• Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Trump pardons nearly 1,600 Capitol riot defendants as he signs first orders of presidency

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BBC, Jan.21: Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th US president - follow along by tapping watch live above or listen on BBC Sounds.

The new president and Vice-President JD Vance are attending three inaugural balls this evening to round off the day.

 Trump arrives directly from the Oval Office, where he earlier signed a flurry of executive actions - here's a summary.

He issued nearly 1,600 pardons in connection with the Capitol riots on 6 January 2021 - many are expected to be released within hours.

"The golden age of America begins right now," Trump said in his inaugural address earlier today, adding that he will be a "peacemaker and a unifier".

Analysis: A fiery speech from Trump as he throws jabs and makes promises. The BBC's North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher takes a look.

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