Trump’s return to the White House marks an extraordinary ascent to power as he is set to become the 47th president in a swearing-in ceremony later today.
Donald Trump will become the 47th president of the United States today – marking an astonishing return to the White House for the businessman and former reality TV star.
Today’s inauguration comes after a tumultuous four years out of office that saw assassination attempts and several serious legal cases against the 78-year-old.
Mr Trump will be sworn in at the US Capitol Rotunda buildings rather than outdoors due to the cold weather in Washington DC – the first time this has happened in 40 years.
The Capital One Arena in Washington will host a live viewing of the ceremony – due to start at 5pm UK time – as well as the Presidential Parade.
Last night the president-elect held a rally at the same venue and gave a wide-ranging speech to his supporters, promising to tackle illegal immigration, pardon Capitol rioters and offer a temporary reprieve for TikTok.
He credited the video-sharing platform for helping him secure more younger voters, adding: “Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it.”
Speaking about his inauguration, he said it “closes on four long years of American decline” and “we begin a grand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride”.
Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and past presidents will attend the swearing-in ceremony – but notably, Barack Obama’s wife Michelle will be absent with no explanation offered.
Mr Trump has invited several world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, Argentina’s Javier Milei, and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, to his inauguration – the first president-elect to do so.
Several high-profile “tech bros” will also be in attendance including Mr Trump’s close confidante Elon Musk, Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, and TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew – fresh from the US ban which saw the app shut for several hours before it was restored.