Live: Minute-by-minute account of Trump's first day as president
The Republican signed dozens of executive orders and ended the day dancing with his wife Melania.

Donald Trump being sworn in as president
Donald Trump was sworn in for the second time as president of the United States on Jan. 20. With a frigid day in Washington forcing the ceremony indoors at the Capitol, things will heat up quickly as Trump plans to sign 200 executive orders upon his inauguration. His return to the White House after losing reelection has only one historical precedent: Grover Cleveland in 1892.
All times are provided in Eastern Time (ET).
Donald y Melania Trump take the stage at the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took the stage together to honor the U.S. military during the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball.
🚨 | President Trump takes the stage to dance with the First Lady at the Commander-in-Chief Ball pic.twitter.com/QlG4jqS9Vw
— VOZ (@Voz_US) January 21, 2025
Trump concludes first day back in office with a flood of executive orders and pardons
President Donald Trump concluded his first day in office with a series of decisive executive actions, including the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO), the declaration of a national emergency on the southern border and new measures to unlock the country's energy potential.
He also signed pardons for the demonstrators involved in the events of January 6, fulfilling commitments he made during his campaign.
Trump withdraws the United States from the WHO
Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Trump delays TikTok ban
The president signed an executive order to delay implementation of the federal TikTok ban for at least 75 days.
Trump declares national emergency on southern border through executive order
As one of his first actions in his second term, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday declaring a national emergency on the southern border.
Trump discovers letter from Joe Biden in Oval Office Resolute Desk
During his first day on the job in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump found a letter written for him by former President Joe Biden. The discovery occurred while Trump was signing executive orders and answering questions from reporters in his office. The contents of the letter have not been disclosed.
Trump grants pardons to Jan. 6 protesters
On Monday, the president announced a pardon covering 1,500 people involved in the events of January 6, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol.
Trump returns to White House after swearing-in
Following the event at Capital One Arena, President Donald Trump arrived at the White House for the first time since being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. He is expected to greet his new staff and team on this historic occasion.
Trump signed his first batch of executive orders in front of supporters at the arena. Among the measures, he highlighted the order for federal workers to return to the office full-time, marking a significant departure from the previous administration's telecommuting policies.
Trump signs executive order to curb abuse of power
The president signed an executive order aimed at curbing the “weaponization of government against the political adversaries of the previous administration.” In a speech before thousands of supporters at the Capital One Arena, Trump announced that he would order all federal agencies to preserve all records related to political prosecutions under the previous administration, which will begin the “process of exposing any and all abuses of power.”
Marco Rubio confirmed as secretary of state
The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the nomination of Marco Rubio as the next secretary of state, making him the first nominee for President Trump's cabinet to receive congressional approval.
Trump's signing of executive orders begins
President Donald Trump began his day by signing a series of executive orders in front of thousands of supporters at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC. Among the first actions, he rescinded 78 Biden-era measures, including executive orders, presidential memoranda and other directives. In addition, Trump signed an executive order marking the official withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Key Senate nominations approved
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the nominations of Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security and Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Noem was approved by a vote of 13 to 2, while Vought was approved by 8 to 7. Democratic Senator John Fetterman reported that all Democrats voted against Vought's nomination.
Relatives of Israeli hostages attend inaugural parade
The inaugural parade was attended by family members of hostages from Israel, including several whose loved ones are still in captivity and others who have sadly lost family members. During the ceremony, family members took the stage and had the opportunity to shake President Trump's hand.
Pete Hegseth's nomination approval
The Senate Armed Services Committee approved Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense on a partisan vote. All 14 Republican members of the committee voted in favor, while all 13 Democrats expressed opposition to the nominee.
Tribute to Corey Comperatore at the inaugural parade
During the inaugural parade, an emotional tribute was paid to Corey Comperatore, who lost his life during Donald Trump’s assassination attempt last summer. Emergency responders from Butler County, Pennsylvania, where the tragic incident occurred, marched in the parade, wearing Comperatore's fireproof jacket as a sign of respect and recognition of his sacrifice. As part of the tribute, a moment of silence was observed in his memory.
