On Monday, January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. This marks his return to the Oval Office, eight years after completing his first term. The inauguration, originally planned as an extravagant outdoor event, has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to cold weather. Despite this change, it promises to be a historic and unique occasion, featuring high-profile guests, top performers, and Trump’s signature style.
You can watch all the Inauguration Day events live via our player. Here’s what to expect during the ceremony and festivities.
Lineup of Events
1. Swearing-In Ceremony
President Donald Trump will take the oath of office around noon EST. The oath will be administered by Chief Justice John Roberts inside the Capitol Rotunda. This intimate venue can only accommodate around 600 people, making it one of the most exclusive inaugurations in history.
2. Performances
Several high-profile performers will take the stage during the ceremony and inaugural balls:
- Carrie Underwood will sing “America the Beautiful” before Trump takes the oath.
- The Village People, known for their hit “Y.M.C.A.”, will perform at a Trump rally on Sunday and one of the inaugural balls.
- Christopher Macchio, an opera singer, will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- Lee Greenwood, famous for “God Bless the USA,” will also take part in the event.
- Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, and Rascal Flatts are scheduled to perform at the three inaugural balls.
Notable Guests
Trump Family and Allies
- Melania Trump, Trump’s five children, and his grandchildren will all be present.
- Don Jr. and Lara Trump have taken on more prominent roles in Trump’s political operations and are expected to play a significant part in his administration.
- Other key figures include Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, who are stepping back into the spotlight for the event.
Business and Tech Leaders
Prominent figures such as Elon Musk (Tesla and X), Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Shou Zi Chew (TikTok), Jeff Bezos (Amazon), and Sam Altman (OpenAI) are among the notable invitees. Their attendance signals Trump’s efforts to bridge connections with industries that were hesitant to collaborate during his first term.
Global Leaders
Breaking tradition, Trump extended invitations to world leaders to attend the inauguration. Among those confirmed:
- Javier Milei, President of Argentina.
- Giorgia Meloni, Premier of Italy.
- Representatives from Ecuador and Paraguay.
While Chinese President Xi Jinping declined, Vice President Han Zheng will attend as his representative.
The Inaugural Address
Donald Trump’s inaugural addresses are known for their striking tone and bold promises. In 2017, his 16-minute speech focused on “American carnage,” economic revitalization, and an “America First” approach.
This year, Trump’s campaign has centered on promises of unity, strength, and fairness, but with a tough stance on immigration and trade. Key points of his address are expected to include:
- Largest Deportation Operation in History: Trump has pledged to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and enforce stricter immigration policies.
- Economic Protectionism: New tariffs on imports and a promise to usher in a “golden age” for American manufacturing.
- Unity and Fairness: Trump emphasized the need to treat people fairly while addressing past political divides, calling for solutions to prevent further division.
In a pre-inauguration interview, Trump said, “We went through hell for four years with these people. Something has to be done about it. … You can’t have that happen, and we shouldn’t have that happen.”
The Rotunda and Its Exclusivity
The Capitol Rotunda, with its limited capacity, will host a carefully curated group of attendees. Alongside family members, dignitaries, and Supreme Court justices, seats are reserved for the 535 members of Congress, although some Democratic lawmakers have chosen to boycott the event.
A Historic Inauguration Day
Trump’s second inauguration is set to be a mix of spectacle and substance, reflecting his unconventional approach to leadership. With a lineup of star performers, powerful allies, and international dignitaries, the event underscores Trump’s continued influence on global politics and culture.
Don’t miss the chance to witness history unfold. Watch the live stream and follow updates on the day’s events.
