Trump Inauguration highlights: President Trump eyes 10% tariff on Chinese imports starting next month

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” Trump declared during the swearing-in ceremony.

The Presidential Oath of Office is outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution. Oaths for other federal officials, including the vice president, were established by Congress through statute.

Hundreds, including members of Congress, leaders of the U.S. high-tech industry, and other distinguished guests, erupted in applause as President-elect Donald Trump entered the Capitol Rotunda. The U.S. Marine Band’s stirring rendition of “Hail, America” set the tone for the electrifying moment.

(Reuters)

President-elect Donald Trump plans to issue executive orders upon taking office to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and restrict federal recognition to two sexes—male and female, according to an incoming White House official.

The official noted that further actions on DEI initiatives are expected “very soon,” as the administration reviews programs deemed “discriminatory,” including environmental justice grants and diversity training. Specific details and timelines for these measures have not yet been disclosed.

The United States Constitution states that before assuming office, the president must take the following Oath or Affirmation

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Donald Trump and congratulated him on returning to the White House.

“You are a true friend of Israel. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and for working toward a better future for our region. A special thank you for your dedication to bringing all our hostages home,” Herzog wrote in a social media post.

“We wish you and your administration great success in serving the American people,” he added.

Trump and President Joe Biden have arrived at the Capitol for the swearing-in.

Trump and President Joe Biden arrive at the Capitol for swearing-in ceremony.

Tech leaders including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook, and Jeff Bezos, who have formed alliances with Trump, were seated in prime spots alongside Trump’s family and cabinet members.

Canada’s main stock index surged to a five-week high on Monday ahead of Donald Trump‘s inauguration, with markets anticipating a softer approach to tariff pledges from the incoming administration.

The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index rose 0.6% to 25,217.78, marking its highest level since December 16.

U.S. markets were closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, resulting in lighter-than-usual trading volumes.

Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as U.S. president at 12:00 p.m. ET in a highly anticipated event, with attention on the executive actions he has promised to sign on his first day in office, particularly on immigration, energy, and tariffs.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar Attends Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St. John’s Church.

Dr. Jaishankar tweeted, “Privileged to represent India as EAM and Special Envoy of Prime Minister Modi at the Swearing-In Ceremony of the 47th President of the United States of America today in Washington DC.

Melania Trump did not appear to present a gift to Jill Biden as she greeted the outgoing First Lady and President Joe Biden on Inauguration Day.

The exchange took place Monday morning, as Melania and her husband, Donald Trump, shook hands with the Bidens on the White House steps, just hours before Biden was set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

Joe Biden warmly greeted Donald Trump with a “welcome home” as he and incoming First Lady Melania Trump arrived at the White House.

Unlike Trump’s inauguration, which Biden famously skipped, the duo were there to welcome the Trumps.

Biden greeted his successor at the White House’s North Portico, shaking hands with Trump in a composed manner. The two then proceeded to the traditional tea and coffee ceremony ahead of Trump’s Inauguration.

One of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump‘s first executive orders will establish the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), according to a report by Semafor on Monday, citing a fact sheet.

The department’s primary goal will be to modernize federal software systems to meet private-sector standards, starting with an overhaul of the government’s information technology systems.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy are set to lead the department. However, Ramaswamy will not be part of DOGE as he plans to run for governor of Ohio, Politico reported on Monday, citing a source close to him. Ramaswamy intends to announce his candidacy by the end of January.

Trump had previously stated that Musk and Ramaswamy would propose ways to reduce government bureaucracy, cut regulations, eliminate waste, and restructure federal agencies. While the panel will not have legal authority, its work will aim to “substantially reduce the size and scope of government,” Semafor reported, citing the fact sheet.

DOGE will collaborate with the Office of Management and Budget and other agencies to reduce the federal workforce, cut spending, and lessen regulatory burdens, according to the report.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump plans to sign an order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for U.S.-born children of parents without legal immigration status, an incoming White House official confirmed on Monday.

Referencing the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the official stated: “The federal government will no longer recognize automatic birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens born in the United States. Additionally, we will strengthen the vetting and screening process for illegal aliens.”

Guests have started settling into their seats in the Rotunda for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.

In Emancipation Hall, the overflow room for ticket holders in the Capitol Visitor Center, a livestream of the White House was shown as anticipation built for Trump’s departure on Monday morning.

The audience includes comedian Theo Von, professional boxers Jake and Logan Paul, MMA fighter Conor McGregor, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

(Reuters)

The dollar tumbled broadly on Monday after an official for incoming U.S. administration said President-elect Donald Trump would not impose new trade tariffs on his first day in office, alleviating some fears of an immediate blitz.

Trump, who takes office later in the day, has previously pledged tariffs of 10% on global imports, 60% on Chinese goods and a 25% import surcharge on Canadian and Mexican products, duties that may upend trade flows, raise costs and draw retaliation.

