WASHINGTON, D.C.— In a historic return to power, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, making him only the second president in history—after Grover Cleveland—to serve non-consecutive terms.
Due to freezing weather, the inauguration ceremony was moved indoors to the Capitol rotunda, while the presidential parade relocated to the nearby Capital One Arena. Just one night prior, Trump addressed a massive victory rally in the same venue.
“Just imagine all of the good things we will accomplish together with four more years in the White House,” Trump told his supporters Sunday night. “You’re going to see something in the White House, you’re going to see executive orders that are going to make you extremely happy.”
Texans were among the thousands who traveled to Washington to witness the momentous occasion. State Rep. Wes Virdell expressed his optimism about the path forward under Trump’s leadership.
“I came to D.C. because this is one of those moments in history that won’t be repeated for a long time,” Virdell said. “We are at a pivotal point where our country has been on a decline, and we have a real chance to turn it around.”
Williamson County GOP Chair Michelle Evans also shared her enthusiasm: “I’m in D.C. to celebrate our conservative grassroots victory and to join hundreds of thousands of MAGA Americans to witness the end of a truly dark era in American history. The energy here is jubilant and optimistic, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French, who brought his family to the event, reflected on the historical significance of Trump’s inauguration.
“I came to celebrate the dawning of a new golden age,” said French. “I brought my family because I want them to be a part of this history-changing moment. I was a kid when Reagan won—he influenced my politics. My kids will forever be connected to Donald Trump because their generation is going to carry on with America First.”
Trump’s inaugural address struck a tone of ambition and renewal. “The golden age of America begins right now,” he declared. “From this day forward, our country will flourish.”
Many of Trump’s first executive actions are expected to address pressing issues, including the southern border crisis that has hit Texas hard. Trump is poised to declare a national emergency at the border and send military forces to address the invasion of illegal aliens.
Gov. Greg Abbott welcomed Trump’s leadership, expressing optimism for the future.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era in our nation—one brimming with promise and hope,” Abbott said. “As President Trump takes the oath of office and assumes his responsibilities as America’s chief executive, I am confident that his leadership will restore and strengthen the principles that have long defined our great nation: freedom, economic opportunity, prosperity, and the rule of law. Texas looks forward to working with President Trump and his Administration to secure the border and build a brighter, more prosperous future for all Americans.”
Attorney General Ken Paxton also celebrated Trump’s return to office.
“It is a great day in America,” Paxton said. “President Trump’s inauguration marks the beginning of a new era and the triumphant return to the foundational principles that make America great. Together, we will secure our borders, uphold the law, and restore the freedoms that Biden’s unlawful policies sought to undermine. In November, the American people gave Trump an overwhelming mandate to reverse the damage done and build a brighter, freer future. Texas stands ready to work hand-in-hand with the new administration to protect the rights of every American, uphold the Constitution, and make America great again.”
Among Trump’s other priorities is declaring a national energy emergency, enabling expanded oil drilling and exports to secure American energy independence.