Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday, January 20, as the 47th President of the United States. He returns after four years, replacing President Joe Biden. He’s the second president to serve two nonconsecutive (not back-to-back) terms.

Mr. Trump’s day began with a service at St. John’s Church in Lafayette Square. Every new president has done this since President Franklin Roosevelt. Then President Joe Biden invited Mr. Trump to the White House for morning tea.

“Welcome home,” Mr. Biden told Mr. Trump.

After tea, the ceremonies began.

The inauguration usually happens outside. This year, cold weather drove the event indoors. It took place in the Capitol rotunda. This last happened in 1985. Then, Ronald Reagan was taking the oath.

Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barrack Obama attended the ceremony. President Biden also attended. 

First, J.D. Vance took the vice presidential oath. He stood with his wife and children. Then Donald Trump took the presidential oath. Every incoming president vows to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The new President usually makes this promise with his hand on a Bible. Mr. Trump had two Bibles with him. One was given to him by his mother. The other was used by President Abraham Lincoln. Mrs. Trump held the two Bibles while Mr. Trump took his oath.

Then the newly sworn-in President Trump gave a speech.

“The golden age of America begins right now,” he began. He vowed once again to put America first. He also criticized recent actions of America’s government.

“We will not forget our country. We will not forget our Constitution. And we will not forget our God,” said President Trump.

He outlined his plans for new executive orders. He promised to declare a national emergency at the border with Mexico. This is related to the number of people crossing into the United States at that border. His promise echoes those he made during the election. His campaign focused on the problem of illegal immigration.

President Trump also vowed to fight increasing prices. He plans to declare a “national energy emergency.” That means he wants to increase drilling for oil on American soil. He said he would create an “External Revenue Service.” The Internal Revenue Service collects taxes from American citizens. This new office would collect money from other nations instead.

President Trump announced hopes to send American astronauts to Mars. Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, was in the crowd. He has long dreamed of reaching Mars. He smiled widely at President Trump’s words.

Leaders come and go. Some Americans are excited for the new presidency. Other Americans are hesitant. But God alone holds the future. You can pray that God will give wisdom to President Trump and all the other governing leaders.

He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. — Daniel 2:21