In just a few days, the spotlight will once again shine on Washington, D.C., as Donald Trump takes the oath of office to become the 47th president of the United States. With a schedule packed with ceremonies, performances, and traditions steeped in history, the 2025 inauguration promises to be a spectacle of unity, pageantry, and political transition. Whether you’re planning to attend in person or watch from home, here’s everything you need to know about this landmark event.
When Does President Donald Trump Take Office in 2025?
Donald Trump officially takes office as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20, 2025, following his election victory in November 2024. According to the 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the presidential term begins precisely at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on January 20 of the year after a presidential election, unless it falls on a Sunday, in which case it shifts to the next day. The swearing-in ceremony symbolizes the transfer of power, marking the beginning of Trump’s second and final term in the Oval Office.
What Day Is President Trump’s Inauguration?
Trump’s Inauguration Day also falls on Monday, January 20, 2025. Interestingly, this year’s inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. It’s not the first time such an overlap has occurred; previous examples include inaugurations for Bill Clinton (1997) and Barack Obama (2013).
Inauguration Day Schedule
Morning Events:
- 5:00 AM: Security screenings open on the National Mall for attendees.
- 8:30 AM: Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance attend a non-partisan service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, near Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C.
- 9:00 AM: Donald and Melania Trump meet outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for tea at the White House. Traditionally, the sitting president escorts the president-elect to the Capitol.
Main Ceremony at the Capitol:
- 9:30 AM: Musical performances, including Carrie Underwood singing “America the Beautiful,” begin on the West Lawn of the Capitol.
- 11:30 AM: Ticketed guests are asked to arrive by this time to secure their spots.
- 12:00 PM: The swearing-in ceremony begins inside the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures. Trump will recite the presidential oath of office, administered by the Chief Justice of the United States. Following this, Trump will deliver his inaugural address, with themes reportedly centered on unity, strength, and fairness.
What Happens After the Swearing-In Ceremony?
Once Trump and Vance officially assume their roles, a series of traditional events follow:
- Farewell to Outgoing Leaders: The Bidens depart the Capitol in a ceremonial helicopter.
- President’s Signing Room Ceremony: Trump signs key documents, such as nominations and executive orders, in the President’s Room near the Senate Chamber.
- Congressional Luncheon: Hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) in Statuary Hall, this luncheon is attended by congressional leaders, Supreme Court justices, and other dignitaries.
- President’s Review of the Troops: Trump reviews military troops from the East Front Steps of the Capitol.
Afternoon and Evening Festivities
- 3:00 PM: The Presidential Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue begins, featuring military regiments, marching bands, and floats. It concludes at the White House. However, this year’s extreme weather may alter the parade format.
- Evening Balls: Trump will attend three inaugural balls:
- The Commander-in-Chief Ball
- The Liberty Inaugural Ball
- The Starlight Ball
At these formal events, Trump is expected to deliver remarks and mingle with attendees, alongside performances by artists like Carrie Underwood and Gavin DeGraw.
How to Watch the Inauguration
The ceremony and events will be broadcast live across all major networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, CSPAN, and Fox News. A livestream will also be available on platforms like YouTube and the White House website. For international viewers, BBC One will broadcast the inauguration, with coverage beginning at 3:30 PM GMT.
Unique Features of the 2025 Inauguration
- Weather Concerns: Freezing temperatures have pushed the main ceremony indoors, much like Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985.
- Special Bibles: Trump will swear on both his personal Bible, gifted by his mother in 1955, and the historic Lincoln Bible, used by Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will use a family Bible that belonged to his maternal great-grandmother.
- High-Profile Guests: Attendees include Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. Former President Barack Obama and George W. Bush are expected, while Michelle Obama and Nancy Pelosi have declined to attend.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the ceremony are free and distributed through members of Congress. Over 220,000 tickets have been allocated nationwide. Security is tight, and approximately 200,000 people are expected to attend in person, including Trump supporters, protesters, and prominent guests.
Trump’s second inauguration is bringing together historic tradition, modern logistics, and a touch of unpredictability—perfectly capturing this unique moment in American politics. Whether you’re watching online or in person, January 20, 2025, is sure to be a day to remember.
