Inauguration Day is a cornerstone of American democracy, a ceremonious occasion steeped in tradition and personal touches from the incoming leader. On Monday, January 20, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House with a spectacle that reflects his larger-than-life persona.
The U.S. Constitution mandates that the president’s term begins at noon on January 20, or the following day if it falls on a Sunday. This year, however, the traditional outdoor swearing-in on the Capitol’s West Lawn has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to an intense cold snap. The smaller venue can accommodate only 600 attendees, a sharp contrast to the 220,000 tickets initially distributed. Trump’s supporters are invited to watch the ceremony via live feed at the Capital One arena, where he has promised to make an appearance.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath, marking his second time officiating for Trump. Following this, Trump will deliver an inaugural address expected to outline his agenda for the next four years. Vice President J.D. Vance will also take the oath of office during the ceremony.
True to Trump’s unconventional style, the guest list features a mix of political heavyweights and tech magnates. Billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and TikTok CEO Shou Chew are among the notable attendees. Foreign leaders invited include Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orban, while China’s Xi Jinping has sent Vice President Han Zheng in his place. Outgoing President Joe Biden, all living former presidents except Michelle Obama, and political rivals like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris will also attend.
Trump’s second inauguration will feature enhanced entertainment compared to 2017. Country stars Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood will headline performances, alongside a pre-inauguration rally featuring Kid Rock and the Village People, who joined Trump on stage for their iconic “Y.M.C.A.”
Amid the festivities, Trump is set to sign up to 100 executive orders on his first day in office, targeting Biden-era policies, including pledges to expand oil drilling and pardon January 6 rioters. The day concludes with three official inaugural balls featuring performances by Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts, cementing Trump’s unique flair for blending politics with spectacle.
Inauguration Day 2025 promises to be as bold and unconventional as the president it celebrates.
