The day has arrived. On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will take the oath of office, officially beginning his second term as the 47th President of the United States. Alongside him, Vice President-elect JD Vance will also be sworn in, marking the start of a new administration. The day will be filled with ceremonial grandeur, musical performances, and a parade, as well as the historic presence of foreign leaders for the first time at a US presidential inauguration.
Inauguration Highlights
The inauguration’s theme, “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise,” underscores the peaceful transfer of power, an enduring symbol of the US democratic system. The carefully planned events will be overseen by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies and led by Senator Amy Klobuchar. The ceremony itself will begin promptly at 11:30 am EST (22:30 IST), culminating with Trump’s swearing-in at noon local time. Due to freezing temperatures in Washington, the proceedings have been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda for the comfort of attendees.
Who’s Attending?
This inauguration stands out for several reasons, not least of which is the inclusion of international leaders. For the first time, foreign heads of state and dignitaries have been invited to witness the swearing-in. Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with other conservative world leaders like Argentine President Javier Milei and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, were extended invitations. While Xi himself won’t attend, sending his vice president instead, this marks a new chapter in US foreign relations at such events.
Inaugural Ceremony Details
- 11:30 AM EST – The event kicks off with a musical prelude performed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Combined Choirs and “The President’s Own” US Marine Band. This is followed by a warm welcome from Senator Amy Klobuchar, who will formally call the event to order.
- Invocation and Performances – Reverend Franklin Graham and Timothy Cardinal Dolan will offer the invocation, setting a solemn tone. Opera singer Christopher Macchio, known as “America’s Tenor,” will take the stage to perform a stirring rendition of “Oh, America!”, igniting patriotic fervor in the audience.
- The Oaths – The pivotal moments of the ceremony will follow. JD Vance will take the oath of office as vice president, administered by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Shortly after, Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the presidential oath to Donald Trump, making his second term official.
- Musical Acts – As the oaths are taken, the Armed Forces Chorus and the US Naval Academy Glee Club will perform iconic American songs. Carrie Underwood will sing “America the Beautiful,” while the Glee Club will deliver “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” completing a moving musical tribute to the nation.
Additional Noteworthy Aspects
The inauguration will also see the US flags flown at full-staff, despite ongoing discussions surrounding the death of former President Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024. Trump had previously expressed displeasure at the suggestion of flying flags at half-staff in Carter’s honor, which sparked some debate about the appropriate commemoration. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson confirmed that flags would remain at full-staff for the event.
Expected Duration of Ceremony
In terms of time, past inaugurations have typically lasted about an hour, with this one expected to follow suit. The event is set to be a grand spectacle, packed with moments of reflection, musical performances, and a sense of national pride.
