HistoryData
politics2017

First inauguration of Donald Trump — 58th United States presidential inauguration

January 20, 2017

Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th U.S. president on January 20, 2017, marking the start of his first term and making him the oldest person to assume the presidency at that time.

Quick Facts

Year
2017
Category
politics

Key Facts

Inauguration number
58th presidential inauguration
Attendance estimate
300,000 to 600,000 people
Trump's age at inauguration
70 years, 220 days
Oath administered by
Chief Justice John Roberts
Bibles used
Personal Bible and the Lincoln Bible
Vice presidential oath
Administered by Justice Clarence Thomas

By the Numbers

58
Inauguration number
300,000people
Attendance estimate
70
Trump's age at inauguration

Location

Map of Washington, D.C., United StatesMap of Washington, D.C., United StatesWashington, D.C., United States

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

Donald Trump won the 2016 U.S. presidential election, defeating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, which set in motion the constitutional transfer of executive power from outgoing President Barack Obama to the president-elect.

Event

On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, with Chief Justice John Roberts administering the oath. Mike Pence simultaneously assumed the vice presidency. The ceremony drew an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 attendees and was part of a broader series of inaugural events spanning January 17–21.

Consequence

Trump's inauguration began his first presidential term, during which his administration pursued major policy shifts in immigration, trade, and regulation. The event was protested worldwide, reflecting deep political divisions. Four years later, Trump left office, though he later returned with a second inauguration on January 20, 2025.

Political Outcome

Outcome

Donald Trump assumed the U.S. presidency as the 45th president; Mike Pence assumed the vice presidency.

Before

Barack Obama (President), Joe Biden (Vice President)

After

Donald Trump (President), Mike Pence (Vice President)

Signatories

Donald Trump
President-elect, oath-taker
Mike Pence
Vice President-elect, oath-taker
John Roberts
Chief Justice, administered presidential oath
Clarence Thomas
Associate Justice, administered vice presidential oath

Timeline Context

Timeline around 20172017201420152016201820192020Copa Mundial 2028 — 10th and last FIFA Confederations Cup, held in Russia in 2017Carnegiea gigantea — species of plant2017 Istanbul nightclub attack — terrorist mass shooting that occurred at a nightclub in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey, on 1 January 20172017 Formula One World Championship — 68th season of FIA Formula One World Championship2017 Africa Cup of Nations — football championship of AfricaJanuary 2017 — month of 20172017–18 UEFA Europa League — 47th season of Europe's secondary club football tournament organised by UEFA2017 World Championships in Athletics — 2017 edition of the World Championships in Athleticsfirst-inauguration-of-donald-trump-58th-united-states-pres-2017