From Melania's hat to Elon Musk's gesture: Viral moments from Donald Trump's Inauguration

It is now official: Donald Trump is the 47th President of the United States. As he took the oath of office, millions of viewers were glued to their televisions, watching him swear to assume arguably the highest political office on the planet.

As the old saying goes, even the best-laid plans often go awry. For Trump, a figure known for his flamboyance and knack for courting controversy, plans to have the most attended swearing-in ceremony were thwarted after the weathermen warned of sub-freezing temperatures, prompting organisers to hold it at the Capital’s Rotunda.

Trump vs the Bible

In a notable departure from tradition, Donald Trump appeared to forget the customary act of placing his hand on the Bible during the presidential oath. Photos from the ceremony show Melania Trump beside him, holding two Bibles, yet Trump did not touch either one.

President Donald Trump sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts.President Donald Trump used two Bibles during his ceremony.The Lincoln Bible, used by Obama both times and President Trump in 2017.And his personal Bible, a gift from his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, in 1955. pic.twitter.com/ZkoZbKdRni

Cheeky Zuckerberg

During the inauguration, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, and Jeff Bezos, the head of Amazon, were seated next to each other. A now-viral video shows Zuckerberg, briefly standing next to Lauren Sánchez, Bezos' fiancée, sneaking a quick glance at her cleavage before turning away with a cheeky grin.

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Mark Zuckerberg smiles after appearing to glance at Lauren Sanchez’ busty chest. The fiancée of Jeff Bezos wore a low-cut lingerie blouse while attending the Inauguration, with many online branding the outfit ‘inappropriate.’ pic.twitter.com/KnodQX1fjC

Melania Trump’s Hat

Melania Trump made a bold fashion statement at the inauguration, wearing a long navy coat paired with a matching wide-brimmed hat. This striking accessory not only shielded her eyes in numerous photos but also made it challenging for her husband to lean in for a kiss before his swearing-in. Amusing images of this moment are now circulating widely online.

La secchezza vaginale spiegata in quattro secondi.#Trump #Melania pic.twitter.com/foybOX8qcf

Elon Musk’s Nazi Salute

Billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump, sparked controversy after a hand gesture he made resembled the "sieg heil," or Nazi salute. Musk later addressed the incident on X, stating his opponents needed "better dirty tricks" and adding, "The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired."

WTF?? What did Elon Musk just do?? pic.twitter.com/ESNjAG874s

Hillary Clinton Laughs at Trump

Since his election, Donald Trump has been making his grand plans known, including deporting illegal immigrants, downsizing his government with the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and announcing plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." Upon hearing Trump’s statement, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton couldn’t contain her laughter.

A moment showing the former first lady stifling a laugh was caught on camera and has since gone viral online.

Hilary Clinton reacts to Donald Trump declaring he will rename Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. pic.twitter.com/nCESoCF6tN

Michelle Obama’s Absence

It was an awkward moment as former US President Barack Obama walked into the Capitol alone during President Trump’s inauguration while other past presidents were accompanied by their spouses. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump all had their partners beside them.

Breaking with tradition, Michelle Obama chose not to attend the swearing-in ceremony alongside her husband. While she has not publicly explained her absence, many believe her Instagram post on the day—coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day—carried a subtle message. Just hours before Trump was sworn in, Michelle shared: "When the time is always right to do what is right."

Former President Barack Obama arrives for the Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/Q3l8GPJwxJ

The 61-year-old former First Lady further posted: “Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service always inspires me. This #MLKDay, I hope you’ll join me and When We All Vote in honouring Dr. King’s life and legacy by getting involved in your community. Whether you’re mentoring students at your local school or volunteering for a cause that matters to you, it all helps make a difference. Tell me how you’re giving back today in the comments.” The message, shared with her 56.9 million followers, showcased her continued support for the non-profit organisation When We All Vote.