Vivek Ramaswamy to leave DOGE
According to reports, Vivek Ramaswamy, who, until now, was slated to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), decided to leave his post to launch his campaign as a candidate for governor of Ohio. Ramaswamy's departure leaves Elon Musk at the helm, marking a significant step in his growing influence within the Republican Party.
Will Scharf unveils Trump's executive actions
Donald Trump's new staff secretary, Will Scharf, presented a stack of executive actions that the president will sign during the celebration at Capital One Arena.
Trump arrives at Capital One Arena
President Donald Trump has just arrived at the Capital One Arena in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., to preside over a parade celebrating his 60th presidential inauguration.
Trump is expected to deliver a speech during the celebration, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, and sign several executive orders from the arena, marking a symbolic start to his term in office.
Biden administration's abortion website goes offline
The website created by the Biden Administration to promote abortion has been taken offline since Donald Trump took office.
Launched in 2022 as a response to the controversial Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, the site provided information on abortion access. However, following Trump's inauguration, users attempting to access the side now receive an error message.
Trump Participates in First Honors Ceremony
President Donald Trump participated in the First Honors Ceremony, a traditional event at presidential inaugurations, where elected representatives, including first responders from Butler, Pennsylvania, were in attendance.
Giorgia Meloni congratulates Trump after his inauguration
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated US President Donald Trump after attending his inauguration in Washington. Through a post on X, Meloni expressed her confidence that the friendship between the two countries and shared values will continue to strengthen the collaboration between Italy and the United States, especially in the face of global challenges.
Trump taps interim officials to lead major government agencies
President Donald Trump has appointed a team of interim officials to lead several federal agencies while the Senate processes confirmations of his nominees.
At the Defense Department, Robert Salesses will take over as acting secretary while the Senate evaluates Pete Hegseth's nomination for the position. A Marine Corps veteran with decades of government experience, Salesses has held a variety of positions at the Pentagon under four presidential administrations.
At the Treasury Department, David Lebryk, the agency's top career official, will lead temporarily as acting secretary while awaiting confirmation of Scott Bessent. Lebryk, appointed as assistant fiscal secretary in 2014, oversees the government's funding operations and Treasury's liquidity projections.
Denise Carter will serve as acting secretary at the Department of Education. Carter, with experience in several government agencies, will assume leadership until Linda McMahon receives Senate confirmation.
Finally, at the Department of Labor, Vince Micone will lead the agency on an interim basis. With experience in administrative operations, Micone is waiting for Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's nominee, to get Senate approval.
Leaders and Influential Figures Gather for Congressional Luncheon
The Congressional luncheon at Statuary Hall brought together prominent political and business leaders. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and his wife, Priscilla Chan, chatted with Stephen Miller, a key advisor to Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Doug Burgum, candidate for the Department of the Interior, held a dialogue with Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon. In addition, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand shared words with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines.
Trump pledges to put astronauts on Mars
During his inaugural address in the Capitol Rotunda, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will send astronauts to Mars to plant the national flag. Trump called this mission part of the country's “Manifest Destiny” and stressed the importance of exploring beyond the Moon.
Trump signs proclamation for flags to fly at full-staff during all future presidential inaugurations
Donald Trump ordered US flags to fly at full-staff during his inauguration and at all future presidential inauguration ceremonies. In addition, he instructed that flags return to half-staff on Tuesday to comply with the 30-day mourning period initiated after the death of Jimmy Carter.
Trump pledges to reinstate military members discharged for refusing covid-19 vaccine
Former President Donald Trump announced that he will sign an executive order to reinstate military members discharged for refusing to receive the covid-19 vaccine, a measure that would benefit some 8,000 members of the armed forces.
Trump assured that his order would include retroactive payments for those affected and would prevent the armed forces from being subject to “radical political theories and social experiments.” In addition, he promised to strengthen the military, focusing on avoiding unnecessary conflicts and building back the most powerful military force in the world.
Trump picks James McHenry as acting attorney general while final nominee is evaluated
President Donald Trump has nominated James McHenry, a lawyer with a hard-line record on immigration, as acting attorney general. McHenry, who oversaw immigration courts at the Justice Department, will remain in the position until the Senate confirms Pam Bondi, the nominee for the post.
