Donald Trump's inauguration as 47th US president

Following his inauguration ceremony, US President Donald Trump delivers a speech and signs documents, while guests -- including his family, Mark Zuckerberg, Bernie Sanders and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. -- mingle ahead of lunch.

US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment Monday with the last-minute pardons issued by his predecessor Joe Biden, who preemptively protected relatives and some members of his administration seen as foes of the incoming commander-in-chief.

"I was going to talk about the things that Joe did today, with the pardons of people that were very, very guilty of very bad crimes," Trump told supporters at the US Capitol shortly after his inauguration.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas congratulated US President Donald Trump on his inauguration on Monday and said he was ready to work for peace with “Israel” based on a two-state solution.

"We are ready to work with you to achieve peace during your term, based on a two-state solution," Abbas said in a statement published by the official Wafa news agency.

Abbas said it would mean "the State of Palestine and the State of Israel living side-by-side in security and peace, ensuring security and stability in our region and the world".

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated her US counterpart Donald Trump on his inauguration on Monday and called for "dialogue, respect and cooperation" between the closely connected countries.

"On behalf of the government of Mexico, I congratulate Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States of America. As neighbors and business partners, dialogue, respect and cooperation will always be the symbol of our relationship," she wrote on X.

Trump expressed regret over his strained relationship with President Biden, stating, "I wish we could have had a better relationship." He also mentioned how he had planned to address more "controversial" topics in his speech, including the "J6 hostages" and Biden's pardons for his family members, but was persuaded not to by those around him.

After the Rotunda ceremony, Trump made more casual remarks to a waiting crowd at the Capitol’s Emancipation Hall. He joked that they were a "younger, far more beautiful crowd" than the one in the Rotunda.

Reflecting on the inauguration's indoor setting, he initially thought it was a mistake due to the sunny weather, but later referred to the sun as "deceptive" for hiding the cold and suggested future inaugurations be held indoors.

Trump noted the room was "perfect" at 72 degrees. He also asked the audience about his speech’s delivery, which was met with cheers.

In his inauguration speech, US President Donald Trump announces that the government will officially recognize only two genders, male and female, reversing the current practice of offering a third gender option in certain situations. He also vows to end the government's efforts to influence race and gender in all areas of public and private life.

"As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female," he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump vowed Monday in his inauguration address that the United States would be "taking back" the Panama Canal, alleging that China had gained control of the waterway.

"We didn't give it to China, we gave it to Panama. And we're taking it back," said Trump, who has previously not ruled out using military force against Panama.

Newly-inaugurated US President Donald Trump said his administration's policy will recognize “only two genders”

In other remarks, Trump declared that the US will “plant the Stars and Stripes” on Mars.

US President Donald Trump on Monday announced his administration would declare a "national energy emergency" to significantly expand drilling in the world's top oil and gas producer, signaling a sharp departure from Joe Biden's climate-focused policies.

"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!'" Trump said during his inauguration speech.

President Donald Trump's administration on Monday announced the United States' intention to withdraw from the Paris climate accord for a second time, marking a defiant rejection of global efforts to combat planetary warming as catastrophic weather events intensify worldwide.

"President Trump will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord," the White House said in a statement shortly after the Republican was sworn into office.

Donald Trump hailed the dawn of a "golden age" for the United States as he was sworn in as the country's 47th president on Monday.

"The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world," he said, adding that “America’s decline is over”.

He slammed the Biden administration as “radical and corrupt”

Trump said he was “saved by God to make America great again” – referring to the assassination attempt on his life in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024.

Former President Donald Trump delivered bold remarks, proclaiming that "The Golden Age of America begins right now." He promised a flourishing nation, respected globally and free from exploitation.

Trump outlined his vision for a "proud, prosperous, and free" America, asserting that the country will become "greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before."

Describing a "tide of change sweeping the country," he expressed optimism, saying, "Sunlight is pouring over the entire world," and called for confronting challenges with "great momentum" to seize this unprecedented opportunity.

Reflecting on recent history, Trump criticized a "radical and corrupt establishment" for years of mismanagement, declaring, "America's decline is over." He claimed to have faced unparalleled challenges during his presidency, stating, "I was saved by God to make America great again."

Looking ahead, Trump referred to Jan. 20, 2025, as "Liberation Day," signaling his intentions for a transformative second administration.

The oath states: "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."

Image credit: Reuters

Outgoing US President Joe Biden issued last-minute pre-emptive pardons on Monday for several of his close family members.

In a statement issued just minutes before he was to leave office, Biden announced pre-emptive pardons for his brother James Biden, James's wife Sara Jones Biden, his sister Valerie Biden Owens, Valerie's husband John Owens, and his brother Francis Biden.

US President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden arrive at the Capitol in Washington ahead of the Republican's presidential inauguration.

Earlier Monday, Biden welcomed his successor to the White House for a courtesy visit.

Donald Trump arrived at the US Capitol where he will be sworn in as the 47th president on Monday.

"Good morning," Trump said as he entered the Capitol accompanied by President Joe Biden. Asked how they felt, Biden responded, "Well."