, both major candidates (Kamala Harris and Donald Trump) ran competitive and effective campaigns. Millions of people around the world tuned in on January 20th, 2025 to witness the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump after he won the election. On January 20th, President Trump officially became the second president in U.S. history to serve two non-consecutive terms. The inauguration of a new president is a key moment in democracy, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power and the start of a new political term.
Inauguration Day was held at noon on January 20th in Washington, D.C. At the ceremony, President Trump took the Oath of Office, which was administered by Chief Justice John Roberts of the United States Supreme Court. Taking the Oath of Office is required by every incoming president. This Oath confirms their commitment to the role of President, and their allegiance to the Constitution of the United States.
Following the Oath, President Trump delivered his Inaugural address, setting the stage for his administration’s priorities, promises, and visions. According to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), every President has delivered an Inaugural address, with the longest standing at 8,445 words and the shortest at 135 words.
Unlike other years, President Trump’s inaugural ceremony was held in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda instead of outside on the West Front Lawn of the building. In the past, the last time an Inauguration was held indoors was in 1985 for the swearing in of President Ronald Reagan for his second term in office. The inauguration, due to the nature of it being held indoors, limited the amount of people able to attend the ceremony. As a result, many were unable to attend the inauguration in person. However, the decision to hold the event indoors was due to several safety concerns including a previous assassination attempt on President Trump.
While there were security concerns, many political leaders attended the ceremony, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris, continuing the tradition of bipartisan attendance. Other notable figures in attendance included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, TikTok CEO Shou Chew, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Ryan Liese, head of the Upper School, attended President George W. Bush’s Inauguration in 2001 with some friends. Mr. Liese remembers being very impressed with the setup of the Capitol Building and the overall flow of the event.. For this year’s inauguration, Mr. Liese said, “For me to watch it on TV and for it to be indoors was just weird. Itjust seemed less important because it didn’t have the visual that I associate with inaugurations.”
President Trump’s address continued many of the themes from his campaign, focusing on economic prosperity, national security, and prioritizing American interests. He reiterated his administration’s priorities including reducing taxes, lowering inflation, revitalizing American jobs, and the importance of both military strength and border security. Trump stated, “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.” Trump framed his vision as the beginning of a new era, indicating his optimistic outlook for the country’s future.
The 2025 inauguration will undoubtedly be analyzed in the context of Trump’s legacy, Harris’ influence, and the broader political landscape of the United States.