Due to forecasted dangerously cold temperatures in Washington, D.C., President-elect Donald Trump‘s inauguration will be held indoors, mirroring the decision made during Ronald Reagan’s 1985 inauguration. Trump shared the update on Truth Social, stating that the Inauguration Address, along with prayers and other speeches, will take place in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

Additionally, Trump announced that the Capital One Arena will be open for live viewing of the historic event and to host the Presidential Parade. After the swearing-in, Trump plans to join the crowd at the arena.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration, expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue with the new U.S. administration. Speaking during a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin highlighted the importance of seeking a lasting peace in Ukraine rather than a temporary ceasefire. He acknowledged Trump’s statements about restoring direct contacts with Russia and his commitment to preventing World War III. Putin welcomed these remarks and extended his congratulations to Trump on assuming office. Trump had previously mentioned plans to meet with Putin soon after taking office.

(Reuters)

Germany, highly susceptible to potential tariffs, will wait for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s actions before deciding on its response, German Finance Minister Joerg Kukies stated on Monday.

The euro surged more than 1% on Monday following a report by the Wall Street Journal that Donald Trump will refrain from immediately raising tariffs on U.S. trading partners after his inauguration.

According to the report, the president-elect plans to issue a memo directing federal agencies to investigate trade deficits and unfair trade practices, but will not impose tariffs on his first day in office.

As a result, the euro rose 1.13% to $1.0388, up from around $1.031 prior to the report’s release at 1330 GMT (0830 ET). The dollar index, meanwhile, dropped 0.91% to 108.34, and the pound gained 1.04%, reaching $1.2296.

Fears of an immediate tariff increase had contributed to a sharp rise in the dollar following Trump’s victory in the November election.

Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, arrived at the White House for a tea with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The Bidens warmly greeted the Trumps and posed for a series of photos before the private meeting.

Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife, Usha, were also welcomed at the White House by outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Nov. 6: Donald Trump is quickly declared the winner of the presidential race, with Republicans securing control of the Senate. Addressing a jubilant crowd of supporters in Florida, he declares, “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate.”

Nov. 7: Joe Biden delivers a speech pledging an orderly transfer of power.

Nov. 10: Trump begins unveiling his cabinet picks, with former acting ICE director Tom Homan named as the U.S. “border czar.”

Nov. 12: Trump appoints billionaire Elon Musk to co-head the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency.

Nov. 13: Trump nominates Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and Representative Matt Gaetz for Attorney General. Republicans also win control of the House, securing a political trifecta. Trump and Biden meet at the White House.

Nov. 14: Trump gives his first post-election speech at a Mar-a-Lago gala, preceded by actor Sylvester Stallone. He praises his latest cabinet picks and jokes with Musk about his continued stay at the property.

Nov. 20: Trump travels to Texas to witness a SpaceX launch by Musk.

Nov. 21: Gaetz withdraws his nomination for Attorney General after facing opposition from Senate Republicans over past conduct. Trump selects Pam Bondi as his replacement.

Nov. 22: Trump names prominent investor Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary.

Nov. 25: Trump announces a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, with an additional 10% tariff on imports from China.

Jan. 6: Kamala Harris presides over the Electoral College vote count at a joint session of Congress, confirming Trump’s election.

Jan. 10: Trump is sentenced to an unconditional discharge for a criminal conviction related to hush money paid to a porn star.

Jan. 20: Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance take their oaths of office during a swearing-in ceremony.

(Reuters)

Donald Trump is set to issue a trade memo on Monday, focusing on U.S. trade relations with China, Canada, and Mexico, but stopping short of imposing new tariffs on his first day in office. According to the Wall Street Journal, the memo will instruct federal agencies to assess trade policies with these nations.

While Trump has previously proposed tariffs of 10% on global imports, 60% on Chinese goods, and a 25% surcharge on products from Canada and Mexico, the memo does not include immediate tariff actions. Instead, it directs agencies to evaluate persistent trade deficits and address unfair trade and currency policies.

The memo highlights China, Canada, and Mexico, with specific instructions for agencies to review Beijing’s compliance with its 2020 trade agreement with the U.S. and assess the status of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). There was no immediate response from Trump’s aides regarding the Journal’s report.

Emerald Wilson-Bey, a long-time Republican and Trump supporter, is among the excited crowd in Washington, D.C., celebrating the swearing-in of Donald Trump as the country’s next president.

“I’m feeling terrific,” said Wilson-Bey, 42, in an interview with Al Jazeera. “I’m a lifelong Republican, and I’m thrilled to see him become president again.”

The entrepreneur highlighted government reform, accountability, immigration, and “law and order” as key issues for her. She also voiced her belief in “election security,” aligning with Trump’s continued, though unproven, claim that the 2020 election was stolen.

