- Joe Biden wrote a letter to Donald Trump, continuing the tradition of outgoing presidents leaving notes for their successors.
- Donald Trump took the oath of office as the 47th U.S. President in a private swearing-in ceremony inside the Capitol Rotunda.
- The inaugural events included a victory rally, where Trump pledged swift action on immigration, energy, and international issues.
In a gesture of tradition, President Joe Biden wrote a letter to his successor, Donald Trump, leaving it in the drawer of the Oval Office desk. This act follows the custom set by previous outgoing presidents, marking a moment of continuity in the transfer of power.
Trump’s inauguration ceremony, held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to frigid weather, was attended by key figures, including former presidents and global dignitaries.
Donald Trump Takes Office as 47th President with Bold Promises and a Tradition of Presidential Letters
President Joe Biden upheld the longstanding tradition of outgoing presidents by writing a personal letter to his successor, Donald Trump. This letter, found by Trump after his inauguration, reflects the peaceful transfer of power, a hallmark of American democracy. The act, despite political differences, shows respect for the office and a commitment to continuity in governance.
Trump’s swearing-in ceremony took place inside the Capitol Rotunda, an indoor venue due to the cold weather, with a formal oath taken at 12:00 pm ET. The event was attended by prominent figures, including former U.S. presidents, foreign ministers, and dignitaries from around the world. This marked the start of his second term, filled with high expectations for immediate executive actions.
In his inaugural address, Trump laid out an aggressive agenda focused on reversing immigration policies, addressing energy concerns, and securing economic reforms. His promises mirrored his previous rhetoric of American renewal, which he emphasized in his campaign-style rally just days before his swearing-in. Trump expressed urgency in reclaiming America’s position both domestically and globally.
The celebrations leading to Trump’s inauguration included ceremonial events such as a wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, reinforcing the gravity of the occasion. His supporters eagerly awaited the swift changes he vowed to make, including reforms in foreign policy and national security. Trump’s victory rally culminated with his message to restore American dominance.
The inaugural ceremony and the exchange of letters between outgoing and incoming presidents highlight the continuity of traditions in American democracy, even amid sharp political divides.
The tradition of outgoing presidents leaving letters for their successors is a powerful symbol of the peaceful transfer of power in American democracy.