Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez represented the Philippines in the inauguration of United States President Donald Trump on Monday, Jan. 20 (Washington time), inside the United States Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C.
US President Donald Trump speaks after taking oath of office during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the envoy shared photos and a video of Trump and US Vice President JD Vance as they addressed the members of the diplomatic corps.
“Attended the inauguration of President @realDonaldTrump at the Capitol. He addressed members of the diplomatic corps separately with US governors and congressmen at the visitors center of the Capitol,” he wrote.
Romualdez also met “friends” such as South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and his wife and Rep. Nancy Mace at the South Carolina Inaugural Ball at the National Portrait Gallery.
He was also photographed with Armscor Chief Executive Officer Martin Tuason and House Deputy Speaker Tonypet Albano.
In a three-minute video posted by Romualdez, both Trump and Vance commented on the weather that moved the inauguration ceremony indoors because of the dangerously cold temperature and high winds.
Jokingly, the newly sworn-in US President commented that the audience at the visitors center were “younger” and “far more beautiful,” much to the delight of the crowd.
He reminisced on his journey to winning the November 2024 polls and said he made possible what others thought could not be done.
“We just had a great time, a great day. This was amazing,” he told the audience.
“You know, when you think about the journey, I mentioned this . . . a lot of people said that was not a journey that was possible but it was indeed possible. I didn’t really know what they were saying when they said that but a lot of people felt that,” Trump added.
This is his second term after previously serving as president from 2016 to 2020. He lost to US President Joe Biden in November 2020.