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Live Updates: Second Trump presidency begins

Trump supporters outside of the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Rian Nelson/ Beacon Staff)
Trump supporters outside of the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Rian Nelson/ Beacon Staff)

 

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Jan 20, 2025, 1:45 pm

Trump ends CBP One, a border app installed by the Biden administration

The Trump administration removed CBP One, an app used by undocumented migrants to submit their information and schedule appointments at eight southwest border ports of entry, according to the Customs and Border Control website. All existing appointments have also been canceled. 

“I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places in which they came,” Trump said moments after being sworn into office. 

The mobile app was launched by the Biden administration last year. The app has allowed nearly 1 million people to legally enter the United States with eligibility to work. Migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela were given sponsors in the U.S. to begin the process of getting temporary status in the country for two years.

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Jan 20, 2025, 1:40 pm

World leaders congratulate Trump on return to the White House

Heads of state from around the world were quick to congratulate President Trump on his return to the White House. 

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said on X that Trump is “always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace.” 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a strong ally of President Trump, credited the U.S. President with the recent return of three hostages held in the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7, 2023 attack in Israel. 

“I believe that working together again we will raise the U.S.-Israel alliance to even greater heights,” Netanyahu added. 

Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, said he has faith that Trump will end the Russia-Ukraine war and said that “Turkey will do whatever necessary in this regard.” He added that he wishes Trump’s second term would bring “good for all humanity.” 

Mark Rutte, NATO’s secretary general, has also praised Trump’s security promises and tweeted that “together we can achieve peace through strength—through NATO.” 

Other notable figures, including King Charles III of the U.K., European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have also congratulated the newly sworn-in president.

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Jan 20, 2025, 1:25 pm

Trump addresses crowd in Emancipation Hall

Following his swearing-in ceremony, President Trump addressed a smaller crowd in the Capitol’s Emancipation Hall. He congratulated House Speaker Mike Johnson for his reelection to the position with a 220-vote majority.

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Jan 20, 2025, 1:16 pm

Biden’s last official acts as president

In the moments before President Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the U.S., former president Joe Biden ended his one-term presidency with preemptive pardons to members of his family, including his siblings, after critics on the far-right suggested the Biden family should be prosecuted.

“My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me — the worst kind of partisan politics,” the former president said in a statement released at 11:30 a.m., during the inauguration ceremony. “Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end.”

The pardons quickly came under fire from Republicans, who noted the hypocrisy of the move, pointing to a statement made by then-Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer in 2020 that warned then-former president Trump against pardoning family members, lest it look like an abuse of power. 

In December, Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, of federal gun and tax charges after repeatedly saying he wouldn’t.

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Jan 20, 2025, 1:10 pm

Trump and Biden exit the Capitol

Following the National Anthem, the Capitol Rotunda burst into cheers. Former president Biden was seen sitting solemnly in his chair as President Trump greeted his supporters on his way out. 

The Bidens, former Vice President Harris, former Second Gentleman Emhoff, Vice President Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance followed closely behind newly-sworn President and First Lady Trump. 

After exiting the building, the Trumps and Bidens, in traditional practice, shared a last farewell and embraced the current and former vice presidents and their families. They then walked alongside each other toward a helicopter and shook hands. The former president and former first lady then entered the helicopter and left the premises as part of the ceremony.

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Jan 20, 2025, 12:50 pm

Rabbi Ari Berman, Senior Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Reverend Father Frank Mann deliver benediction

Yeshiva University President Ari Berman started the series of benedictions, which all highlighted hope for justice, peace, and unity. “Unite us around our foundational, biblical values… especially of faith and morality,” Rabbi Berman said, going on to mention the unrest on college campuses as well as the Israeli hostages. 

In his prayer, Rev. Mann thanked Trump’s parents, Frank and Mary Trump, whom, he said, without there “would never be the miracle that has just begun.”

He ended his speech by quoting President Trump: “As long as we have pride in our beliefs, courage in our conviction, and faith in our God we will not fail. We stand tall, we stand proud because we are Americans and Americans kneel to God.”

