Trump credits God, promises golden age in inaugural address

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Update, 12:53 p.m.: 

President Trump promises a “Golden Age of America”

The 47th president marked the beginning of an era in which, he said, the United States would become the envy of the world. America will take the advantage away from its enemies, he said in his inauguration speech. Donald Trump said he would prioritize safety and security and end the weaponization of the U.S. Department of Justice. The government faced a crisis of trust and was failing to address emergencies both domestically and internationally, the president said. That would change, he promised. He would return Americans their wealth, their democracy, and their freedoms, he said.

“I was saved by God to make America great again,” Trump said, referencing his survival of last summer’s assassination attempt near Butler, Penn. He claimed his return to the White House had been anything but easy. His opponents had turned the DOJ against him in addition to trying to take his life, but the nation rallied behind his agenda, he claimed. About Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which was also being celebrated on Monday, Trump promised the country would realize the civil rights activist’s dream of a racially just society.

Trump promised that day to sign a slew of historical executive orders:

• He would declare a national emergency at the U.S. southern border, Trump said. “All illegal entry will immediately be halted,” he said. Trump added that he would reinstate his remain-in-Mexico policy while ending Biden administration practices derided by the GOP as “catch-and-release.” He said he would also designate Mexico’s drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

• He would order his government to marshal all its resources to fight inflation, he said.

• He would declare a national energy emergency and order permit American fuel companies to begin domestic drilling. Americans were going to use their country’s vast natural resources to bring down gas prices and replenish its national fuel reserves. He would also eliminate the Green New Deal, he said.

• Trump promised to impose tariffs on foreign governments to enrich American citizens. He would be establishing what he called an External Revenue Service to manage the tariff money pouring in from other countries.

• Trump’s administration would establish a new Department of Government Efficiency, he said in his speech, echoing previous statements.

• Trump said he would order an end to all government censorship and promised that never again would anyone face government persecution like he claims he did.

• The new president promised to dismantle diversity, equality, and inclusion programs.

• He said that the United States, under his leadership, would only recognize two genders: male and female.

• The U.S. military would cease educating its troops with what Trump called radical ideologies, he said. Instead, the military would put its focus on warfighting under his administration, Trump said.

• Trump said he would rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

• Trump said he would take back the Panama Canal because Panama was allowing China to run the canal and overcharge U.S. ships and military vessels.

• The United States would plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars, Trump said.

Update, 12:40 p.m.:  

Prayers made, oaths of office taken at Capitol

Rev. Franklin Graham and Archbishop Timothy Dolan both prayed to open the ceremony. Graham prayed asking God to protect Trump and give him wisdom. He asked the Lord to bless Trump and the United States through Trump.

The oaths of office followed soon afterward. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh administered the oath of office to Vice President J.D. Vance. The former senator from Ohio raised his right hand while taking the oath as his left hand rested on a Bible held by his wife, Usha. Their children stood by his side as he took the oath. The Supreme Court’s Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to President Donald Trump. First Lady Melania Trump stood by his side as he took the oath. He swore to uphold, protect, and defend the U.S. Constitution, so help him God.

Update, 11:50 a.m.:

U.S. leaders arrive for Trump inauguration

President-elect Donald Trump entered the Capitol Rotunda at around 11:45 a.m. on Monday. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance entered the chamber just moments before him, and shortly after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Among the guests already in the room were billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk, social media tycoon Mark Zuckerberg, and former Presidents Barack Obama, George Bush, and Bill Clinton—the latter two with first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

Original post, 10:30 a.m.:

Trump to be sworn in again as president

President-elect Donald Trump on Monday is scheduled to take the oath of office about noon inside the Capitol Rotunda. Ceremonies will start around 11:30 a.m. ET. The swearing-in will take place indoors due to severe weather conditions, Trump said on Friday. The National Weather Service reported below-freezing temperatures for the Capital region on Monday. Washington’s Capitol One Arena will host a livestream of the event open to the public, Trump said. The new president will visit the arena and speak shortly after his inauguration ceremony.

Who will administer the oaths of office? U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will reportedly administer Trump’s oath of office. Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh will reportedly administer Vice President-elect J.D. Vance’s oath of office.

Why is it such a big deal that it's taking place indoors? Inauguration ceremonies usually take place outdoors, according to the Congressional Research Service. Former President Ronald Reagan took his oath of office indoors in 1985 due to weather conditions, Trump said during his statement about the change of plans on Friday. Former President William Henry Harrison caught cold, contracted pneumonia, and subsequently died after speaking in inclement weather for two hours without a coat or hat at his inauguration, according to the University of Virginia’s Miller Center.

When is Trump expected to start signing executive orders? Once he’s sworn in, Trump could begin signing executive orders as soon as he likes. He has signaled several executive orders will come soon, one of which would be to delay TikTok’s shutdown. Another could declassify all confidential government documents regarding the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.