US President-Elect Donald J Trump
On January 20, 2025, at precisely 12:00 PM ET, Indian Time 10:30 pm Donald J. Trump will take the oath of office for an extraordinary second, non-consecutive term as the 47th President of the United States. This momentous event will unfold in the US Capitol Rotunda, marking an unprecedented political comeback in American history. Trump will become only the second US president in more than two centuries to return to the White House after losing a re-election, following the example set by Grover Cleveland, who served as the 22nd and 24th president, was the first to achieve this feat in the 1880s and 1890s.
As the world watches, Trump’s inauguration will be accompanied by a host of historic, ceremonial, and celebratory events, as well as heightened security measures and global attention. Here’s everything you need to know about the inauguration ceremony, the key players, the expected events, and the significance of this pivotal moment in US politics.
Trump’s swearing-in ceremony is set to take place on the steps of American democracy—inside the US Capitol Rotunda, under the iconic dome that has witnessed countless historic moments. Though inaugurations are traditionally held outdoors on the west front of the Capitol, the extreme weather forecast has led to a venue change. With temperatures expected to plummet as low as -12°C (10°F) at noon, this will mark a rare indoor ceremony for the first time in modern history.
The process leading to the inauguration is typically drawn out, with the official election results not declared until December. Following Election Day in November, the President-elect is invited to the White House for a congratulatory meeting and to discuss the transition. While media outlets quickly call the election, it is the Electoral College, a body of electors from each state, that formally elects the President in December. Congress then convenes in January to count the electoral votes and certify the election of the President and Vice President.
Trump’s inauguration will be marked by a whirlwind of transition activities, including personnel appointments and intelligence briefings. As of January 16, Trump had announced nominees for 102 key positions, and the confirmation process is already underway in the Senate. Among his appointees, some have already taken on prominent roles, such as Middle East envoy-designate Steve Witkoff.
Earlier in 2021, Trump had skipped the swearing-in of his successor, President Joe Biden, alleging that the 2020 election had been “stolen” from him. This marked the first time in 150 years that a former US president had boycotted the transfer of power.
Presidential inaugurations in the United States follow a set of traditions, many of which have evolved over the years. Following the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1933, the ceremony has been held every four years on January 20, or January 21 if the 20th falls on a Sunday. The swearing-in ceremony, where the President and Vice President take the oath of office at noon, is followed by a series of official engagements, including inaugural addresses, ceremonial events, and festivities that mark the beginning of a new presidential term.
Coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this year’s inauguration carries added weight, as it is only the third time in UShistory that the ceremony will be held on this national holiday, which celebrates the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. This alignment of events only deepens the historical significance of Trump’s return to the White House.
The Historic Indoor Inaugural ceremony
A Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), formed every four years, is responsible for planning and hosting the inauguration. The United States Secret Service will oversee security for the event, which is expected to be heightened due to the anticipated large crowds and VIP guests.
The swearing-in ceremony, traditionally held on the West Front of the US Capitol, will be moved indoors to the Rotunda due to extreme cold temperatures in Washington D.C. The forecast predicts temperatures as low as -12°C, with a midday temperature of approximately -6°C. This marks the second time in US history the ceremony has been moved indoors, the last instance being during Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985.
While the Rotunda can only accommodate up to 600 guests, the inauguration will still draw a wide range of political and business leaders. Senior figures from both the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as former US Presidents, are expected to attend, along with international dignitaries such as Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Additionally, business tycoons Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos are also slated to attend.
However, the vast majority of the 200,000+ ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremony in person. Instead, the event will be broadcast live, and a viewing event at the 20,000-seat Capital One Arena in D.C. will be open to the public. Trump himself has stated he will join the crowd there after his swearing-in.
The Oath of Office: A Momentous Pledge
At the core of the inauguration will be the sacred presidential oath, which is the only event specifically mentioned in the US Constitution. Trump will stand before the nation and solemnly take the oath, promising to “faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States.” Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath, with Trump placing his hand on a Bible, signifying his solemn commitment to uphold the Constitution.
In a first for the ceremony, Vice President J.D. Vance will take the oath of office simultaneously with Trump, further marking the beginning of their unified administration. Once sworn in, Trump will deliver his inaugural address, in which he is expected to outline his vision for the next four years, focusing heavily on topics such as immigration reform, a tougher stance on border security, and the controversial large-scale deportation of undocumented immigrants.
