
Donald Trump is currently taking the oath for his second presidential term as the 47th President of the United States. The ceremony, held in the Capitol Rotunda to escape the polar cold, mixes political tensions, the presence of notorious adversaries, and symbolic grandeur. A page of American history turns before the eyes of the entire world.
A Ceremony Under High Security and Freezing Conditions
The outside temperature is around -12 °C in Washington D.C., with arctic winds making any outdoor activity impossible. The decision to move the ceremony inside the Capitol, a first since Ronald Reagan in 1985, prompted last-minute adjustments. Security has also been heightened, with thousands of National Guard members deployed in the capital, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding this event.
The outgoing president, Joe Biden, and his former running mate turned 2024 candidate, Kamala Harris, honored the invitation despite ongoing political tensions. The presence of the two Democratic figures, seated a few meters from the Republican president, illustrates the country’s polarization. Kamala Harris, in a white suit, made a sensation, offering a striking visual contrast with Melania Trump, dressed in a long black gown and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Melania Trump, often described as enigmatic, once again captivated attention with her minimalist elegance. Her outfit, seen as a tribute to Jacqueline Kennedy’s style, demonstrates her mastered sense of conservative symbolic attire.

The List of Attendees: A Melting Pot of Allies and Opponents
Donald Trump’s Inauguration: A Ceremony Gathering a Wide Array of Personalities
The ceremony brings together a wide range of personalities from the political, economic, and cultural worlds. Among the former presidents present were Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, accompanied by their spouses, with the notable exception of Michelle Obama, whose absence highlighted ongoing ideological divides.
On the Republican side, influential figures such as Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Elon Musk, who publicly supported Trump in recent months, were in attendance. Billionaires like Peter Thiel, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos also participated, underscoring the connection between this administration and major tech giants. Notably, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos were granted prime seating at the ceremony, even surpassing some incoming cabinet members.
Among the invited foreign leaders were Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, reflecting the international alliances of the new administration.
From France, Éric Zemmour and Sarah Knafo attended but were not officially received, unlike Marion Maréchal, who was welcomed by Donald Trump’s son, Eric Trump, and crossed paths with a journalist from Quotidien.
In addition to religious speeches and prayers, musical performances will not be lacking. Singer Carrie Underwood performed America the Beautiful, while tenor Christopher Macchio sang the national anthem. The Village People also performed during the planned galas, their presence continuing to spark controversy.
A Historic Moment for a Divided America
In his inaugural speech, expected in the coming hours, Donald Trump is likely to reiterate the priorities that marked his campaign: border security, economic revival, and protection of American interests abroad. This mandate could also seal a shift in transatlantic relations. European allies expect a period marked by reinforced protectionism and a more unilateral approach to foreign policy.
Kamala Harris’s speech at this ceremony, despite her defeat in 2024 to Trump, symbolizes respect for democratic protocol. Upon her arrival, Harris briefly greeted Melania Trump, a moment that did not escape the cameras. This courteous exchange contrasts with the animosity perceptible during the last presidential campaign.
Cryptocurrencies and YMCA in the Background
On the sidelines of the event, Donald Trump and Melania Trump have recently unveiled their own cryptocurrencies, respectively named $TRUMP and $MELANIA. These economic initiatives, although covered by the media, have been overshadowed by the symbolic and political importance of the inauguration.

Moreover, the performance of the Village People on their famous disco hit YMCA still sparks debates. This song, once perceived as an anthem of the LGBTQ+ community, has been reappropriated by Trump and used as a soundtrack for his electoral campaigns. Criticisms of this appropriation have not, however, prevented the group from performing during the festivities.
An Uncertain Era Opens for America and the World
This second term of Donald Trump promises to be decisive, both for the United States and the international scene. The revival of the American economy, tensions with China, and a likely robust foreign policy promise to redefine global balances.
In a divided America, this inauguration symbolizes a delicate transition, where national unity still seems out of reach. Despite the appearances of protocol and festivities, the shadow of political conflicts looms over the Capitol. Donald Trump, true to himself, embarks on this new term with the intention of leaving a lasting mark on history.