Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: In photos

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

/ 08:11 AM January 21, 2025

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President Donald Trump salutes while on stage in Emancipation Hall at the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Al Drago/Pool Photo via AP)

Dignitaries from across Washington and around the world crammed into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday to watch power transfer peacefully from Democratic former President Joe Biden to his Republican successor, Donald Trump.

It was one of the rare occasions that bring together American leaders past and present in a choreographed display of tradition and bipartisanship.

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Photographers from The Associated Press and other news organizations captured moments throughout the day, some historic, others entertaining.

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The images are especially notable this year given the ferocious animosity between the teams coming and going.

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The photos capture Biden, who framed his presidency as a bridge away from Trump’s first term, partaking in the traditions of the office as he handed power back to the man he’s dubbed a threat to democracy.

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They capture Vice President Kamala Harris together with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, the running mates who defeated her in November following a bitter campaign.

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They show the billionaires who’ve made their way into Trump’s inner circle, a stark contrast to his first inauguration, when most of the nation’s elite shunned the disruptive leader.

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And they capture some lighthearted moments as well, including former President George W. Bush winking and Trump attempting to kiss his wife, first lady Melania Trump, but being blocked by the brim of her hat.

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President-elect Donald Trump talks with Vice President-elect JD Vance and Usha Vance before a service at St. John’s Church, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew sits before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Vice President Kamala Harris, center right, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, center left, pose with Vice President-elect JD Vance, right, and his wife Usha Vance, left, upon arriving at the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Argentina’s President Javier Milei, center, speaks with former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, right, before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

The U.S. Capitol is seen from the top of the Washington Monument at dawn on Inauguration Day, Monday, Jan.20, 2025 in Washington. (Brendan McDermid/Pool photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President-elect Donald Trump kisses Melania Trump before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb/Pool photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Guests arrive arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office as he is sworn in as president during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump holds the Bible during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

From left, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush and former President Barack Obama, arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk, arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President Donald Trump with his wife first lady Melanie Trump, as well as his sons Barron Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., Eric Trump, left, and daughter Tiffany Trump, right, after taking the oath of office during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Shawn Thew/Pool photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance arrive at the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President Donald Trump, left, points to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts after taking the oath of office during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President-elect Donald Trump arrives at the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump are greeted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, upon their arrival at the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President Donald Trump, center, holds the hand of his wife Melania Trump, right, as their son Barron Trump, center, and Vice President JD Vance, look on after taking the oath of office during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

President Donald Trump, from right, and first lady Melania Trump walk with former President Joe Biden and Jill Biden to board a Marine helicopter as the Bidens depart to Joint Base Andrews after the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Jack Gruber/Pool Photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Barron Trump gestures as he arrives at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

From left, Larua Trump, Eric Trump, Elon Musk, Ivanka Trump, and Donald Trump Jr., stand together following the 60th Presidential Inauguration for President Donald Trump, in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Shawn Thew/Pool photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Elon Musk arrives on stage to speak at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Protestors rally on Inauguration Day, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Han Zheng, left, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, attends the 60th Presidential Inauguration of President Donald Trump, in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Shawn Thew/Pool photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

First lady Melania Trump, from second right, and President Donald Trump walk walk as former President Joe Biden salutes after boarding a Marine helicopter en route to Joint Base Andrews after the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Jack Gruber/Pool Photo via AP)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Supporters of President Donald Trump cheer as he is sworn in as President while watching inauguration ceremonies taking place at the U.S. Capitol on screens at Capitol One Arena in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump returns to power in historic inauguration: Captured in photos

Supporters of President Donald Trump bow their heads during the invocation while watching inauguration ceremonies taking place at the U.S. Capitol on screens at Capitol One Arena in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

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TAGS: Donald Trump, US politics

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