WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments , criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, was sworn in Monday as the 47th U.S. president, taking charge as Republicans claim unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country’s institutions.
Trump’s swearing-in ceremony moved indoors due to intense cold and began at noon ET. Festivities started earlier when Trump arrived for service at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Here's the latest: Trump announced he will pardon people charged in connection with the Jan. 6 riot, calling them “hostages” while flanked by the families of people taken hostage by Hamas as militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
The jarring juxtaposition came moments after Steve Witkoff, Trump’s appointee for special envoy for peach in the Middle East, introduced the relatives, some of whom are seeking the return of remains of their loves ones who were killed while held captive. “Tonight I’m going to be signing on the J6 hostages, pardons, to get them out,” Trump said, using a shorthand for people charged with crimes for their alleged actions on Jan. 6, 2021.
“And as soon as I leave I’m going to the Oval Office and we’ll be signing pardons for a lot of people. A lot of people.” Trump went on to welcome home people who were released by Hamas as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel, which was finalized in the waning days of Biden’s administration.
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