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Jan 20, 2025, 12:40 pm

Ambition is the lifeblood of a great nation’: Trump concludes his address by emphasizing the strength of the American people

As Trump concluded his inaugural address inside the Capitol rotunda, he called Jan. 20 “liberation day,” as he pointed to and celebrated the resilience of the American people.

Trump explained how America’s history, such as claiming the West, is proof of the people’s strength and that it is this strength that will ensure that “we will not be intimidated, we will not be broken, and we will not fail.” 

He vowed to “plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars,” hinting at Elon Musk’s desire to explore and colonize Mars.

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Jan 20, 2025, 12:20 pm

Trump promises to sign a series of executive orders

In his inaugural address, President Trump said that as commander in chief, he will start signing executive orders today that will bring a  “revolution of common sense.” He began with a list of executive order changes focusing on immigration policies.

Trump promises to declare a national emergency at the southern border, reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy, sending troops to the southern border, and reinstate the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which authorized the arrest, relocation, or deportation of any male over the age of 14 who hailed from a foreign enemy country. 

Trump also promised to declare a “National energy emergency,” which will allow for more energy production. He also talked about ending what he called “an electric vehicle mandate,” seemingly referring to a rule by the Environmental Protection Agency that requires auto manufacturers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half in new light- and medium-duty vehicles beginning in 2027.

He said other executive orders would aim to “Immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America” as well as “bring law and order back to our cities.” He also promised to end the effort to “socially engineer race and gender in every aspect of public and private life,” forge a society that is “color-blind and merit-based,” and enact a policy that recognizes only two genders in the United States, male and female.

Trump also addressed the current ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, emphasizing how he sees himself as being the “peacemaker and unifier”, outwardly taking credit for the current deal.

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Jan 20, 2025, 12:10 pm

Trump delivers inaugural address

President Trump opened his second presidency with the words: “The Golden Age of America begins right now.”

Trump continued, stating that his top priority is to “create a nation that is proud, prosperous and free,” so that the United States will be the “envy of every nation.”

In the address, Trump emphasized that the United States has been diminished by the past Biden administration which he views has put the nation in “a crisis of trust” and has been “a radical and corrupt establishment that has power from our citizens.”

In support of his statements, Trump cited his perceived mishandling of Hurricane Helene which affected both Florida and North Carolina stating; “our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency” and that “we have a public health system that does not deliver in times of disaster.”

Trump concluded the first part of his address by referencing his assassination attempt on Sept. 15, 2024, stating that he was “saved by God to make America great again.” The statement drew loud cheers both within and outside the Capitol.

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Jan 20, 2025, 12:07 pm

Sen. Deb Fischer introduces now President Donald Trump

Sen. Deb Fischer introduced Donald Trump ahead of his inaugural address.

“It is my honor and pleasure to introduce to you the 45th and 47th president of the US, Donald J. Trump,” she said.

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Jan 20, 2025, 12:03 pm

Trump sworn in as 47th president

Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States Monday afternoon by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. The president was surrounded by family members, including First Lady Melania Trump, sons Barron Trump and Donald Trump Jr., among others.

“I Donald John Trump do solemnly swear that I, will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and that I faithfully execute the office of President of the United States. So help me God,” Trump recited.  

After the ceremony, Barron Trump leaned across the podium to shake former President Joe Biden’s hand.

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Jan 20, 2025, 12:00 pm

Vance sworn in as vice president

Flanked by President-elect Trump, Second Lady Usha Vance, and his children, Vice President-elect Vance was sworn into office by Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, appointed to the high court during Trump’s first term.

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Jan 20, 2025, 11:57 am

Hundreds of Trump supports line up outside Capitol building

  • Trump supports watching the live stream outside of the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Rian Nelson/ Beacon Staff)

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  • Trump supports gather outside of the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Nick Peace/ Beacon Staff)

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As the swearing-in ceremony commences, hundreds of people gather outside the U.S. Capitol building to show support for Trump. 

Spectators are seen watching the ceremony on their phones and waving Trump signs. Most of them are wearing coats and hats as they brave the cold that has driven the ceremony inside.

