As the freezing cold set in ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump, crowds braved the chilly temperatures to witness the historic moment. The day, typically marked by an outdoor ceremony at the US Capitol, had been moved indoors due to a severe cold front, with temperatures expected to plunge to -13°C (9°F) with a strong wind chill.
Donald Trump’s family made their way to St. John’s Church early in the day for a traditional pre-inaugural service, which has become a fixture in American presidential transitions. Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and their families were among the first to arrive, followed closely by Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance. The atmosphere outside was filled with anticipation as they gathered for the service, signaling the beginning of the highly anticipated inauguration day.
However, the arrival of the president-elect himself was the moment many had been waiting for. Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, made their appearance at St. John’s Church shortly after, marking their first public sighting of the day. With the cold weather not deterring crowds, many had been eagerly anticipating the ceremony that would soon unfold, where Trump would officially take the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States.
As the ceremony moved indoors, following the oath of office, Trump was expected to address the nation, laying out his vision for the coming years. Later in the evening, the newly inaugurated president would attend three inaugural balls, celebrating the transition of power and the beginning of a new chapter for the United States.
Ahead of the inauguration, Trump’s final rally had promised a swift start to his presidency, with plans to sign a flurry of executive orders on his first day in office. Meanwhile, outgoing President Joe Biden issued a series of preemptive pardons, including for Dr. Anthony Fauci and officers who had testified during the Capitol riot, signaling a swift departure from the previous administration’s policies.
As Trump’s family settled into the church, the focus shifted to the monumental ceremony that was about to unfold. With a day full of promise and anticipation ahead, the transition of power was set to be a defining moment in the nation’s history, despite the bitter cold gripping Washington.
