Donald J. Trump has officially been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States during a historic inauguration ceremony at the Capitol. The event, which began at 12:00 EST (17:00 GMT), was moved indoors due to severe weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and a wind chill of -13°C (9°F).

The ceremony marked Trump’s return to the political spotlight, with his administration signaling bold action on day one. Officials have indicated that he will declare a “national emergency” at the US-Mexico border, alongside a series of executive orders set to be unveiled later today.

In an unprecedented move ahead of Trump’s inauguration, outgoing President Joe Biden issued a series of pre-emptive pardons. Among those pardoned are Dr. Anthony Fauci, former White House Chief Medical Advisor, and law enforcement officers who testified about the Capitol riot. The pardons, aimed at shielding individuals from potential legal jeopardy, have already sparked heated debate.

Earlier in the day, Trump attended a church service alongside some of the world’s most influential tech leaders, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google’s Sundar Pichai, and Apple’s Tim Cook. The gathering raised questions about the role of technology in the Trump administration’s policy agenda.

The decision to hold the ceremony indoors breaks with the tradition of outdoor inaugurations at the Capitol. Despite the change in venue, the event proceeded with full pomp and circumstance, drawing a mix of fervent supporters and vocal protesters outside the Capitol complex.

Trump’s second inauguration ushers in a new chapter of U.S. politics, with immediate focus on how his administration will tackle contentious issues like immigration, economic recovery, and national security. His return to the presidency is already shaping up to be as polarizing and unpredictable as his first term.