On Saturday, Donald Trump is set to make his return to Washington, D.C., kicking off the formalities to mark his second inauguration as president. This occasion unfolds four years after he left the capital amid the turmoil of an attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.
The ceremonial transfer of power will blend Washington’s traditional grandeur with Trump’s energetic style, highlighted by a fireworks display at one of his exclusive golf resorts. Attendees will include influential figures from the tech industry, business associates, conservative media personalities, and a significant number of his supporters traveling in from across the nation.
As the capital braces for extremely cold temperatures due to an incoming Arctic blast, organizers are hastily moving most outdoor events scheduled for Monday, including the swearing-in ceremony, indoors.
Trump, who is a member of the Republican Party, concluded his presidency in 2021 facing significant political backlash following his refusal to acknowledge his electoral defeat, leading to a violent incident at the Capitol. Distinctively, he chose not to attend Joe Biden’s inauguration, breaking with long-standing tradition.
In a notable contrast, Biden is prepared to embody the symbolism of a democratic transition by welcoming Trump to the White House and accompanying him to the Capitol for the inauguration ceremony.
The last time Trump took the oath of office, he entered as a political outsider, famously delivering a somber inaugural address amid an outpouring of protests. This year’s protests are anticipated to be relatively muted as the celebrations surrounding Trump’s inauguration take center stage. Additionally, the events are set to feature a greater presence of celebrities and billionaires from the tech sector compared to his previous inauguration.
Notable performances during the inauguration-related events will include country music artists such as Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Jason Aldean, along with appearances from the Village People, rapper Nelly, and musician Kid Rock. Celebrities like actor Jon Voight and wrestling icon Hulk Hogan will be present, alongside prominent executives like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew.
Trump will initiate the pageantry on Saturday by departing from his Florida residence and arriving in Washington. His team has yet to disclose his schedule for the day’s earlier hours, with a public event planned only for that evening—a reception and fireworks spectacle at Trump National Golf Club near Sterling, Virginia.
While Trump engages with guests at his club, Vice President-elect JD Vance will be attending a reception for Cabinet members and hosting a dinner in the capital.
The day before the inauguration, Trump is expected to partake in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, which will conclude with a private dinner.
On Inauguration Day, Trump will begin his day with a traditional prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church before visiting the White House for a customary tea with the outgoing president and first lady.
Trump will then proceed to the Capitol, where the ceremony will be held indoors due to the anticipated cold, which may make it the coldest inauguration in four decades. Although precise details regarding the event’s layout remain unclear, attendance will be limited.
Four years ago, political opponents faced dilemmas about attending his inauguration, weighing the implications of defying tradition. Presently, vocal opposition to Trump has significantly diminished, though two high-profile figures will be absent—former First Lady Michelle Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, neither of whom has offered explanations for their absence.
After Trump is sworn in and delivers his inaugural address, there will be a formal farewell to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Following the transfer of power, Trump will participate in a signing ceremony at the Capitol for his initial official actions, followed by a luncheon with Congress and a review of military forces.
The traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue has been transformed into an indoor event given the severe weather, and Trump is expected to address his supporters before heading back to the White House for an official signing ceremony in the Oval Office. Later that evening, a series of glamorous balls will take place, featuring musical performances.
Trump’s return to Washington is likely to coincide with protests and vigils addressing various issues, such as abortion rights, immigration, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. However, the nature and intensity of these demonstrations are anticipated to differ from those seen at the outset of his first term. The Women’s March, ignited by outrage over Trump’s initial victory, brought together over 500,000 participants in 2017, marking one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history.
This year, the march will reemerge under the new title of the People’s March, with organizers indicating a shift in focus toward broader issues relating to women’s and reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration advocacy, climate action, and the defense of democracy, predicting attendance of around 50,000 people—substantially fewer than in previous years.
