First Lady Jill Biden with President Joe Biden at White House on January 20, 2025/SCREENGRABFirst Lady Jill Biden was wearing head-to-toe blue on her final day as First Lady, external and today - as we just saw - she was yet again wearing a shade of what looks like purpley-blue from head to toe.
Blue is a very on-brand colour for the entire Biden family , external and it has come to represent the administration of the last four years.
At her husband's swearing-in ceremony in 2021, Jill wore a blue coat created by designer/founder Alexandra O’Neill for the New York-based luxury womenswear label Markarian – it reportedly quintupled sales for the designer, external.
It was custom-made and embroidered with Swarovski crystals, plus had a pandemic-era matching face mask.
Melania's hat cuts through the noise of inauguration day
Melania Trump kicked off inauguration day with an outfit that has all the hallmarks of her favorite First Lady style: sharply cut, with spiked heels and a dramatic flourish via the headgear.
It is simultaneously serious and chic. It also speaks to her love of hats – see for one example her widely criticised colonial-style pith helmet on safari in Kenya, external.
Hats have long been a staple of First Lady inauguration dressing, from Jackie Kennedy's pillbox hat to the hats worn by Nancy Reagan to each of her husband's inaugurations, the first one "Reagan red" and the second one blue.
Melania Trump/SCREENGRAB
But while some hats feel like an addendum to an outfit, others take on more main character energy—as does Melania Trump's today.
The brim is wide enough and the contrast between the cream ribbon and navy hat big enough that it draws the eyes upwards – even if Melania's eyes remain somewhat hidden underneath.
First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden meet President-elect Donald trump and his wife Melania Trump at White House on January 20, 2025/SCREENGRABBiden welcomes Trump 'home' at tea time
Joe Biden said "welcome home" to Donald Trump as he arrived at the North Portico of the White House a few moments ago.
Neither president responded to shouted questions from reporters before walking into the White House.
Just before Trump's arrival, Biden was asked how he was feeling today - his last day at the White House.
"Good," he responded.
The tea meeting will take place behind closed doors, with no press allowed inside.
The tea tradition began in 1837, with Presidents Martin Van Buren and Andrew Jackson.
In 2021, however, Trump did not host Biden for tea, breaking that tradition amid continued claims that he had won the 2020 election.
Trump and Melania leave St John's Church
The service at St. John's Church concluded after roughly 25 minutes, closing out with a rendition of "America the Beautiful.".
Soon-to-be sworn-in US president Donald Trump has just left the cathedral with his wife, Melania, and his son, Barron, trailing them.
Not far away from where the church service just ended, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden—who will hold those titles for the next couple of hours—have just been pictured with outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff as they arrive at the White House.
Members of Donald Trump's family—including Ivanka Trump—have arrived at Capitol Hill for the next part of today's celebrations.
This is where Trump will be sworn in later today.
Key timings for Trump's inauguration
Today's events in Washington DC have been meticulously planned down to the minute. Here are the key timings you need to know about if you're just stating to follow along.
What time does the inauguration start?
Donald Trump is due to arrive at the Capitol at 10:30 EST (15:30 GMT). We're expecting to see Trump introduced on stage a little under 45 minutes later.
What time will Trump be officially sworn in?
Trump is scheduled to take the oath - the moment he officially becomes president - at 11:47 EST (16:47 GMT). That time has been specifically chosen because Trump will become the 47th president.
What time will Trump speak?
After he is sworn in, Trump will give the traditional inaugural address. The speech is slated to begin at 11:53 EST (16:53 GMT).
Who is singing the national anthem?
The anthem will be performed by opera singer Christopher Macchio at around 13:00 EST (18:00 GMT). Country singer Carrie Underwood will sing America the Beautiful before Trump takes the oath of office.
Meanwhile It's currently -3C (26.6F) in Washington DC, right now, a freezing temperature that forced the inauguration ceremony indoors last minute.
But it hasn't put off thousands of spectators who are in the nation's capital for today's event.
Queues formed from the early hours, and there's plenty out there braving the low temperature for a glimpse of the historic occasion—beanies and jackets in tow.
