A Presidential Comeback

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, returning to the White House four years after leaving it.

A historic return

Trump became only the second president, after Grover Cleveland in the 1890s, to serve two non-consecutive terms. Because of dangerously cold weather in Washington, the ceremony was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda — the first indoor inauguration since Ronald Reagan's second in 1985.

A fast start

The new administration moved quickly with a large number of executive actions on immigration, trade and the size of the federal workforce. Broad new tariffs became a central economic policy, and agencies were reorganized under a push to cut federal spending.

Supporters and critics

Supporters say the administration is delivering on campaign promises to secure the border, protect American industry and shrink government. Critics argue that tariffs raise prices for consumers, that cuts have disrupted important services, and that some actions test the limits of executive power. Many of these questions have moved through the courts.

Looking ahead

With the November 2026 midterms approaching, voters will deliver their first nationwide verdict on the second term, with control of Congress at stake.

A short history of non-consecutive terms

Before 2025, only Grover Cleveland had served two non-consecutive terms, as the 22nd and 24th president. Cleveland lost his re-election bid in 1888 to Benjamin Harrison, then defeated Harrison in 1892 to return to the White House. Trump, who lost in 2020 and won in 2024, became the second.

How inaugurations work

The Constitution sets noon on January 20 as the start of a new presidential term. The president-elect takes the oath of office, traditionally administered by the Chief Justice, followed by an inaugural address. Ceremonies are usually held on the West Front of the Capitol, but extreme cold moved the 2025 event indoors to the Rotunda.

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