If you didn’t catch all the action, Trump’s inauguration was brimming with some rather uncomfortable spectacles. On January 20th, Donald Trump stepped in as the 47th President of the United States, but it wasn’t the policies that caught everyone’s attention; it was the awkward moments scattered throughout the day.
A Closer Look at the Inauguration Moments
Trump took office and swiftly signed off on some hotly contested executive orders, such as pardoning the January 6 rioters and withdrawing from the Paris climate accord. However, viewers noticed several awkward happenings during the ceremony. Let’s delve into eight of those peculiar moments spotted by some attentive eyes.
A Silent Moment for Kamala Harris and Joe Biden
While Trump delivered his inauguration address, he couldn’t resist taking jabs at his predecessors, deeming it a ‘golden age for America’. However, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden remained unswayed and were seen sitting silently during what was expected to be a moment of applause or, at the very least, acknowledgement.
Prime Seats for the Billionaires
High-profile billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk secured VIP seating at the Capitol Rotunda. Musk drew particular attention for his eccentric gestures, including a peculiar ‘thumb-up’ paired with a ‘Nazi salute’ while apparently thinking about trips to Mars.
The Kiss That Wasn’t
First Lady Melania Trump and Donald Trump attempted a public display of affection, which ended awkwardly with a missed cheek kiss. The oversized hat worn by Melania seemed to contribute to the mishap, making it hard for the President to get close enough for a proper kiss.
A ‘Booed’ Obama
Barack Obama, arriving without Michelle, was met with boos and not the warm welcome one might expect for a former president. He wasn’t alone in this; the Clintons and Mike Pence also received a less-than-pleasant reception.
Pennsylvania Senator’s Dress Code Blunder
Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania seemed to miss the memo on formal wear, donning grey shorts and a casual hoodie. His outfit choice was a standout among the otherwise traditionally dressed attendees.
Carrie Underwood’s A Cappella Moment
Technical difficulties forced Carrie Underwood to perform ‘America the Beautiful’ a cappella. A mix of praise and criticism followed her performance when the audience joined in to assist with the anthem’s lyrics.
Hillary Clinton’s Laugh
During Trump’s speech, when he proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico, Hillary Clinton couldn’t suppress her chuckles, captured as she put her head down to conceal her amusement.
An Opera Tenor’s Unconventional Anthem Performance
For the national anthem, Trump diverged from celebrity tradition by selecting opera tenor Christopher Macchio to perform, marking a departure from previous choices of pop stars like Lady Gaga or Beyonce.
The ceremony might have been historical, but these awkward instances are what drew much of the viewer’s focus, leaving them etched in the memories of those who watched.
