First pardoned Jan. 6 rioters released in DC

Two Pennsylvania brothers arrested for their role in the riots were released.

President Donald Trump returned from a campaign-style rally at a Washington, D.C., arena to the White House to sign more executive orders, including a sweeping one that pardoned those convicted of storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Earlier after taking the oath of office and events at the Capitol, Trump spoke to a roaring crowd at Capital One Arena, where he also signed several executive orders.

After he is through signing the orders, Trump will attend inaugural balls tonight.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news developed on Inauguration Day:
Jan 20, 2025, 12:57 PM EST

Room joins in as Carrie Underwood sings 'America the Beautiful'

In a unifying moment, Carrie Underwood sang "America the Beautiful" after Trump’s defiant inauguration speech.

Country music artist Carrie Underwood performs during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Chip Somodevilla/AFP via Getty Images

Carrie Underwood performs during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool via Reuters

The country star, who was standing in front of Biden, performed a capella after technical difficulties, and the crowd joined in. Biden, Hillary Clinton and Doug Emhoff were among those singing with her.

Country music star Carrie Underwood performed at the U.S. Capitol after Donald Trump delivered his inaugural address.
2:02
Carrie Underwood sings ‘America the Beautiful’ at Trump inaugurationCountry music star Carrie Underwood performed at the U.S. Capitol after Donald Trump delivered his inaugural address.
ABCNews.com

Jan 20, 2025, 12:40 PM EST

Trump celebrates his comeback: 'Here I am'

"Many people thought it was impossible for me to stage such a historic political comeback. But as you see today, here I am," he said. "The American people have spoken."

Trump's long road back to the White House included four indictments, one conviction, two assassination attempts and a campaign of ups and downs.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump with first lady Melanie Trump and sons Barron Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., Eric Trump, left, and daughter Tiffany Trump after taking the oath of office during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025.
President Donald Trump with his wife first lady Melanie Trump, as well as his sons Barron Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., Eric Trump, left, and daughter Tiffany Trump after taking the oath of office during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025.
Shawn Thew/AP

The 47th president of the United States delivered his address inside the Capitol Rotunda.
30:58
Donald Trump’s full inauguration speechThe 47th president of the United States delivered his address inside the Capitol Rotunda.
ABCNews.com

Jan 20, 2025, 12:36 PM EST

Trump references legal troubles: 'Never again'

Trump, who has been convicted by a jury of his peers and was indicted four times after his first term, again contended he was politically prosecuted.

President Donald Trump gestures to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts after being sworn in as president during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025.
Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP

"Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents," he said. "Something I know something about. We will not allow that to happen. It will not happen again. Under my leadership, we will restore fair, equal and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law."

The two cases against him were dropped after he won reelection, with prosecutors citing longstanding Justice Department policy that a sitting president cannot be charged with a crime.

Jan 20, 2025, 12:28 PM EST

Trump lays out Day 1 executive actions

Trump is now highlighting some of the executive actions he will take.

People watch the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump from the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, Jan. 20, 2025.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

They include declaring a national emergency at the southern border and a national energy emergency.

He said he would send troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, reinstate "Remain in Mexico" policy and other immigration policies.

Read more about his plans for Day 1 here.

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