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, 4:12 PM EST

Focus will soon shift to Capital One Arena

The inaugural luncheon has ended and Trump is about to participate in the First Honors Ceremony at the Capitol.

His next stop will be Capital One Arena for remarks to a waiting crowd and the signing of executive orders.

Some Trump allies and officials have already spoken ahead of his arrival, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Also speaking was Kash Patel, Trump's pick for FBI director.

Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk gestures on stage as he prepares to speak inside the Capital One Arena on the inauguration day of Donald Trump's second Presidential term, in Washington, DC, Jan. 20, 2025.
Amanda Perobelli/Reuters

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks inside Capital One arena on the inauguration day of Donald Trump's second Presidential term, in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2025.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
Kash Patel gestures inside the Capital One Arena on the inauguration day of Donald Trump's second presidential term, in Washington, DC, Jan. 20, 2025.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
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

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