Trump sworn in as 47th President: A historical moment in Washington!

Trump sworn in as 47th President: A historical moment in Washington!

On January 21, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as 47th President of the United States. The inauguration did not find as usual at the stages of the Capitol in Washington D.C. instead, but in the big rotunda of the building. This was due to the cold temperatures and icy winds that affected the ceremony. Despite these adverse circumstances, the ceremony went without incident and reflects the American custom of changing power. Behind Trump hung an important painting by John Trumbull, which shows the surrender of the British general Cornwallis in the Battle of Yorktown, an event of crucial historical importance.

The painting “Surrender of Lord Cornwallis” by Trumbull from 1826 is in the rotunda of the Capitol in Washington D.C. exhibited. It shows the surrender of British troops on October 19, 1781 and includes a representation by Christian von Forbach, a soldier of the Royal Deux-Ponts regiment. This regiment was founded in 1756 and is in the historical context of relationships between the Kingdom of France and the Duchy of Pfalz-Zweibrücken. Over 2,000 soldiers of the regiment fought in the Seven Years' War, especially in Yorktown, where they played a strategically important role. The surrender of the English five days after the decisive battle paved the way to American independence. Today the contribution of the soldiers from Zweibrücken is celebrated annually on July 4, the American Independence Day.

historical connections

The city partnership between Zweibrücken and Yorktown underlines the historical importance of this event. Trump, during his swearing -in, was aware of the symbolic relevance that the painting for bilaterally shaped history between the USA and Germany. The representation of Christian von Forbach in the painting is reminiscent of the friendship and the common military contribution, which are symbolized by the Royal Deux-Ponts regiment. General Benjamin Lincoln, who accepted the sword of Cornwallis and thus marked the end of the British influence over the American colonies, was depicted behind Trump.

The ceremony itself, which took place on January 20, 2021 for Joe Biden as 46th President, also refrained from a traditional public speech and was decorated by a field of flags on the National Mall to compensate for the lack of audience due to security concerns. Strict security measures were also given in Trump's inauguration, especially after the events of the Capitol on January 6th.

The connection between Zweibrücken and this patriotic story remains today and is still celebrated in the common memories, while the USA will go into the future with a new president.