60th Inaugural: A Day That Was All Trump


President Donald Trump was sworn in yesterday as the 47th President of the United States at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol a minute and a half past noon.

The predicted frigid outside temperatures of Jan. 20 prompted the decision on Friday to move the ceremony inside, leaving those with passes — including The Georgetowner — for the Capitol’s westside seating outside with souvenir tickets only. For more than 250,000 expected to viewing the inauguration in-person, it become 20,000 seats at Capital One Arena to view the swearing-in on video. President Trump and a parade followed in person.

So, the swearing-in ceremony crowded a few family, friends, former presidents, high-tech billionaires, religious leaders and singers, along with Congressional, judicial and military members into the rotunda. It was a high-powered viewing.

President Trump gives his second inaugural address. Courtesy the Washington Post/U.S. Congress.

The new president said: “The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. …

“… 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. 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.

“Today, 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. 

“… The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices. And that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill. …

“We will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars that we end. And, perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into. My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier. That’s what I want to be. A peacemaker and a unifier. I’m pleased to say that, as of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families. …”

To which columnist George Will wrote within hours: “Neither euphoric nor despairing be. Trump too shall pass.” And for some Americans, the wind chill, etc. were appropriate for their feelings of the day.

Elon Musk, excited at the mention of Mars, as Barron Trump looks on. Courtesy the Washington Post/U.S. Congress.

Nevertheless, downtown Washington, D.C., was warm with Trump supporters celebrating the day with many willing to wait hours to get into Capital One Arena. Their joy was a joy to behold, other opinions notwithstanding. One business observer noted the restaurants were happy.

The parade at the arena was colorful, booming and abbreviated. Trump spoke yet again, repeating some of his lines from earlier addresses. There was a dutiful nod of the hostages of the Israel-Hamas conflict. And with that, the 47th President took a short motorcade to the place where he had been the 45th President.

Vice President JD Vance and his son Vivek with President Donald Trump at Capital One Arena. Courtesy the Washington Post/Trump Inaugural Committee.

In a refreshed Oval Office (the return of Andrew Jackson, the Reagan rug, Diet Coke and more flags), Trump sat down at the Resolute Desk to sign the promised first executive orders while casually speaking with the press. His actions included issuing pardons for 1,500 January 6 rioters as well as leaving the Paris climate accords and the WHO.

Still, the energetic Trump was not done with his day — three official inaugural balls awaited.

Some words of wisdom from a graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts are worth repeating.

Comedian Dave Chappelle, who hosted “Saturday Night Live” two days before the inauguration, concluded his opening monologue by saying: “The presidency is no place for petty people. Donald Trump, I know you watch the show. Man, remember, whether people voted for you or not, they’re all counting on you. Whether they like you or not, they’re all counting on you. The whole world is counting on you. I mean this when I say this: Good luck. Please, do better next time. Please, all of us, do better next time. Do not forget your humanity, and, please, have empathy for displaced people, whether they’re in the Palisades or Palestine.” 

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