
With Carrie Underwood and the Village People both expected to perform, along with the usual antics from Trump himself, this inauguration is sure to go viral.
The presidential inauguration kicked off on Monday with a new look, with the event taking place indoors after freezing temps swept across Washington D.C., bringing with them dangerously low wind chills.
Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, along with J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha, are being sworn into office for Trump's second term as the now 45th and 47th president -- and, like most events involving Trump, we knew to expect some meme-worthy moments throughout the day.
President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcome President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump to the White House on Inauguration Day. pic.twitter.com/ZfwafhfN1B
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 20, 2025 @cspan
From the commentary on Carrie Underwood after she was enlisted to perform during the monumental event, to reactions to Trump dancing to a live rendition of the Village People's "YMCA" and the attendance of Barack Obama, the internet is sure to weigh in.
For some of most pivotal and LOL moments from Trump's presidential inauguration day, keep checking in with us throughout the day as we'll be updating this piece with all the most viral moments.
Inauguration Vibes
TIME's new Inauguration cover: Donald Trump's disruption is back https://t.co/f6thgzBMCY pic.twitter.com/LwsTz8sMyl
— TIME (@TIME) January 19, 2025 @TIME
As expected in a nation as divided as the United States in 2025, the overall sentiments about Inauguration Day ranged dramatically, from those expressing near terror about the next four years, and those celebrating the return of Trump to "make America great again."
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸INAUGURATION DAY MOOD🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JzoGSeYO2s
— BKBelton (@bk_belton) January 20, 2025 @bk_belton
Me on Trump Inauguration Day with every TV turned off pic.twitter.com/j6saeBKlys
— JustSayYesss 🔥🔥🔥 (@uplatedrinkin) January 19, 2025 @uplatedrinkin
Happy Inauguration Day, friends!
— MAGA Barbie 🇺🇸👱🏼♀️ (@MAGABarbie317) January 20, 2025 @MAGABarbie317
We made it! pic.twitter.com/3XWXv4BSD8
Today is Inauguration Day. The next President of the United States of America is a convicted felon. 34 times! This is Embarrassing! pic.twitter.com/LDKwE1VD4V
— Voice of Reason (@raggapegs) January 20, 2025 @raggapegs
Inauguration Day pic.twitter.com/f6mg2f16jm
— TastefulLindy (@LindyTasteful) January 20, 2025 @LindyTasteful
It's Inauguration Day.
— Mark_Ashtray (@M6a6c6) January 20, 2025 @M6a6c6
C'mon, America! Let's... pic.twitter.com/GAv26PGo0A
Happy Inauguration Day!
— TraderJill (Leigh) Pronouns: 🇺🇸 45 and 47! 🇺🇸 (@LadyJustice4512) January 20, 2025 @LadyJustice4512
Daddy's home!
Trump 2025! pic.twitter.com/e8WHE3gZI4
Have you received your handmaid's outfit yet? I have not received mine, but I'm sure it's in the mail. I am quite concerned because it is inauguration day and we should be ready. 🤣🤣
— Myopinion (@myopinion6810) January 20, 2025 @myopinion6810
Our flag is out. I’m crying and laughing at the same time.
— BlissfulWalksforHealth🍊 (@Threeti09269839) January 20, 2025 @Threeti09269839
Inauguration Day pic.twitter.com/Yca8sFA0ZM
Liberty has left the building #Inauguration2025 pic.twitter.com/M557glROKb
— WTF (@elzey_t) January 20, 2025 @elzey_t
Biden's Last-Minute Pardons
In the final hours of his administration, President Joe Biden issued a series of pre-emptive pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, the January 6 select committee that investigated the insurrection at the Capitol four years ago, including Liz Cheney, as well as a few others.
"The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense," said Biden in a statement.
Trump has vowed to offer his own pardons after his inauguration, including many of those involved in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. "Everybody in this very large arena will be very happy with my decision," he told a Sunday rally crowd, per the Associated Press.
Biden also pardoned his siblings and their spouses, noting in a statement shared by AP his family had been "subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me — the worst kind of partisan politics. Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end."
The moves shot Fauci's name to the top of X's trending topics ahead of the inauguration, with many on the right expressing outrage, while also looking forward to Trump's January 6 pardons -- perhaps further exemplifying why Biden handed down these pardons in the first place.