McHenry previously held key roles in the Trump administration, as director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review. His appointment comes as the Senate Judiciary Committee prepares to consider Bondi's nomination this week, although the final confirmation process could be extended.
Trump Administration ends CBP One
Trump ended the use of the border application called CBP One that has allowed nearly one million people to legally enter the country with the right to work.

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Trump ends CBP One, Biden's border app that allowed the entry of nearly one million immigrants
Williams Perdomo
Trump signs his first executive orders
Amid jokes with top Democrats, surrounded by his vice JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump signed the first orders of his second term in the President's Room on Capitol Hill.
His first measures included several appointments, including some at the Cabinet level. The latest order he signed seeks to settle a controversy with his predecessor: the American flag should be flown at full mast during presidential investitures.
Trump's major announcements
"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," Trump said.
In that regard, the White House shared the priorities of the second Trump administration. Among the actions of his first day as president are: securing the border, returning the United States to energy dominance and recovering American values.
- Protecting the border: includes ending Biden's catch-and-release policies, reinstating Remain in Mexico, building the wall, ending asylum for illegal border crossers, cracking down on criminal sanctuaries, and improving vetting and screening of migrants.
- On energy: the president says he will unleash American energy by ending Biden's climate extremism policies. He will do so by streamlining permits and reviewing all regulations that impose undue burdens on energy production and use, including mining and processing of non-fuel minerals.
- Reclaiming American values: he will establish male and female as biological reality and protect women from radical gender ideology. In addition, American monuments will be given names that appropriately honor the nation's history.
‘Our golden age has just begun’
Trump concluded the first speech of his second Administration, having announced a series of measures and promised a new "golden age."
‘I will declare a NATIONAL EMERGENCY at our southern border’
Among his priorities, Trump promised to stop the border crisis. To that end, he promised to declare a national emergency on the border with Mexico.
"All illegal entry will be immediately halted and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places they came," he assured.
‘There are only two genders’
The new president affirmed that the official policy of the United States will be, from now on, that "there are only two genders." Thus, he assured, he will work to achieve a society that does not discriminate on the basis of race and is based on merit.
Trump thanks Hispanics
The president dedicated some of his first words to the Hispanic community, key to his electoral victory:
"To the Black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote."
'The Golden Age of America begins right now'
"I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success," Trump told all Americans in his first speech as the nation's 47th president.
The president described the state of the country, assuring that it is his turn to take the reins of the country again. He cited the crisis of confidence in institutions, due to a "radical and corrupt" elite undermining the power of the people, a government that cannot manage a simple crisis at home while facing a "chaotic" world and uncontrolled immigration, and an uncontrolled and dangerous border, among others.
DONALD TRUMP SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT
J.D. Vance sworn in as vice president
Accompanied by his family, former Senator J.D. Vance was sworn in as vice president with a Bible from his maternal grandmother, an influential figure in his life.
Amy Klobuchar: 'The power of those in this room comes from the people'
The senator from Minnesota opened the ceremony as chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. In her brief speech, she recalled that the American people hold the power in the United States, making special mention of the firefighters in California.
As a reminder that "the power of those in this room comes from the people," she argued, inaugurations are held on Capitol Hill, "the House of the people" and not in a presidential residence, as in other countries.
Trump enters the Capitol Rotunda
All set for Trump's inauguration. The president-elect was greeted with an applause and chants of "USA, USA!"
Trump and Biden enter the Capitol
President-elect Donald Trump and Joe Biden entered the Capitol together for the inauguration.
About 600 people accompany Trump inside in the Capitol Rotunda. His family, all living former presidents, Democratic and Republican politicians, and businessmen fill the historic room.
The first attendees arrive
Doors are opening at two key locations for the inauguration: the Capitol and Capital One Arena, an indoor stadium where a crowd of supporters will accompany Trump during the inaugural parade.
Eric Trump has already arrived to the Capitol, where Donald Trump and J.D. Vance will be sworn into office around noon.
Everything taking place inside will be broadcast at Capital One Arena. After enduring the cold, waiting in line and passing through security, dozens of people began entering the arena. With an estimated seating capacity of 20,000, the audience will watch the inauguration live and then celebrate with the newly sworn-in president.
