Donald Trump’s inauguration as the nation’s 47th president was initially anticipated to feature dazzling ceremonies, but plans shifted due to chilly weather conditions, leading to an indoor event.
Despite this change, notable entertainers, influential business figures, and international dignitaries are expected to be in attendance. In contrast to his first inauguration eight years prior, this event will see a warm reception from business magnates and global leaders who previously distanced themselves from Trump during his earlier presidency.
As he prepares for the inauguration, the spotlight will be on the Capitol Rotunda, where a host of family members and other attendees will gather.
Among those expected to be present are Melania Trump, the president-elect’s five children, and grandchildren. His eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., along with Lara Trump, who is married to Eric Trump, have become more influential in recent months. Although Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have stepped back from public roles, they are still anticipated to join the festivities, much like they did on election night.
However, the Rotunda can accommodate only about 600 people, which may limit attendance for Supreme Court justices, military leaders, former presidents and their spouses, and Cabinet nominees. The usual 535 Congress members will also have priority, although several Democratic representatives are choosing to forgo the ceremony.
Attendees at the event include notable figures such as Elon Musk of Tesla and X, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, TikTok’s Shou Zi Chew, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman. The anticipation builds around who will secure a place in the Rotunda.
Performers include country music sensation Carrie Underwood, a multiple Grammy winner, who will sing “America the Beautiful” before Chief Justice John Roberts administers the oath of office at noon EST. Underwood, whose rise to fame began with “American Idol” in 2005, is a remarkable addition to the inaugural lineup.
In a surprising twist, the Village People, the iconic disco group of the late 1970s, have also been booked to perform. Their hit “Y.M.C.A.” has been a staple at Trump rallies and gained traction on social media post-election, where supporters replicated the president-elect’s dance moves.
Additional performers include opera singer Christopher Macchio, who will deliver “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and known country musician Lee Greenwood, famed for his patriotic song “God Bless the USA.” Gavin DeGraw, recognized for the chart-topping track “I Don’t Want To Be,” is also slated to perform at one of the inaugural balls, joined by country artists Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, and the band Rascal Flatts at the other events.
As part of the ceremony, Trump is expected to deliver his inaugural address, a platform known for its lengthy, often combative nature. In his 2017 speech, he avoided straying from his campaign messages, depicting a grim landscape for the nation. Trump aimed to end what he termed “American carnage” with a focus on an “America First” policy approach.
This time, his campaign has revolved around implementing extensive deportation measures and intensifying the U.S.-Mexico border security. Recently, he has hinted at entering a “golden age” while advocating for new tariffs on imports; he elaborated on these plans in the days leading up to the inauguration.
On NBC News, Trump shared that the overarching themes of his address will focus on “unity and strength,” also emphasizing the importance of “fairness.” He remarked on the necessity of being just in treatment of all individuals, highlighting the difficulties faced during the previous administration’s term, and stressing the need for action in response to past grievances.
In an unusual break from tradition, Trump has extended invites to various international leaders, a first for Inauguration Day. Notably, Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, has opted to send Vice President Han Zheng as his special representative instead of attending in person.
Notable foreign dignitaries like Argentina’s president Javier Milei and Italy’s premier Giorgia Meloni have accepted their invitations, while the offices of Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa and Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña have confirmed their planned attendance as well.
