Donald Trump is set to take the oath of office for a historic second term as President of the United States, marking the start of a new chapter in his political career.
The inauguration, a day steeped in tradition, will unfold at noon (EST- US) with Chief Justice John Roberts administering the oath. Originally planned to be held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, the ceremony has been moved indoors due to the bitterly cold weather gripping Washington, D.C.
Trump has described his inaugural address as a message of unity and hope, a notable departure from the stark and somber tone of his 2017 speech that painted a picture of a nation in decline.
Outgoing President Joe Biden, upholding the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power, will attend the ceremony. This gesture stands in contrast to Trump’s decision not to attend Biden’s inauguration four years ago, a move that broke long-standing precedent.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Trump has invited several foreign leaders to the event, an unconventional choice given typical security concerns. Argentine President Javier Milei, one of Trump’s most ardent international supporters, has confirmed his attendance, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed interest in joining. Chinese President Xi Jinping, despite being invited, is not expected to attend.
Trump has also vowed to hit the ground running. On his first day back in office, he plans to sign an extensive slate of executive actions, with insiders reporting that over 200 orders are ready for immediate implementation. These actions will prioritize border security, including classifying drug cartels as terrorist organizations, and reversing policies aimed at promoting workplace diversity.
* The BBC contributed to this article.
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