Today, January 20, 2025, Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking his second, non-consecutive term in office. The ceremony will take place indoors at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to extreme cold weather, a decision reminiscent of Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985.
In keeping with tradition, outgoing President Joe Biden and President-elect Trump shared a limousine ride to the Capitol.
The inauguration proceedings include a worship service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, followed by the swearing-in ceremony at noon EST. Vice President-elect JD Vance will take the oath of office first, administered by Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, followed by Trump’s oath, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.
The ceremony features musical performances by artists such as Carrie Underwood, Christopher Macchio, and Lee Greenwood.
Due to the indoor venue’s limited capacity of approximately 700 attendees, the event will be broadcast live on major news networks, including NBC, CNN, ABC, and Fox News, to accommodate the broader public.
Following the swearing-in, an inaugural luncheon will be held in the Capitol’s National Statuary Hall, attended by congressional leaders and other dignitaries.
The traditional inaugural parade has been relocated indoors to the Capital One Arena because of the cold weather, with President Trump expected to make an appearance.
Security measures are notably heightened for this inauguration, with over 25,000 law enforcement officers deployed across Washington, D.C., supported by extensive fencing and aerial surveillance, to ensure the safety of attendees.
This inauguration signifies a historic moment, as Donald Trump becomes the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland.
The peaceful transfer of power is underscored by the presence of former presidents and world leaders, highlighting the enduring traditions of American democracy.
