Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, marking a significant moment for his supporters as Republicans claim consolidated power in Washington. Despite facing multiple impeachments, criminal charges, and attempted attacks, Trump will take the oath of office indoors at noon ET due to frigid weather conditions. The day’s events will kick off with a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church before the formal inauguration ceremony.
As Trump is sworn in, excitement fills the Rotunda, where his family, including his wife Melania, surrounds him. A kiss on the cheek signifies their unity. The ceremony will also see newly elected JD Vance take his oath from Justice Brett Kavanaugh, while Chief Justice John Roberts administers Trump’s oath for a second time.
Notably, this inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, marking one of only three occasions this alignment has occurred. Former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were also sworn in on this federal holiday. Senator Amy Klobuchar emphasized the importance of this day as a reminder to uphold constitutional values as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
In a nod to tradition, Trump will use both his personal Bible, gifted by his mother, and the Lincoln Bible during the ceremony. The Lincoln Bible was historically significant during Abraham Lincoln’s first inauguration in 1861. Trump had previously used a family Bible alongside Lincoln’s in 2017 and is set to repeat that combination this year. This brings to mind Barack Obama, who also used the Lincoln Bible during his inaugurations.
The transition of White House staff begins promptly as they prepare the residence for the incoming president once both he and the outgoing president depart for the ceremony. This logistical effort, described by a former chief usher as “organized chaos,” entails moving out staff and setting up for the new administration in a matter of hours.
While the Constitution mandates the presidential oath, the use of a Bible is optional. Historical precedents show that some past presidents, including John Quincy Adams and Theodore Roosevelt, did not use a Bible for their ceremonial oaths. The tradition of having the first lady hold the Bible during this event began with Lady Bird Johnson in 1965, and has continued since.
In the lead-up to this momentous day, discussions about President Biden’s controversial family pardons linger, with public approval rating polling indicating mixed feelings among Americans. Trump, appearing in a purple tie that might symbolize unity, also engaged with the crowd upon his arrival, amplifying the charged atmosphere of the day.
As the inauguration approaches, a divide appears apparent, with high-ranking officials gathered inside the Capitol and a crowd of supporters outside at Capital One Arena, many in MAGA apparel, creating a vivid backdrop for this historical event. Further boosting the visual scene, a group of Proud Boys was seen marching in Washington as tensions simmer regarding Trump’s presidency.
Among his anticipated executive orders, Trump intends to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and revert Alaska’s Mount Denali back to Mount McKinley, a name it held until the Obama administration. This aligns with Trump’s vision of reestablishing traditional names and symbols throughout his second term.
The event is further punctuated by a gathering of various first ladies, former presidents, and a host of tech industry leaders, signaling the diverse interests converging around this inauguration. The audience included notable figures like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and other prominent tech moguls, sitting prominently near the front of the ceremony.
As the ceremony unfolds, flags at the Capitol are raised to honor the occasion, with officials reflecting on the peaceful transfer of power as an essential thread in American democracy. The celebratory atmosphere also contrasts with reports from the southern border, where apprehensive travelers spoke anxiously about potential changes under Trump’s leadership, fearing the ending of asylum programs.
The inaugural festivities commenced with musical performances, setting a tone of anticipation for the day’s main event. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Combined Choirs delivered a memorable prelude, their voices resonating in the Capitol dome, as the nation turned its eyes toward Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th President of the United States.
