Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C. The ceremony took place at the United States Capitol.

Inauguration Details

The 58th United States presidential inauguration saw Donald Trump assume office as the 45th President. Mike Pence also assumed office as the 48th Vice President of the United States. Chief Justice of the United States, John Roberts, administered the oath to Donald Trump, while Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Clarence Thomas, administered the oath to Mike Pence.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies and the Inaugural Committee organized the event. The Trump Pence Inaugural Committee maintained an archived website for the inauguration. This event marked the first of two inaugurations for Donald Trump, with the next occurring in 2021.

During his Inaugural Address on January 20, 2017, President Trump addressed Chief Justice Roberts, former Presidents Carter, Clinton, Bush, and Obama, as well as "fellow Americans, and people of the world." He stated that "We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people." He also noted, "Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for many, many years to come. We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done."

President Trump acknowledged the "orderly and peaceful transfer of power," expressing gratitude to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their "gracious aid throughout this transition," describing them as "magnificent." He further stated that the ceremony had "very special meaning" because it was "not merely transferring power from one administration to another, or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the people."

He asserted that "For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered, but the jobs left and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories."

President Trump's Background

Donald J. Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, to Fred and Mary Trump. He has three older siblings and one younger brother. Trump attended the New York Military Academy and the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania. He pursued a career as a real estate developer and businessman, following his father's footsteps. He has authored more than fourteen books, with his first, The Art of the Deal, published in 1987. From 2004 to 2015, Trump hosted and produced the television show, The Apprentice.

President Trump married Melania in 2005, and they have one son, Barron. He also has four adult children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, and Tiffany, and 10 grandchildren.

Trump announced his candidacy for President on June 16, 2015. He accepted the Republican nomination in July 2016, with Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate. On November 8, 2016, Trump was elected to his first term as President, defeating Hillary Clinton.

First Administration Initiatives

The first Trump Administration's work included reforming the U.S. tax code and renegotiating trade agreements with Mexico, Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea. The administration also focused on expanding the military, defeating the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS), and responding to the opioid crisis. Other initiatives included improving access to healthcare for veterans, responding to the COVID-19 global pandemic, supporting vaccine development, and lowering the cost of prescription drugs.

During his first term, President Trump nominated three Supreme Court justices: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. These nominations represent the most nominated and confirmed by a president during a single term.

Key Facts

  • Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017.
  • The inauguration ceremony took place at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
  • Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to Donald Trump.
  • Mike Pence was inaugurated as the 48th Vice President of the United States.
  • The first Trump Administration focused on tax reform, trade renegotiations, military expansion, and healthcare improvements for veterans.
  • President Trump nominated three Supreme Court justices during his first term: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.