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Jan 20, 2025, 11:51 am

Sen. Deb Fischer emphasizes “uniquely American course”

Sen. Deb Fischer spoke to inauguration attendees and emphasized that Trump was chosen by the American people.

“In November America chose him to steer this nation,” said Fischer, “Today we celebrate not only their decision to do so but also the simple right and wisdom of a free people to make their own choice so that their nation might endure.”

Fischer recognized the importance of this being the 60th inauguration ceremony in the United States stating that “like all the others before it it is a celebration to set our uniquely American course.”

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Jan 20, 2025, 11:45 am

Inauguration begins as Trump returns to White House 

Sen. Amy Klobuchar calls to order the “peaceful transfer of power” between President-elect Trump and President Joe Biden at the 60th presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. 

The theme of this year’s inauguration is “our enduring democracy,” Klobuchar said in her opening speech. This year’s inauguration comes as the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, which secured independence from the British, approaches.

Klobuchar concluded by recognizing the work of the firefighters in Los Angeles and the rest of the working-class of America. 

“As we inaugurate a new president and vice president, let’s remember that the power that comes within this room comes from the people,” Klobuchar said.

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Jan 20, 2025, 11:42 am

Trump, Vance take seats on inaugural platform ahead of swearing-in

Trump and Vance took their seats on the inaugural platform in the Rotunda ahead of being sworn in on Monday.

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Jan 20, 2025, 11:38 am

Biden, Harris take seats on inaugural platform

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took their seats on the inaugural platform ahead of Trump and Vance’s swearing-in ceremony. This marked the last time “Hail to the Chief” will be played for Biden while he is in office.

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Jan 20, 2025, 11:30 am

Bezos, Zuckerberg and Musk sit in front of Trump’s cabinet picks

At the ceremony, the billionaire CEOs of Meta, X, and Amazon sat in front of the president-elect’s entire Cabinet. Various athletes, team owners, and executives were also in attendance, including UFC CEO Dana White, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, fighters Jake and Logan Paul, and NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown.

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Jan 20, 2025, 11:22 am

Inauguration ceremony held indoors for the first time since 1985

President-elect Trump announced the change of inauguration venues on Truth Social Friday, citing “very cold weather” as the reason. 

In his post, Trump also announced that supporters would still be able to watch the ceremony from Capital One Arena, which holds a maximum of 20,000 people in downtown Washington. This significantly reduces the capacity of attendees compared to the National Mall, where permits submitted for the inauguration estimated roughly 30,000 people would be in the ticketed area, and 250,000 people in the public, non-ticketed area

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Jan 20, 2025, 10:47 am

Biden and Trump arrive at U.S. Capitol

President Joe Biden and President-elect Trump arrived together in a shared limousine to attend today’s swearing-in ceremony. 

It has been a tradition for the outgoing president to accompany the president-elect to the Capitol since 1837. This is the first time Biden and Trump have carried out this tradition after Trump chose not to participate four years ago during Biden’s swearing-in ceremony.

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Jan 20, 2025, 10:10 am

Bidens greet Trumps at White House

President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden greeted President-elect Trump and incoming First Lady Melania Trump at the White House ahead of Trump’s inauguration. 

Biden said “Welcome home” to the Trumps as they approached the White House staircase. Biden also left Trump a letter inside a drawer of the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, a customary tradition between presidential transitions of power.

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Jan 20, 2025, 10:00 am

Harris and Emhoff greet Vances at White House

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff greeted Vice President-elect Vance and incoming Second Lady Usha Vance ahead of Vance’s swearing-in ceremony later today.

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Jan 19, 2025, 7:45 pm

Trump speaks at Inauguration-eve rally

  • Thousands of Trump supporters gathered outside of Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 as trump gave his inauguration-eve speech.(Rian Nelson/ Beacon Staff)

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  • Thousands of Trump supporters gathered outside of Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 as trump gave his inauguration-eve speech.(Rian Nelson/ Beacon Staff)

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  • Thousands of Trump supporters gathered outside of Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 as trump gave his inauguration-eve speech.(Rian Nelson/ Beacon Staff)

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President-elect Trump spoke at a rally at the Capitol One Arena in DC ahead of his inauguration on Monday. Trump took to the stage for approximately one hour, laying out some of his priorities for his second term. 

