First pardoned Jan. 6 rioters released in DC

Two Pennsylvania brothers arrested for their role in the riots were released.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Meredith Deliso, Emily Shapiro, Emily Chang, David Brennan, Leah Sarnoff, and T. Michelle Murphy
Last Updated: January 21, 2025, 2:16 AM EST

President Donald Trump returned from a campaign-style rally at a Washington, D.C., arena to the White House to sign more executive orders, including a sweeping one that pardoned those convicted of storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Earlier after taking the oath of office and events at the Capitol, Trump spoke to a roaring crowd at Capital One Arena, where he also signed several executive orders.

After he is through signing the orders, Trump will attend inaugural balls tonight.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news developed on Inauguration Day:
Jan 20, 2025, 12:15 PM EST

Trump: 'The golden age of America begins right now'

Trump began his inaugural remarks with a line he's said repeatedly since his election.

"The golden age of America begins right now," he said.

"Our sovereignty will be reclaimed, our safety will be restored, the scales of justice will be rebalanced."

Donald Trump takes oath on the day of his Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Cheers erupted in the freezing cold in the line outside the Capital One Arena as Trump supporters huddled together, glued to their phones watching Trump take the oath of office.

Jan 20, 2025, 12:06 PM EST

Trump is sworn into office for a 2nd term, capping historic comeback

Trump just took the oath for a second time. Melania Trump and their children surrounded him as he did so.

Trump and Biden shook hands after he took the oath. Kamala Harris, who was standing next to Biden, clapped quietly.

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, January 20, 2025.
Saul Loeb/Pool via Reuters

Chief Justice John Roberts administered the presidential oath of office to Donald J. Trump.
2:22
Donald Trump sworn in as 47th US presidentChief Justice John Roberts administered the presidential oath of office to Donald J. Trump.
ABCNews.com

Jan 20, 2025, 12:05 PM EST

JD Vance takes oath of office

JD Vance just took the oath of office with his wife, Usha, and their three children by his side.

The former Ohio senator took the oath of office with his wife Usha at his side.
1:27
JD Vance sworn in as vice presidentThe former Ohio senator took the oath of office with his wife Usha at his side.
ABCNews.com

Jan 20, 2025, 11:55 AM EST

Theme for inauguration is 'our enduring democracy'

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, who sit on the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, are speaking on the importance of democracy.

"Our theme this year is our enduring democracy, the presence of so many presidents and vice presidents here today is truly a testament to that endurance," Klobuchar said in her opening remarks.

Fischer noted the past several years have been a "trying" time for the nation but today's events marks its 60th inauguration ceremony.

"Endurance through the years is the ultimate test," she said. "To persevere through time is the truest measure of an idea."

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