First pardoned Jan. 6 rioters released in DC

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

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Meredith Deliso, Emily Shapiro, Emily Chang, David Brennan, Leah Sarnoff, and T. Michelle Murphy
Last Updated: January 21, 2025, 2:16 AM EST

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, 1:24 PM EST

Biden's legacy: How will he be remembered?

Surveys show Americans have mixed views on Biden's four years at the pinnacle of power.

Historians told ABC News it will take years to fully assess his stamp on American politics, but that likely to be included are his legislative achievements while leading the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic and his foreign policy footprint.

But many said his 2024 campaign decisions -- first to run for reelection and later to drop out -- may overshadow his record while in office.

Read more here.

PHOTO: Former US President Joe Biden (R) congratulates President Donald Trump after he was sworn in during an inauguration ceremony in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, Jan. 20, 2025.
Former US President Joe Biden (R) congratulates President Donald Trump after he was sworn in during an inauguration ceremony in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, Jan. 20, 2025.
Shawn Thew/POOL/EPA via Shutterstock

Jan 20, 2025, 1:20 PM EST

Biden departs the Capitol

Joe Biden, now the former president, left the Capitol on a Marine helicopter that will bring him to Joint Base Andrews for a final farewell to Washington.

Former president Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden boarded a helicopter at the U.S. Capitol following the inauguration of President Donald Trump and headed to the Joint Base Andrews.
9:31
President Trump says farewell to the Bidens as they depart the CapitolFormer president Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden boarded a helicopter at the U.S. Capitol following the inauguration of President Donald Trump and headed to the Joint Base Andrews.
ABCNews.com

President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, former President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden stand during a farewell ceremony outside the Capitol Jan. 20, 2025, following Donald Trump's inauguration.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

The Bidens and Trumps walked together to the helicopter. Both couples were holding hands.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump and First lady Melania Trump walk from the U.S. Capitol building on the inauguration day of Donald Trump's second presidential term in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025.
President Donald Trump and First lady Melania Trump walk from the U.S. Capitol building on the inauguration day of Donald Trump's second presidential term in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

Biden smiled and appeared to laugh as he spoke to Trump. Jill Biden and Melania Trump hugged as they said goodbye.

This is an exit for Biden after five decades in politics.

Just before he left, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff entered their own motorcade. She is traveling home to Los Angeles, her office confirmed to ABC News.

Jan 20, 2025, 1:00 PM EST

Inaugural ceremony comes to an end

After Trump's speech, there were remarks from Rabbi Ari Berman, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell and Reverend Frank Mann. Christopher Macchio performed the national anthem.

President Donald Trump salutes next to his son Barron Trump and Vice President JD Vance during his inauguration in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington.
Pool/Getty Images

Trump and Melania Trump left the Capitol Rotunda together.

Next, the Trumps will see off President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

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.
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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

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