Meghan McCain said the pardon "concedes that Democrats know Fauci lied to the American public and more than likely committed pretty severe criminal behavior during that time."
Biden pardoning Fauci just concedes that democrats know Fauci lied to the American public and more than likely committed pretty severe criminal behavior during that time.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) January 20, 2025 @MeghanMcCain
America will always deserve answers for what he put us through and destroyed during Covid.
Fauci gets a pardon? All right, that’s fine.
— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) January 20, 2025 @TomiLahren
He still has to look at himself in the mirror and live with himself each and every day.
He might not care how many lives he destroyed, but we will never forget, and we will never let another Fauci rise thru the ranks again. Bet.
Fauci and Milley right now https://t.co/cidpGyRTda pic.twitter.com/L7jwBCKLu7
— Enguerrand VII de Coucy (@ingelramdecoucy) January 20, 2025 @ingelramdecoucy
Why did Biden just pardon General Miley and Fauci? pic.twitter.com/GqI9W9YVlH
— ♀Peeja (@blackbirdpeeja) January 20, 2025 @blackbirdpeeja
If anyone can explain to me how you are able to pardon someone who hasn't even been charged with a crime... pic.twitter.com/DrUcAs6uiZ
— PUBLORD (@publordhodl) January 20, 2025 @publordhodl
Melania Trump's Fashion Statement
Always known and appreciate for her high fashion, including rocking Louboutins on Inauguration Eve, Melania Trump hit a sour note with some online with her fashion choice for the ceremony itself, with her large hat getting a lot of ... attention.
While there were those who were loving the sleek look, which was designed by Adam Lippes and paired an Eric Javits boater hat with a double-breasted navy coat, others were not nearly as impressed.
"Mrs. Trump's outfit was created by some of America's finest craftsmen and I take great pride in showing such work to the world," Lippes said in a statement about the look, per ABC News.
The hat also led to another funny moment, as Donald Trump leaned in for a kiss after entering the Capitol, only to find out he couldn't quite reach her cheek due to the brim.
No one out-pizzas the Hut pic.twitter.com/S5YyIpkYH7
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) January 20, 2025 @TheDailyShow
CANT THIS IS TOO FUNNY #Inauguration2025 pic.twitter.com/uHmOkNdITS
— roxana • ❄️ (@roxanaafs) January 20, 2025 @roxanaafs
Melania DID NOT want to kiss Trump just then lmaoooo #Inauguration2025 pic.twitter.com/3WcpLZsDXI
— . (@toriftolsen) January 20, 2025 @toriftolsen
Melania’s hat! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sNMiS529jT
— Nancy Sidley (@nancytsidley) January 20, 2025 @nancytsidley
Sick Hamburgler hat Melania https://t.co/v9YoAAPXI1 pic.twitter.com/HBsHjXzgD4
— JJ Molesso (@JJ_Molesso) January 20, 2025 @JJ_Molesso
I saw Melania's hat 😭 pic.twitter.com/kjZXLahlcQ
— A cultural loss to mankind (@BenneCMO) January 20, 2025 @BenneCMO
Love Melania's hat! Why can't we all wear hats & gloves again? So stylish. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/BKoSOkkSLo
— Scooter's Wife (@hdbiker52fl) January 20, 2025 @hdbiker52fl
Melania’s 1920s style Gatsby hat is smoke show. She’s sending a message here to “the untouchables.” pic.twitter.com/sx3bazcdVU
— Jimmy Digs Freedom 🇺🇸 (@jdigsfreedom) January 20, 2025 @jdigsfreedom
The dems are being creepily too accepting of their rival. They know something. abc keeps pushing the term peaceful transfer to make it like they didn't orchestrate jan 6 or try to take him out or they didn't just #pardon americas biggest murder #fauci maybe gates
— Adam Dugas (@adamdugas) January 20, 2025 @adamdugas
Melania hat 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hlr6tF4MfE
i can’t get over how melania looks like the benadryl hat man today pic.twitter.com/w7ZThHin84
— jessie 🍉 (@RH4ENYRAS) January 20, 2025 @RH4ENYRAS
Melania Trump out there looking like a Spy vs. Spy cartoon.#Inauguration2025 #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/MGNtzgCJki
— Pieter J. Ketelaar 3 💉💉💉 💉 💉 (@PieterJKetelaar) January 20, 2025 @PieterJKetelaar
Melania’s hat 👀 pic.twitter.com/8nbestrHD6
— BelieveJesusIsLord (@BelieveJesusIs1) January 20, 2025 @BelieveJesusIs1
Who wore it better?
