We’ve arrived at Inauguration Day, the time-honored custom of pomp and ceremony that will see Donald Trump sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
Here’s what to anticipate on this freezing day in Washington.
The morning will begin with Trump attending a service at the historic St. John’s Church, which is located just outside the White House grounds. Trump will next meet with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for tea in the White House, breaking with precedent when he handed over the office to Biden in 2020.
Around 12 p.m. ET, Trump will be sworn in during a ceremony in the United States Capitol Rotunda (which was moved indoors on Friday owing to dangerously low temperatures). Led by Chief Justice John Roberts, Trump will take the oath of office on the Lincoln Bible and a Bible given to him by his mother in 1955. Vice President-elect JD Vance will take the oath moments before Trump, using a Bible that belonged to his great-grandmother.
Trump will then make his inaugural address, during which he is anticipated to offer his vision for the country and outline his starting goals for his second term as its highest official.
Trump’s inauguration celebration will be livestreamed from Washington’s Capital One Arena, which will also host a live watching event.
Following Trump’s speech, the Bidens will leave the Capitol to resume their lives as private citizens, marking the end of Joe Biden’s more than five-decade stint in public government.
Trump will conduct his first formal steps as president in the President’s Room, right outside the Senate Chamber, by signing nominees and, presumably, the first of a torrent of executive orders to roll back Biden-era programs. He’ll also attend a luncheon sponsored by politicians at the Capitol.
2:30 p.m. ET: Following lunch, the inauguration procession takes place inside Capital One Arena. Trump stated that he will join the crowd.
Trump will then return to the Oval Office in four years and undertake another signing ceremony to commemorate his Day One acts.
Tonight, Trump is slated to attend and give speeches at the three official inaugural balls: the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball, and the Starlight Ball.