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Donald Trump’s Second Inauguration: Key Details

On Monday, January 20, Donald Trump will officially become the 47th President of the United States during a formal inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C. Trump’s return to the White House comes after serving as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021, marking a historic second non-consecutive term.

Vice President-elect JD Vance will also take the oath of office, alongside Trump, to formally begin their new administration.

 

What Is the Inauguration?

The inauguration is a symbolic and formal event marking the peaceful transfer of power from one president to another. It is a cornerstone of the American democratic tradition.

The highlight of the ceremony is the oath of office, where the president-elect declares:

"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Donald Trump will officially become the 47th president upon completing this oath, while JD Vance will assume the role of vice president following his own swearing-in.

 

Inauguration Day Schedule

The inauguration events begin early and include several key moments:

Morning Service at St. John’s Church: Trump and his family will attend a service at the historic St. John’s Church, located near the White House.

Musical Performances and Opening Remarks: At 9:30 AM EST, the main stage on the West Lawn of the US Capitol will host musical performances and introductory speeches.

Swearing-In Ceremony: Both Trump and Vance will take their oaths of office, followed by Trump’s inaugural address, where he will outline his administration’s goals for the next four years.

Signing Documents in the President’s Room: After the ceremony, Trump will head to the President’s Room near the Senate chamber to sign key inaugural documents.

Congressional Lunch: A traditional lunch will follow, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Inaugural Parade: The parade will travel down Pennsylvania Avenue, from the Capitol to the White House, showcasing floats, bands, and other performances.

Inaugural Balls: In the evening, Trump will attend three official inaugural balls: the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball, and the Starlight Ball, where he is expected to deliver speeches.

 

Who Will Attend?

An estimated 200,000 people are expected to gather in Washington, D.C., to witness the event. This includes both supporters and protesters.

 

Key attendees include:

Outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with their spouses, Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff.

Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, alongside their wives, Michelle Obama and Laura Bush. However, Michelle Obama has announced she will not attend.

Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House, has also declined the invitation.

Prominent tech leaders like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are expected to attend, as well as TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew.

 

Who Will Perform?

The inauguration ceremony and associated events will feature notable musical performances:

Carrie Underwood will sing America the Beautiful.

Trump’s longtime friend Lee Greenwood will perform God Bless the USA.

Opera singer Christopher Macchio will also take the stage.

Disco group The Village People will perform their iconic hits YMCA and Macho Man during Trump’s post-inauguration victory rally and at an inaugural ball.

Additional performers at the inaugural balls include Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, and Rascal Flatts.

How to Watch the Inauguration

For those unable to attend in person, there are numerous options to view the ceremony:

 

The White House will livestream the event.

Major news networks and platforms, including the BBC, will provide live coverage.

Radio specials and podcasts, such as Americast, will offer updates and analysis.

 

Significance of the Event

Trump’s return to the presidency underscores the significance of democratic processes and the peaceful transfer of power. The event is expected to draw global attention as the United States enters a new chapter under his leadership.