The people of 20 January

Donald Trump and JD Vance are inaugurated as the 47th president and 50th vice president of the United States in Washington, D.C., with Trump becoming the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms.

Politics · 20 Jan · with JD Vance, Grover Cleveland

United States President Donald Trump formally pardons around 1,500 defendants who had been criminally charged with involvement in the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol. Fourteen convicted individuals have their sentences commuted to time served.

Crime & Justice · 20 Jan

During celebrations of the inauguration, businessman Elon Musk makes two gestures to a crowd at the Capital One Arena that some on social media liken to Nazi salutes. The gestures were made as Musk thanked the crowd, stating "My heart goes out to you." Musk denied any meaning behind the gestures.

Politics · 20 Jan

Trump officially creates the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk aimed at cutting spending of the U.S. government. DOGE is a temporary organization under the United States DOGE Service, not a federal executive department. Within minutes of the announcement, government employee unions, watchdog groups, and public interest organizations sued over this executive order.

Politics · 20 Jan

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden announces pre-emptive pardons for his siblings, former Chief Medical Advisor Anthony Fauci, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and members of the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack prior to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Biden also commutes the sentence of Indigenous activist and convicted murderer Leonard Peltier.

Crime & Justice · 20 Jan · with Anthony Fauci, Mark Milley, Donald Trump, Leonard Peltier

The death toll from fighting in the Catatumbo region, Colombia, increases to more than 100 as the National Liberation Army (ELN) launches more attacks. The Colombian government vows "war" against the ELN with Colombian president Gustavo Petro saying that the group has "chosen the path of war, and a war they will have".

Conflict · 20 Jan

Colombian president Gustavo Petro declares a state of emergency in response to rebel attacks in the Catatumbo region.

Conflict · 20 Jan

The United States Senate unanimously confirms Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, making him the first Cabinet official of Trump's second term to be confirmed by the Senate. Rubio also becomes the first Latino American to serve as Secretary of State.

Politics · 20 Jan