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.

Jan 20, 2025, 4:02 PM EST

Milley's official portrait was removed from Pentagon hallway

Gen. Mark Milley’s official portrait as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was taken down this afternoon from the hallway where it hung along with those of previous chairmen.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts the unveiling of former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Ret. U.S. Army Gen. Mark A. Milley’s portrait at the Pentagon, Washington, Jan. 10, 2025.
USAF/Sgt. Jack Sanders

Two U.S. officials confirmed that Milley’s portrait was taken down from that hallway.

One official told ABC News that the whereabouts of the portrait is unknown.

The portrait was officially unveiled on Friday, Jan. 10, at a ceremony in that hallway where both Milley and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin were present.

Gen. Mark Milley’s official portrait as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was taken down this afternoon from the hallway where it hung along with those of previous chairmen.
1:14
Gen. Mark Milley’s portrait removed from Pentagon hallwayGen. Mark Milley’s official portrait as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was taken down this afternoon from the hallway where it hung along with those of previous chairmen.
ABCNews.com

The portrait’s disappearance was first noted by reporters at the Pentagon who have posted uncleared photos of the empty space where the portrait was hung.

Read more here.

-ABC News’ Luis Martinez and Matt Seyler

Jan 20, 2025, 3:53 PM EST

Acting leaders named for Homeland Security, Defense departments

While awaiting the Senate confirmation hearing for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump's pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Benjamine Carry Huffman has been appointed acting secretary.

Huffman is currently the director of the Federal Law Enforcement Centers, the training arm for federal law enforcement.

Department of Defense official Robert Salesses was also named acting defense secretary until the Senate confirmation hearing is held for Trump's pick, Pete Hegseth.

Salesses is the current deputy director of the Washington Headquarters Service.

-ABC News' Luke Barr and Luis Martinez

Jan 20, 2025, 3:33 PM EST

Plans for Rubio's 1st day at the State Department

The State Department is charging full steam ahead with preparations for Sen. Marco Rubio's first full day as America's top diplomat.

Assuming all goes to plan, two State Department officials say that Rubio -- Trump's nominee to be secretary of state -- will give a speech to mark his arrival on Tuesday. He will also meet both one-on-one and as a group with the foreign ministers of India, Australia, and Japan -- the three countries that, along with the U.S., make up the Quad, a diplomatic partnership seen as critical to countering China's influence in the Pacific.

Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio stands with fellow cabinet nominees while attening the inauguration of Donald Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, Jan. 20, 2025 in Washington.
Saul Loeb - Pool/Getty Images

The Senate is expected to begin working to formally install as many of Trump's nominees as possible and Rubio is expected to come up first. He could be confirmed as soon as this evening.

-ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston

Jan 20, 2025, 3:14 PM EST

White House raises flag to full staff after Trump signs proclamation

The flag at the White House has been raised after Trump signed a proclamation for flags to be flown at full staff on all inauguration days.

Flags are raised from half staff at the White House following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Jan. 20, 2025 in Washington.
Andrew Harnik/Pool via Reuters

The flag had been at half-staff following President Jimmy Carter’s death on Dec. 29. Trump is ordering the flag to return to half-staff on Tuesday for the remainder of the 30-day period, which began the day of 100-year-old Carter’s death.

Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered that the flags at the Capitol be raised for the inauguration.

-ABC News’ Justin Ryan Gomez

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