Takeaways:
- Donald Trump will officially become the 47th president of the United States during his second inauguration on January 20.
- The event includes the swearing-in ceremony, musical performances, a parade, and formal inaugural balls.
- Outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will attend alongside other dignitaries and notable guests.
President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the White House as the 47th president of the United States after his second inauguration on January 20. The day promises a mix of tradition, celebration, and high-profile attendance as Trump and Vice-President-elect JD Vance begin their new administration.
What is the Inauguration?
The inauguration is a formal ceremony marking the peaceful transfer of power between U.S. presidents. The highlight of the event is the swearing-in ceremony, where the president-elect recites the oath of office:
“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.”
Though Trump won the November election, he officially becomes president only after taking the oath. Similarly, JD Vance will assume the role of vice president following his own swearing-in.
Schedule of Events on January 20
Morning Service: The day begins with a traditional service at St. John’s Church in Lafayette Square, a historic site in Washington, D.C. Following this, Trump will attend a tea reception at the White House.
Swearing-In Ceremony: Musical performances and opening remarks will start at 9:30 AM EST (2:30 PM GMT) on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Trump and Vance will take their oaths of office, followed by the president’s inaugural address outlining his vision for the next four years.
Parade: After the ceremony, Trump will sign key documents in the President’s Room near the Senate chamber and attend a lunch hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. The day continues with a celebratory parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
Evening Balls: The celebration concludes with three inaugural balls: the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball, and the Starlight Ball. Trump is expected to deliver remarks at all three.
Who Will Attend?
Approximately 200,000 people are expected in Washington, D.C., including supporters, protesters, and dignitaries. Notable attendees include:
- Outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris: Accompanied by their spouses, Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff.
- Former Presidents and First Ladies: Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and their spouses will be in attendance. Michelle Obama and Nancy Pelosi, however, will not.
- Tech Industry Leaders: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew are expected, amid discussions about tech regulations.
- Foreign Dignitaries: China’s Vice President Han Zheng will represent international leadership.
Performers and Entertainment
Country music and American classics will take center stage during the inauguration. Performers include:
- Carrie Underwood: Singing “America the Beautiful.”
- Lee Greenwood: Performing “God Bless the USA.”
- Christopher Macchio: Opera singer.
- The Village People: Known for their anthems “YMCA” and “Macho Man.”
- Country Artists: Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, and Rascal Flatts will perform at evening balls. Gavin DeGraw will also appear.
The mix of genres reflects an effort to unify and celebrate a diverse nation.
How to Watch
For those unable to attend in person, several options are available:
- Livestreams: The White House will provide a livestream of the event.
- BBC Coverage: Viewers in the UK can watch live on BBC One at 3:30 PM GMT or follow updates online.
- Radio and Podcasts: Special coverage will air on BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. Podcasts such as Americast and The Coming Storm will provide in-depth analysis.
Tickets for in-person attendance are distributed by members of Congress and are highly sought after, though they are free.