The release of the Donald Trump official inauguration photo ahead of his upcoming swearing-in ceremony has the internet buzzing. Many have noticed that the new portrait—showing Trump with a stern gaze and wearing an American flag lapel pin—bears a striking resemblance to his infamous mugshot from August 2023. Despite the serious tone, the photo has garnered plenty of lighthearted reactions on social media.
Accompanying Trump’s portrait is the official photo of incoming Vice President JD Vance, who appears more relaxed, offering a smile with his arms folded. This noticeable contrast has added to the playful commentary online, as the United States political landscape prepares for Trump’s next term in office.
The inauguration ceremony is set for Monday, January 22, a day that will see a host of notable figures including Carrie Underwood performing. Former President Joe Biden is also expected to attend, alongside other living former presidents such as Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Their presence underscores the significance of this momentous occasion, despite political differences.
Observers can’t help but draw parallels between Trump’s new portrait and the mugshot taken when he was booked in Georgia on charges related to allegedly overturning the 2020 election results in the state. That historic photo marked the first time a former president had been arrested and processed in such a way. The comparison between the two images has quickly become a focal point of social media chatter, with many joking about how similar the angle and Trump’s expression appear in both.
According to CNN, the attention surrounding Trump’s upcoming inauguration illustrates the continued public fascination with his political journey. With Donald Trump’s next term on the horizon, the focus remains on how both his policies and public image will shape the national conversation in the months and years ahead.