As an African American, Wilson-Bey acknowledged the expectation to align with the Democratic Party, but emphasized, “That’s not me.”

President-elect Donald Trump is set to declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico southern border on Monday, according to an incoming administration official. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity before Trump’s inauguration, also revealed that Trump plans to deploy additional armed forces to help secure the border. Furthermore, Trump is expected to designate criminal cartels as designated global terrorists.

No.

Four years ago, Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, departed from the White House before Joe Biden’s inauguration, opting to skip both the traditional greeting of the incoming president and the inauguration ceremony itself.

Having never conceded his defeat in the 2020 election, Trump became the first U.S. president in 150 years to break with this political tradition, which symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power in the country.

US President-elect Donald Trump and his family attended a traditional church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC, this morning, marking the start of inauguration events ahead of his swearing-in as the 47th President of the United States. The historic church, established in 1815, is often called the “Church of the Presidents” due to its long-standing connection with numerous US presidents.

Inauguration Events to Follow

After the service, President-elect Trump and his family will head to Blair House, the official guest house, before proceeding to the US Capitol Rotunda for the main swearing-in ceremony. Trump will take the presidential oath of office, officially beginning his term nearly two weeks after his electoral college victory was certified by Congress.

Ceremonial Events and Parade

The inauguration day will continue with a formal welcome at the North Portico, where President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will greet Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. Vice President-elect JD Vance will take the oath of office, followed by President Trump delivering his inaugural address.

Afterward, Trump will sign official documents in the President’s Room at the US Capitol, marking one of his first acts as president. The day will proceed with a luncheon, a review of the troops, and the inaugural parade before the Trumps return to the White House for further activities.

Evening Celebrations

The evening will conclude with the Trumps attending the Liberty Ball, followed by participation in the Commander-in-Chief Ball and United Station Ball, celebrating the historic occasion with time-honored traditions.

The former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff expressed deep gratitude for the outgoing president’s actions, saying that he and his family are “deeply grateful.”

“After forty-three years of loyal service in uniform, protecting and defending the Constitution, I no longer wish to spend whatever time the Lord grants me fighting those who might seek retribution for perceived slights,” Milley said in a statement.

As previously reported, President Biden has preemptively pardoned several public figures ahead of Donald Trump‘s presidency, including officials involved in investigating the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol.

Donald Trump will take the oath of office on Monday, marking a dramatic return to the White House after a turbulent four years. With promises to push the boundaries of executive power, deport millions of immigrants, and seek retribution against his political adversaries, Trump aims to reshape the nation’s course during his second term.

Despite facing impeachment trials, felony convictions, assassination attempts, and an indictment related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, Trump emerges triumphant as the first U.S. president since the 19th century to reclaim the office after losing it.

The inauguration, which will be held at noon (1700 GMT) inside the U.S. Capitol’s Rotunda, takes place four years after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. Due to extreme cold, the ceremony will be held indoors for the first time in 40 years.

Trump’s first day back in office is expected to be marked by a slew of executive actions. He plans to issue pardons to many of the over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, fulfilling one of his key campaign promises. In response, outgoing President Joe Biden has pardoned the lawmakers and staff members who investigated the riot, along with the law enforcement officers who testified.

As Trump prepares for his second term, he has vowed to enact harsh immigration policies and dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on his first day in office, which coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The move sets the stage for what promises to be a divisive and high-stakes presidency, with the former president keen to reassert his influence over the nation’s future.

(Reuters)

Donald Trump‘s return to the White House comes after a four-year gap following his previous re-election defeat, which he continues to deny. At 78, Trump will become the first U.S. president to serve after being convicted of criminal charges. He won the presidential election in November, defeating incumbent Democrat Joe Biden and outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris. In the same ceremony, Vice President-elect JD Vance will also take the oath of office.

Donald Trump, who triumphed over impeachment, criminal charges, and even assassination attempts, is set to take office for a second term as the 47th President of the United States. His inauguration on Monday marks the beginning of a new era as Republicans claim full control of Washington and move to reshape the nation’s institutions. The ceremony, moved indoors due to extreme cold, will start at 10:30 pm IST.

Prior to the official swearing-in, Trump will attend a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

In a related development, outgoing President Joe Biden has issued pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack. Biden’s use of his executive powers in these final hours aims to protect against potential retaliation from the incoming administration.

The sun is rising slowly over the U.S. capital as Donald Trump prepares to be sworn in for a second term as president in just a few hours.

A security perimeter, extending for several blocks, has been set up around the Capitol, with heavily armed officers stationed at every entrance to ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed access.

The area remains quiet, with few pedestrians and onlookers braving the bitter cold.

Meanwhile, thousands of Trump supporters are expected to watch the inauguration live-streamed at the Capital One Arena in another part of the city.

(Al Jazeera)