Donald Trump Inaugurated as 47th U.S. President

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States
in a globally anticipated ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda. This marked the first time in 40
years that the event was moved indoors, due to an Arctic blast that blanketed the capital in
freezing temperatures.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including former U.S. presidents, vice presidents, high-
ranking government officials, and foreign dignitaries such as Argentine President Javier Milei
and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Prominent leaders from various sectors also attended,
with the tech industry represented by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Amazon founder and executive
chairman Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Google CEO
Sundar Pichai. Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court administered the oath of
office, formally marking Trump’s return to the White House. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of
the Federation of World Peace and Love, led FOWPAL delegates from Washington,
Philadelphia, Seattle, New York, the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the Bay Area in California
to participate in this historic occasion.
In his inauguration address, President Trump declared the start of "the golden age of America,"
emphasizing his vision to create a proud, prosperous, and free nation. He expressed confidence
that America would become "greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before" while
acknowledging the challenges ahead. Trump outlined his commitment to immediately restoring
integrity, competence, and loyalty in government, aiming to deliver hope, prosperity, safety, and
peace to all citizens, regardless of race, religion, or background.
Speaking on today being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Trump honored King’s legacy, vowing to
strive toward making his dream a reality. He highlighted plans to address critical issues such as
trade, immigration, and urban law and order. Stressing his aspiration to be remembered as a
"peacemaker and unifier," he urged citizens to work together, asserting that collective efforts
could achieve any goal and fulfill any dream.
A series of celebratory events followed, including official concerts, a parade, luncheons, and
inaugural balls, along with interfaith prayer services. Non-governmental organizations also
hosted events to commemorate this historic moment.
One of the notable celebrations was the "World Leaders Peace and Harmony Inaugural Ball
and Concert" at the Capital Hilton Hotel. Organized by the African and Caribbean International
Leadership Conference, the event promoted love, peace, and conscience and featured Dr. Hong,
Tao-Tze, president of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), as the keynote
speaker. During the event, Dr. Hong presided over the solemn Bell of World Peace and Love
ringing ceremony, emphasizing the importance of conscience-driven leadership.
Reflecting on the severe challenges facing the world, including natural disasters, regional
conflicts, and ongoing wars, Dr. Hong stated, “The darkest times often present the greatest
opportunities for transformation. The chances to alter humanity's destiny lie in the hands of each
of us. In the face of natural and man-made disasters, we must not place blame on others or fate.
Instead, we must act with conscience, discern right from wrong and truth from falsehood, and
actively perform good deeds to selflessly benefit all living beings. This is the ultimate remedy to
save the world.”
Dr. Hong further encouraged leaders to embrace conscience as a guiding principle, saying, “The
fate of global citizens is deeply interconnected. If everyone follows their conscience, fulfills their
roles with conscience, acts with integrity, and strives for mutually beneficial outcomes, we will
have the opportunity to create a brighter, more hopeful future for the world!”
Four influential leaders rang the Bell and made wishes for peace. Fritz Jean, former Prime
Minister of Haiti and a member of its Transitional Presidential Council, rang the Bell and wished
to end the violence in Haiti and in the region and to make the world a better place for humanity
to evolve in peace.
Ambassador Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States
(OAS) and former Ambassador of Belize to the U.S., rang the Bell and wished that “we can all
eventually agree to work together to combat climate change!! We owe it to our children!!”
Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, a singer, songwriter, and senior worship leader, rang the Bell and
wished everyone to “know the love of Jesus and be free in Him.” She is known professionally as
Sinach and is the first singer-songwriter to top the Billboard Christian Songwriter chart for 12
weeks in a row.
Dr. Neil Parsan, Ambassador (Ret.) of Trinidad and Tobago to the U.S. and Mexico, rang the
Bell and stated, “My wish is unified determination, collaboration and courage to break down the
walls of hatred and division and build bridges of peace, justice, compassion, understanding and
mutual respect. Every voice matters. We must work together to unite across borders, cultures,
and ideologies. Let us leave this world a better place than we met it.”
To date, 608 distinguished individuals from 155 countries, including 76 heads of state and 15
Nobel Peace Prize laureates, have rung the Bell, spreading messages of unity and hope
worldwide.
During the event, Dr. Hong presented the Compass Clock of Conscience to various leaders. The
clock represents time, direction, and purpose, reminding everyone to seize opportunities to
follow their conscience and perform good deeds. FOWPAL members performed the captivating
“Golden Phoenix Dance,” symbolizing compassion and courage, and delivered an uplifting song
“We Can Change the World,” inspiring unity and hope. Their martial artists electrified the
audience, encouraging acts of conscience and goodwill to spark a positive ripple effect for global
peace. The evening also featured inspiring performances by artists such as Jumbo Aniebiet, Papa
San, Minister Sinach, Chevelle Franklyn, and Dr. Agu G. Uchechukwu.
FOWPAL’s dedication to promoting peace spans over two decades, with over 10,000 cultural
exchanges and performances in 113 countries aimed at uniting hearts and spreading messages of
love and conscience. Additionally, FOWPAL was instrumental in the United Nations’
declaration of April 5 as the "International Day of Conscience," a milestone inspiring action for a
sustainable future.
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, received Global Peace Award from Dr. Agorom
Dike, founder and president of the organizer of the event, the African and Caribbean
International Leadership Conference, for promoting peace, love, conscience, and the power of
hope, as well as fostering healing and transformation in the global community.
As the United States embarks on this new chapter in its history, FOWPAL’s bell-ringing
ceremony in Washington, D.C., stands as a powerful symbol of hope and unity, rallying global
citizens to work together for a brighter and more harmonious world.