Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on a frigid Martin Luther King Jr. Day, beginning his second term with an optimistic vision and celebrations attended by political leaders and supporters.
On a brisk Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Washington, D.C., Donald Trump was sworn in to commence his second term as the 47th president of the United States. The swearing-in ceremony, relocated indoors to the Capitol Rotunda because of the freezing weather, signified a historic occasion graced by former presidents, lawmakers, and notable public figures.
Joined by President Joe Biden, Trump made his entrance into the Rotunda alongside Vice President JD Vance, who was also taking the oath of office. Trump took the oath of office with a family Bible and the historic Bible that Abraham Lincoln used during his first inauguration.
In his inaugural address, Trump presented a bold plan for the upcoming four years, committing to tackle immigration, international drug cartels, and energy production, while also introducing new tariffs and addressing inflation. He also mentioned the difficulties encountered during his campaign, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and an assassination attempt.
The ceremony included musical performances by Christopher Macchio and Carrie Underwood, prayers from religious leaders, and the presence of prominent political figures, such as former Presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton.
Previously, Trump and First Lady Melania participated in a special service at St. John’s Episcopal Church before meeting the Bidens at the White House for tea and a short discussion. The day's events constituted a sequence of festivities honoring Trump's return to the White House.
Belly of the Beast, which is owned and operated by Thomas Bille of Spring, was awarded the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas in 2025. This achievement represents a significant milestone for the culinary sector in Houston.
Harris County commissioners have unanimously selected Judge Genesis Draper, a respected criminal court judge and former public defender, as the next Chief Public Defender. Set to take office on July 7, Draper will succeed the retiring Alex Bunin, inheriting a nationally recognized office and aiming to significantly expand its capacity to provide legal defense services and tackle the county's court case backlog.
The Houston area is poised for a series of "No Kings" protests this Saturday, deliberately timed to coincide with President Donald Trump's military-themed parade and birthday celebration in Washington, D.C These demonstrations, organized by the 50501 Movement and various local groups, aim to express widespread opposition to the Trump administration's policies, emphasizing a rejection of what organizers describe as authoritarian tendencies.