Republican leader Donald Trump is set to take the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States today, January 20. The inauguration ceremony will take place inside the US Capitol’s Rotunda at noon ET (10:30 pm IST).
Global Presence At The Ceremony
The ceremony will witness a distinguished global presence, with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar representing the country. Among other key international guests, the Chinese Vice President, Japan’s Foreign Minister, and Australia’s Foreign Minister will also be attending. Additionally, all living former US Presidents, including Bill Clinton, George W Bush, and Barack Obama, will be present for the historic occasion.
Trump’s Pre-Inauguration Rally
Ahead of his inauguration, Donald Trump held a ‘Make America Great Again Victory Rally’ at the Capital One Arena. During the rally, he reaffirmed his commitment to tackling key issues, including immigration, birthright citizenship, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Indoor Ceremony To Address Cold Weather And Space Constraints
In an unusual move, Trump’s swearing-in ceremony has been moved indoors due to the exceptionally cold weather forecasted for the day. This marks the coldest inauguration day in recent history. The ceremony will be held in the US Capitol’s Rotunda, but limited seating, with only 700 available spots, is expected to create challenges for accommodating VIP guests. To manage this, the administration has arranged for 1,800 additional seats in the nearby Emancipation Hall, where Trump will deliver an address to guests after his inaugural speech.
Pope Francis Calls For Peace And Unity
Pope Francis, in a message for Trump’s inauguration, expressed his hopes for the new president to lead the country with compassion and without hatred. The Pope’s message emphasized the importance of fostering unity and justice. He urged Trump to promote peace and reconciliation, especially in light of the numerous global challenges, including the threat of war.
French PM Warns Of Europe’s Marginalization Under Trump’s Policies
Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou voiced concerns about the impact of Trump’s policies on Europe. He warned that if no actions are taken to counter the US president’s approach, France and Europe would risk being marginalized and dominated. Bayrou stressed the urgency of addressing Trump’s political direction, which he described as “incredibly dominating.”
As Donald Trump is officially sworn in as the President of the United States, the global community is closely watching, with a range of reactions from optimism and hope for peace to concerns about the potential implications of his leadership.