“I will outline in my inaugural address tomorrow … the most aggressive, sweeping effort to restore our borders the world has ever seen,” Trump said. 

Trump then went on to list a “laundry list” of items he hopes to address in his second term. 

“We will get critical race theory and transgender insanity the hell out of our schools, [and] we will keep men out of women’s sports,” Trump said. “I will defend religious liberty, restore freedom of speech, and I will defend the right to keep and bear arms.” 

Trump was notably not flanked by his running mate, Vice President-elect Vance. He was instead watching from the audience. Billionaire Elon Musk made an appearance onstage nearly thirty minutes into Trump’s speech.

 

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Jan 19, 2025, 1:30 pm

Trump, Vance lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Following tradition, President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Incoming First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance were present among other family members and cabinet picks.

About the Contributors
Adri Pray
Adri Pray, Editor-in-Chief
Adri Pray (she/her) is a senior journalism student from Cape Cod, MA. She was previously a managing editor, news editor, and assistant news editor at the Beacon, and took a brief hiatus from the paper in 2023 to complete two reporting co-ops at The Boston Globe. Outside of the Beacon, her work has appeared in the Globe, Cambridge Day, Food Bank News, and Milk Crate, an online music publication. She has two minors in political science and environmental studies.
Meg Richards
Meg Richards, Managing Editor
Meg Richards is a third year journalism and political communications double major from Richmond, Virginia. Previously serving as opinion editor, her work has appeared across all sections, as well as in various Emerson magazines and in Washington City Paper. She’s been a day one Beaconer since Fall 2022. When she’s not doing journalist things, she can be found tap dancing, trying new foods, and perusing Pinterest for her Next Great Nailspo.
Rylie Burns
Rylie Burns, Operations Managing Editor, Layout Editor & Newsletter Editor
Rylie Burns (she/her) is a sophomore journalism major, sports communication minor from Danvers, MA, and currently serves as the operations managing editor, layout editor, and newsletter editor for the Berkeley Beacon. She is also an active participant in WEBN and the Emerson Dance Company. Other than reporting, Rylie enjoys dancing, choreographing, reading, and listening to music.
Iselin Bratz
Iselin Bratz, News Editor
Yogev Toby
Yogev Toby, Projects Editor
Yogev Toby (He/Him) is a junior journalism student and Projects Editor for the Berkeley Beacon. After moving to the United States from Israel, Yogev completed his associates degree at Portland Community College and transferred to Emerson. Yogev has years of experience in field reporting and multimedia journalism from his service as a combat photographer; he specializes in writing, photography, and videography. He is also the managing editor of WEBN TV. Outside of journalism, Yogev enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and watching films.
DJ Mara
DJ Mara, Dept. Metro Editor
Merritt Hughes
Merritt Hughes, Dept. Campus Editor
Hannah Brueske
Hannah Brueske, Dept. Projects Editor
Hannah‌ Brueske is a junior journalism major and history and women’s, gender & sexuality studies minor from Saint Paul, Minnesota. At the Beacon she serves as the deputy projects editor, which focuses on investigative and long-form journalism. She is also the managing editor of the Independent Magazine and a staff writer for Emertainment Monthly. Originally from Germany, Hannah loves traveling, trying new coffee shops, playing guitar, and spending time with her friends and four younger siblings.
Jordan Pagkalinawan
Jordan Pagkalinawan, Dept. Sports Editor
Jordan Pagkalinawan (he/him) hails from Burbank, California, and is the Beacon’s deputy sports editor. A junior journalism student with a minor in sports communication, Jordan previously served as managing editor, Kasteel Well bureau chief, sports editor, and sports staff writer, keeping a watchful eye on the Lions’ Div. III teams and finding unique ways to tell their stories. Outside of Emerson, he has interned with the CBS Sports editorial team and is an editor/writer for Last Word on Sports. When Jordan isn’t working on a story, you will find him either playing basketball, listening to music, reading multiple books, or buying more coffee than he needs.
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