Trump arrives at St. John's Church
The president-elect arrived at St. John's Church in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Melania Trump, for a religious service.
Rep. Mike Waltz shared an image from inside the church, featuring Elon Musk and academic and former staffer Julia Nesheiwat.
What? When? The complete inauguration schedule
- Inauguration day will begin with a church service at St. John's Church in Washington, D.C.
- President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Donald Trump and Melania Trump at a tea and coffee reception at the White House.
- Around noon, JD Vance will be sworn in on a Bible from his great-grandmother. He will be followed by Trump, who will be sworn in on two Bibles: one that belonged to Lincoln and one that was a gift from his mother. The ceremony will be held inside the Capitol due to historically low temperatures.
- After taking the oath of office, Trump will deliver his long-awaited first speech as president.
- Official farewell to Biden and Kamala Harris. The by-then former presidential couple will leave Washington, heading to Santa Ynez, California.
- The signing ceremony will be Trump's first official act. He will sign appointments and executive orders.
- The new president will attend a luncheon on Capitol Hill, hosted by lawmakers.
- The president will join the crowd celebrating his inauguration at the Capital One Arena, where the inaugural parade will be held.
- The president and vice president will review military troops.
- Trump will return to the Oval Office.
- In the evening, he will speak at three official balls: the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball.
Trump lands in the cryptocurrency sector with $TRUMP
After becoming one of the most ardent supporters of the cryptocurrency sector—promising to turn the United States into 'the world's crypto capital'—Donald Trump launched his own digital asset, $TRUMP, shortly before being inaugurated as president.
Pope Francis sends a message to Trump
"I offer cordial greetings and the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom, strength and protection in the exercise of your high duties," Pope Francis told Donald Trump in a message released by the Vatican press on the occasion of the inauguration.
"Inspired by your nation’s ideals of being a land of opportunity and welcome for all, it is my hope that under your leadership the American people will prosper and always strive to build a more just society, where there is no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion," the message continued.
"At the same time, as our human family faces numerous challenges, not to mention the scourge of war, I also ask God to guide your efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples. With these sentiments, I invoke upon you, your family, and the beloved American people an abundance of divine blessings."
Trump announces he will visit California on Friday
During his last speech before his inauguration, Donald Trump dedicated a moment to those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. The Republican, highly critical of the management of Democratic leaders in the city and the Golden State, announced that he will visit California next Friday and launched a message of hope in the reconstruction of a locality to make it "better and more beautiful than ever."
"Tonight, also want to send our love to everyone affected by the terrible wildfires raging in California. We’re praying for you all. We love you all. We’re going to be there very soon. We’re going to get some of the best builders in the world. We’ll get it moving back. Together we will rebuild Los Angeles better, more beautiful than ever before. We’re going to get it going,” Trump said. “We have the best builders in the world. It’s the only people that could do it. Nobody else knows what the hell they’re doing. And in 2028, the Los Angeles Olympics will be one of the great sporting events and patriotic celebrations in history. Because of the wildfires, they are going to do a special job. They are going to do something very special on the Olympics."
"We will take back our country by noon tomorrow"
Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitments at his last rally before his inauguration. From the stage of the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C., the president-elect d teclared, "We take back our country tomorrow at noon, the curtain closes on four long years of American decline, and we begin a brand new day of strength and prosperity, American dignity and pride. Take it all back once and for all."
A cold day in Washington
The cold will be one of the main features of the day. Currently, Washington D.C. is at -4°C (about 24°F), and temperatures are expected to continue to drop, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour. In anticipation, the events were moved indoors to the Capitol. The temperature at Obama's 2009 inauguration was 28°F, the closest to today's conditions.
Trump ready to sign 200 executive orders for "a new dawn"
In his victory speech on election night, Trump declared that his triumph would mark "a new dawn" for the country after Biden's term in office. Acknowledging the urgency of the situation he inherited, the Republican announced he was prepared to sign up to 200 executive orders—perhaps even on the steps of the Capitol—to radically overhaul immigration policy, secure the border, end "wokeism" in the administration, and improve the national economy and the financial well-being of Americans. He will even have time for one final action: saving TikTok in the U.S.