— Austin Smith (@AustinRSmith25) January 20, 2025 @AustinRSmith25
Like for Melania, retweet for Michael#Inauguration2025 pic.twitter.com/p5JX5c7fSa
Sen. Fetterman Wears Hoodie
Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) stayed true to his own personal style, though it was a shocking departure from tradition, when he showed up to the inauguration rocking shorts and a black hoodie. Heads could be seen turning as he walked in, while social media could not believe what they were seeing.
John Fetterman in his best hoodie and shorts for inauguration day #Inauguration2025 #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/kCHGDP4TA2
— New Scott (@NewScott) January 20, 2025 @NewScott
If Trump is a poor man's idea of what a rich man is, Fetterman is the rich man's idea of what a poor man is. https://t.co/Mk6GPLPCMp
— Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges (@Mont_Jiang) January 20, 2025 @Mont_Jiang
WTH Fetterman??? Geeze lol! https://t.co/QL0hIcgneP
— Jan Ervin (@SassyNana1969) January 20, 2025 @SassyNana1969
Why do I find Fetterman so funny? I really can't afford to lose any more friends. pic.twitter.com/Qe97VecLPd
— BS Button Game® (infallible) Pronouns Bull/Sh*t (@BSButtonGame) January 20, 2025 @BSButtonGame
Fetterman out there for every white guy who walks around with shorts and a hoodie no matter how cold it is.
— N Thompson (@NThompson_3) January 20, 2025 @NThompson_3
I live in KS. It can be below zero at times. There is ALWAYS that one guy.
I fw J Fetterman wayyyy more now; dude pulled up in gym shorts like wtf ever get this over with
— SUBPAR (@9TailedSchizo) January 20, 2025 @9TailedSchizo
Lauren Sanchez Recycles Forbes Style
Just as Fetterman brought his more casual style to the inauguration, Jeff Bezos' future wife, Lauren Sanchez, had people on social media scratching their heads at a lingerie-looking style some argued was "incredibly inappropriate" for a formal event like this. It was also a style she previously rocked at a Forbes event.
Jeff Bezos future wife Lauren Sanchez is incredibly inappropriately dressed for a state occasion. Someone should have told her that having her white lace bra out on display is not acceptable. pic.twitter.com/MvwyvuI6R3
— Brittany Gadoury (@brittanygadoury) January 20, 2025 @brittanygadoury
Lauren Sanchez today. pic.twitter.com/YrLgk81EIM
— Lynx (@LibertyLynx) January 20, 2025 @LibertyLynx
I realize Lauren Sanchez has access to Jeff Bezos' money, but is she also the heir to the O Henry candy bar fortune? #Inauguration2025 pic.twitter.com/Js32sZG1L3
— Wes -- Come to see victory... (@CrimsonTideWes) January 20, 2025 @CrimsonTideWes
Is someone going to offer Lauren Sanchez a safety pin? pic.twitter.com/MbZM3hBkgP
— Jon Sanchez (@JonSanchez) January 20, 2025 @JonSanchez
Good grief, Lauren Sanchez. Put them away for one day.
— Suzy Redd (@suzy_redd) January 20, 2025 @suzy_redd
Bill Clinton when he sees Lauren Sanchez at the inauguration pic.twitter.com/31616XD8H6
— ScottW (@jswtreeman) January 20, 2025 @jswtreeman
Trump's 'Golden Age of America'
In an inflammatory speech that reaffirmed Trump's vows to focus on illegal immigrants, gender identity, the Gulf of Mexico, the Panama Canal and more, Trump blasted the previous administration and promised a "Golden Age" for America to start today.
After both Donald and Melania Trump launched their own cryptocoins in the days ahead of the inauguration, many were expecting him to legitimize them even more with a mention during his speech, but that didn't happen.
You can check out what he said about "two genders" and how social media reacted to that in the link below, followed by more general reactions to his words:

Trump Divides Social Media with 'Only Two Genders' Decree in Polarizing Inauguration Speech
View StoryWow President Donald Trump hammering former President Joe Biden as he sits there. Not a standard Inauguration speech. This is a message that there is a new sheriff in town.
