Inauguration 2025: Key moments from Trump’s first day back, from Elon Musk’s salute to Melania’s outfit

First lady’s hat steals the show as Trump begins second term in office

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  President Donald Trump and wife Melania, the first lady, arrive at the Commander and Chief inaugural ball in Washington. AFP

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  President Trump with first lady Melania and Vice President JD Vance with his wife, Usha Vance, dance at the Commander and Chief inaugural ball. AP

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  President Trump points to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts after taking the oath of office. AP

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  Kamala Harris, Bill Clinton and former George W Bush are among those in attendance at the Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the US Capitol. AP

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  Former President Barack Obama, right, and Laura Bush, left. AP

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  Barron Trump gestures after being acknowledged by his father inside Capital One Arena. AFP

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  Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk gestures as he speaks during the inaugural parade inside Capitol One Arena, in Washington. AFP

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  Trump signs numerous executive orders on the first day of his presidency in the Oval Office. EPA

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  Argentina's President Javier Milei, centre, former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, top right, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrive for the inauguration. AP

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  President Trump and wife Melania Trump, the first lady. AP

Live updates: Follow the latest on Donald Trump’s inauguration

President Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony and ensuing celebrations gave rise to plenty of memorable moments. Here is a look at some of them:

Melania Trump's hat

While red baseball caps have become synonymous with Mr Trump, first lady Melania Trump made her own millinery-related fashion statement, sporting a navy wide-brimmed hat by American designer Eric Javits.

The headwear drew attention not just for its strikingly low brow but for the fact Mr Trump was unable to reach his wife's cheek when he tried to give her a kiss, forcing him to do a rather Parisian air kiss.

US President-elect Donald Trump tries to kiss his wife. AFP / Bloomberg

The Bible

Photos of the swearing-in show Mr Trump with his hand at his side, not on top of the Bible. It’s traditional to use a Bible during the presidential oath of office, but it is not required. Only the oath is mandated by the Constitution.

Theodore Roosevelt did not use a Bible when he was sworn in after the assassination of William McKinley in 1901. John Quincy Adams used a law text for his 1825 inauguration.

Still, Mr Trump's decision not to swear on the Bible drew consternation from some of his evangelical supporters.

Mr Trump takes the oath of office. Getty Images

Elon Musk's salute

Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk drew attention after he gave what some observers said were fascist salutes during an inauguration celebration at a Washington arena. But defenders were quick to claim he was merely expressing heartfelt thanks to supporters of the new US leader.

During his remarks, an excited Mr Musk was thanking the crowd for Mr Trump’s election. On two occasions, he touched his right hand to his chest then flung it out in a quick gesture that was reminiscent of the “Roman” salute, also known as a fascist or Nazi salute.

Several users on X said that Mr Musk had immediately clutched his chest and said “My heart goes out to you”. They suggested his gesture had been misinterpreted.

Tesla and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk gestures during the inaugural parade at Capitol One Arena, Washington, on January 20. AFP

Barron Trump's height

Mr Trump's youngest son, Barron, drew considerable attention when he appeared for the inauguration ceremony. The 18 year old is 6 foot, 7 inches (two metres) tall, and he towered over the other guests and his dad, who is 6 foot, 3 inches.

President Donald Trump shakes his son Barron's hand. The New York Times via AP