The inauguration of a U.S. president is a symbolic and historic event that occurs every four years on January 20 (or January 21 if the 20th falls on a Sunday). This year’s ceremony, held on January 20, 2025, welcomed Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. Despite freezing temperatures of 24°F and a windchill that made it feel even colder, the inauguration was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda—a decision that brought a unique and elegant backdrop to the event.
This year’s inauguration drew over 250,000 ticketed guests, with many more gathering in general admission areas and at the Capital One Arena to watch the historic moment on big screens. From the inspiring speeches to the musical performances, this event offered moments of hope, unity, and ambition for the years ahead.
TIP: Tickets are free and allow you to watch in person on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol as the president and vice president are sworn in. Tickets will be available from your members of Congress in the weeks leading up to the inauguration.
Setting the Scene
Inside the Capitol Rotunda, the atmosphere was one of honor and respect for tradition. The setting was adorned with historical paintings and towering statues, adding a sense of reverence.
Among the notable attendees were John Ratcliffe, a local from Heath, Texas, and President Trumps appointee to serve as CIA director in his new administration. Seeing someone from my community at such a prestigious event was a proud moment. The ceremony also drew titans of the tech world, including the CEOs of Facebook, Apple, Amazon, and Elon Musk, who exuded excitement and energy.
Memorable Performances
The musical performances were a testament to the event’s grandeur:
- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Combined Choirs filled the space with breathtaking harmonies.
- The United States Marine Band and the Naval Academy Glee Club delivered stirring renditions of patriotic classics.
- Carrie Underwood triumphed over a technical glitch, leading an a cappella version of America the Beautiful with poise and grace, turning an unforeseen challenge into a moment of connection with the audience.
- The ceremony included opera tenor Christopher Macchio’s moving performance of O’ America and he concluded with the National Anthem.
These performances, coupled with the energy of the crowd, underscored the resilience and unity that define the American spirit.
Highlights from the President’s Speech
President Trump’s speech struck a balance between ambition and inspiration. He declared:
- “The Golden Age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.”
- “We have a government that has given unlimited funding to the defense of foreign borders but refuses to defend American borders or its own people.”
He reflected on the nation’s heritage, describing Americans as “explorers, builders, innovators, and pioneers.” His vision for the next four years centers on reclaiming opportunities and restoring pride, while addressing crises such as inflation, housing shortages, and disaster response.
Executive Orders: What They Mean for Citizens
President Trump’s first day in office brought several noteworthy executive orders:
- Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion
Aimed at securing the southern border, this order prioritizes national security. - Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness
Mount McKinley regains its historic name, honoring President William McKinley’s legacy. Additionally, the Gulf of Mexico will now be known as the Gulf of America. - Designating Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
This bold move mandates action within 14 days, signaling a strong stance against organized crime. - Withdrawing from the World Health Organization
A decision that will likely spark debate about global health leadership. - Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families
Measures include reducing housing costs, expanding the housing supply, and tackling inflationary pressures on food, fuel, and healthcare.
The complete list of Executive Orders is available at: WhiteHouse.gov.
Personal Reflection
The inauguration felt like the dawn of a new chapter for America. After years of challenges—rising inflation, soaring costs of essentials, and an unstable real estate market—this event offered a glimmer of hope. The promises of reduced living expenses, stronger border security, and a renewed focus on American greatness are ambitious. But will these ideas translate into meaningful change? Only time will tell.
As someone who has personally felt the strain of skyrocketing costs, I’m cautiously optimistic about the proposed actions. Bold initiatives, such as reducing regulations and securing borders, hold the potential to bring real relief. However, the next 30 days will be pivotal—will these executive orders deliver measurable, positive impacts for everyday Americans?
Affordable housing is an issue that hits close to home. Many towns, cities, and rural areas have policies that seem to stifle growth or restrict certain types of housing. Coupled with stricter immigration measures and the potential for tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, homebuilders may face significant challenges. Many in the construction industry rely on immigrant labor, and regulatory hurdles often inflate building costs. While federal initiatives to reduce red tape for housing construction are commendable, they face limitations. The majority of building permits and regulations lie in the hands of state and local governments, and any meaningful change would likely require incentivizing those authorities to loosen their policies. With Canada supplying 30% of the soft lumber used in U.S. construction and significant amounts of steel, it’s clear that trade policies will also play a crucial role in shaping housing affordability.
Another promise from the campaign trail continues to pique interest: the removal of fluoride from public water systems across the United States. If pursued, this could lead to widespread debate about public health and government involvement in municipal water supplies.
On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water. Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease. President…
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) November 2, 2024
One of the most intriguing announcements was the Stargate Project, aiming to revolutionize healthcare using artificial intelligence. The initiative includes plans to construct the largest computer ever built, enabling breakthroughs in cancer vaccines, personalized medicine, and pandemic prevention. Imagine a world where AI can diagnose cancer, and within 48 hours, a patient could receive a personalized vaccine using their own DNA. If realized, this could mark a monumental shift in medical science.
The introduction of an External Revenue Service (ERS) also stood out in the America First Trade Policy Executive Order. This agency would handle tariffs, duties, and foreign trade revenues, with the stated goal of benefiting American workers, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Initial reports on its structure and benefits are expected by April, and I can’t help but wonder—what will this actually look like, and how will it impact everyday Americans?
This inauguration reminded me of America’s resilience and the immense potential for greatness. It’s a reminder that while leadership sets the tone, the outcomes depend on action and collaboration.
What about you? What are your thoughts on the day’s events and the proposed executive orders? Are you hopeful, skeptical, or somewhere in between? Join the conversation—share your hopes, concerns, and what you’d like to see unfold in the coming years.