International response America's allies hope for the best, but prepare for the worst

Western allies of the US are braced for the return of Donald Trump, still hoping for the best, but largely unprepared for what may prove to be a chaotic and disorientating worst.

- Patrick Wintour

Donald Trump, the 45th and soon to be 47th president of the United States, will be inaugurated in Washington today. Freezing weather means the event will be held indoors for the first time since 1985, instead of on the Capitol steps where he first took power eight years ago. At 12pm ET (5pm GMT), in the US Capitol rotunda, Trump will be sworn in for the second time, placing his hand on a Bible and reciting the 35-word presidential oath.

Trump's inaugural address follows the swearing-in. In 2017, he spoke of "American carnage" and outlined his vision for an "America first" agenda. The 16-minute speech offered a sinister view of the US where Trump vowed to return power to the American people.

Expect Trump to talk about several policy initiatives he has pledged to enact immediately upon taking office, including closing the southern US border, launching what he calls the largest deportation operation in US history, and pardoning the January 6 insurrectionists who are jailed or facing court cases.