Trump’s inaugural address will offer insight into his priorities for the upcoming term. A major focus is likely to be immigration, where Trump has repeatedly vowed to secure the southern border and crack down on illegal immigration. The address could also touch on issues like reversing policies introduced by the Biden administration, including environmental regulations, electric vehicle mandates, and the rights of transgender athletes in competitive sports.
In a nod to his base, Trump may announce pardons for individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection, further consolidating his political position among his supporters. The peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which Trump has previously expressed an interest in mediating, could also be a central part of his address.
The heart of the inauguration is the presidential oath of office, which is the only part of the ceremony explicitly mentioned in the US Constitution. The oath, unchanged since 1884, reads: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) 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.”
Trump and Vice President-elect Vance will each take the oath with their hands on the Bible, a tradition dating back to George Washington. Trump is expected to use a Bible given to him by his mother in 1955, as well as the Lincoln Bible, which was used at Abraham Lincoln’s 1861 inauguration.
Inaugural Day Activities: Ceremonies, Celebrations, and Performances
Trump’s inauguration day will be marked by a series of traditional and ceremonial events, each carrying its own weight in history and symbolism:
Morning: A Church Service and Tea at the White House
The day will begin with Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, attending a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located just across Lafayette Park from the White House. Following the service, Trump and Melania will join the outgoing President Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, for a traditional tea at the White House. This gesture of civility and tradition highlights the peaceful transition of power that has been a cornerstone of American democracy.
Noon: The Swearing-In Ceremony and Address
At noon, Trump will take the oath of office in a ceremony that will be attended by thousands of dignitaries, former presidents, and political figures. Afterward, Trump will deliver his inaugural address, setting the tone for the next four years of his presidency. The Capitol Rotunda will echo with music and speeches, underscoring the grandeur of the occasion.
Afternoon: Congressional Lunch and Military Review
After the formal ceremony, Trump will attend a Congressional luncheon, where lawmakers from both parties will gather to mark the occasion. Trump will also review military troops, symbolizing the power and prestige of the US Armed Forces under his leadership. In the afternoon, Trump will participate in the signing ceremony, where he will sign executive orders to implement key policies and set the agenda for his administration.
Evening: Inaugural Balls and Entertainment
The evening will be marked by a series of glamorous inaugural balls, where Trump and the First Lady will make their entrance. The three main inaugural balls—the Commander-in-Chief Ball, Liberty Ball, and Starlight Ball—will each serve as a celebration of America’s democracy and the beginning of Trump’s second term.
Musical performances will play a central role throughout the day and evening. At the swearing-in ceremony, country music stars Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood will perform, alongside a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by classical vocalist Christopher Macchio. In the evening, more performances by artists like Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Gavin DeGraw will enliven the celebrations. Trump’s team has also hinted at a surprise musical guest for the Liberty Ball, further heightening the excitement surrounding the event.
With security measures at an all-time high, over 25,000 law enforcement officers, 7,800 National Guard troops, and other personnel will be deployed to safeguard the inauguration and maintain order in Washington, D.C. This intense security is a response to potential protests and demonstrations, as well as celebrations by Trump supporters at rallies like the MAGA rally at the Capital One Arena.
The inauguration will be attended by a wide range of distinguished guests, including former US Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden. International dignitaries, including Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro, will also be present. Business leaders such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Shou Zi Chew are expected to attend, underlining the significant financial backing and global interest in Trump’s second term.
For those unable to attend, the event will be broadcast live across the globe. Major US networks like CNN, CBS, and C-SPAN will provide coverage, while international networks, including the BBC in the UK and Australian broadcasters ABC, Seven, Nine, Ten, and SBS, will join in. C-SPAN’s YouTube channel and the White House website will offer live streaming for a worldwide audience.
Trump’s inaugural committee has raised over $170 million, with expectations to surpass $200 million, making this one of the largest and most well-funded inaugurations in US history. Corporate sponsors, including tech giants like Microsoft and Google, automakers like Ford and Toyota, and pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, have contributed heavily to the inauguration fund. Other notable sponsors include Lockheed Martin and Robinhood, showcasing the political and economic power backing Trump’s second term.
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