— Carmine Sabia (@CarmineSabia) January 20, 2025 @CarmineSabia
Donald Trump's inauguration speech as going as you'd expect:
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) January 20, 2025 @ArtCandee
It's divisive. He's whining about himself. And he's flat out lying per usual.
Shameful man.
Me watching President Trump annihilate the incompetent and corrupt members of our government in his Inauguration speech: pic.twitter.com/ik5AFYY0Ru
— LEAHmemes (@itsreallyleah) January 20, 2025 @itsreallyleah
“Gulf of America”
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) January 20, 2025 @HaterReport_
This inauguration speech is WILD
😂😂 pic.twitter.com/xLpNOaLel1
As the Idiocracy Prophecy continues to fulfill itself - not one mention of crypto in the inauguration speech pic.twitter.com/SPpJYBJwNH
— Booch (@Booch222) January 20, 2025 @Booch222
This Trump inauguration speech is actually a nightmare for so many groups of people
— Bino (@AnimeGuru100) January 20, 2025 @AnimeGuru100
Joe and Kamala’s faces listening to Trump’s inauguration speech. pic.twitter.com/v1eySv7OZQ
— The TV Grump (@TheTVGrump) January 20, 2025 @TheTVGrump
I’m watching the Trump inauguration speech in absolute horror. We are so cooked pic.twitter.com/ygUD5kYfEf
— K (@entanonly01) January 20, 2025 @entanonly01
$TRUMP holders after no mention of crypto in the inauguration speech 😂 pic.twitter.com/DVL3qYhMcp
— Warren (@WarWren_) January 20, 2025 @WarWren_
And you all though Trump was actually going to mention crypto during his inauguration speech pic.twitter.com/TDrKRadpv2
— Monty (@montyreport) January 20, 2025 @montyreport
Mars mentioned in the inauguration speech! LFG!!! pic.twitter.com/pQ3K0F1yIV
— Space Sudoer (@spacesudoer) January 20, 2025 @spacesudoer
Carrie Underwood A Cappella
Carrie Underwood polarized her fanbase when it was announced she would be singing "America the Beautiful" at the inauguration. Then, when she came up to sing after Trump's speech, viewers heard a snippet of her backing music and saw a lot -- a lo-o-ot -- of awkward standing around.
Finally, Carrie told everyone in attendance she would need their help as she belted the song a cappella.
Ariana Grande got in on the Underwood shade by liking a post on Instagram from Evan Ross Katz, showing Kamala Harris' face as the Idol alum sang. His caption: "Kamala Harris evoking Coco Montrese ('Girl, find the note') watching Carrie Underwood at today's chilling Inauguration."
Her like has since vanished from the post, but was captured by outlets on social media. Grande, however, did share a number of posts supporting the queer community amid Trump fears to her Stories throughout the day.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Wow. Carrie Underwood just pulled off the greatest improvisation since Donald Trump shouted "fight, fight, fight" after getting shot in the ear.
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) January 20, 2025 @kylenabecker
Chills.pic.twitter.com/6egjtRFLid
Yeah, Carrie rips it. God bless her going
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 20, 2025 @RealJamesWoods
a cappella while the whole world watches. Courage under fire!
We know what's going to happen to the Tech guy who messed up the sound for Carrie Underwood... pic.twitter.com/O9oD2O9QMU
— Mr. Intuitive 🏴☠️ (@BlackberryXRP) January 20, 2025 @BlackberryXRP
shoutout to the gay who pulled the plug on the audio before carrie underwood sang
— matt (@mattxiv) January 20, 2025 @mattxiv
The sound guys boss when he couldn't get the audio to work for Carrie Underwood pic.twitter.com/XUOGAP7L6i
— Sara Rose 🇺🇸🌹 (@saras76) January 20, 2025 @saras76
The sound guy for Carrie Underwood right now pic.twitter.com/VVxNahcnCC
— Riverrat328 (@riverrat328) January 20, 2025 @riverrat328
Carrie Underwood is a lot more entertaining if you mute the TV
— Liam Nissan™ (@theliamnissan) January 20, 2025 @theliamnissan
Bill Clinton seeing Carrie Underwood perform pic.twitter.com/dDhNPgtK0g
— Griffin Tuley (@GriffinTuley1) January 20, 2025 @GriffinTuley1
Carrie Underwood going acapella like B rabbit. pic.twitter.com/a08PIn8JkA
— JimmyJam #falnation (@jimmyjamny) January 20, 2025 @jimmyjamny