The keys to the White House are about to change hands once again. On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States — only the second non-consecutive two-term winner in history — in Washington, D.C.
The swearing-in ceremony officially begins at noon on that wintry Monday, but a whole day of activity will follow the procession.
The major broadcast networks will all air the inauguration live, including ABC, BBC, CBS, CNN, CSPAN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, and PBS. Audiences can also stream the proceedings online through certain digital sources, including the White House’s live stream.
The official time for the swearing-in ceremony to begin is 12 p.m. ET on January 20. The inauguration was expected to take place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building. However, according to ABC News, it will now take place inside the Capitol Rotunda as a result of the freezing weather expected in Washington D.C. that day.
The inauguration ceremony will immediately follow a procession of Donald Trump and Joe Biden to the Capitol and will be followed by Trump’s inaugural address, an honorary departure for Biden and first lady Jill Biden, a signing ceremony in the President’s Room of the Senate wing of the Capitol, an inaugural luncheon, an inaugural parade, and an inaugural ball.
This inauguration is the 60th and will be themed “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.”
Though Trump refused to attend Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, Biden has committed to attending his this year. Other attendees will include members of Congress, the Supreme Court, family members of Trump and incoming Vice President JD Vance, as well as incoming cabinet officials. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama will also, attend, along with former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton. Guests will include tech moguls Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg.
Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the inauguration of Donald Trump, her office announced. Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi is also reportedly declining to attend. Also, although Trump formally invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the event, he will instead reportedly send an envoy.
Carrie Underwood is expected to perform “America the Beautiful,” joined by the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. Additional performers include the Village People performing “YMCA,” Lee Greenwood, opera singer Christopher Macchio performing the National Anthem, and country stars Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts, per Axios. The inaugural ball will reportedly also feature a performance by Kid Rock, and Billy Ray Cyrus will perform at the “victory rally” on Sunday.
Flags at the U.S. Capitol and other federal buildings were expected to fly at half-staff during Trump’s inauguration, as is customary, to honor late President Jimmy Carter. However, after Trump expressed dismay that the funereal display will take place at his inauguration, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced they will be raised to full staff during the ceremony.
Also, Trump will be hosting his “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” on January 19.
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