On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance. The ceremony will take place at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., starting at 12:00 noon local time.
This date is significant as it coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. It’s the first time in this century that a U.S. president will take the oath on this holiday. Traditionally, Inauguration Day falls on January 20, but if it’s a Sunday, as this year, it moves to January 21.
Inauguration Day Schedule
12:00 PM: Trump will take the presidential oath, followed by his inaugural address.
The ceremony will also include the swearing-in of Vice President-elect JD Vance and an inaugural speech from both leaders.
Parade: A procession will proceed along Pennsylvania Avenue, featuring around 7,500 participants.
Pre-Inauguration Events
Saturday, January 18: A reception and fireworks show will kick off the festivities at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. Other public events include a dinner with Vice President-elect JD Vance.
Sunday, January 19:
Arlington National Cemetery Ceremony: A wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
3:00 PM EST: Trump will hold a “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Free tickets are available on a first-come basis.
Candlelight Dinner: Trump is expected to deliver a speech at this formal dinner.
Inauguration Day (January 20)
5:00 AM: Security screenings begin at the National Mall.
Morning Service: A non-partisan service will take place at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., followed by a meeting between the Trumps and Biden family at the White House.
9:30 AM: Live performances, including Carrie Underwood singing “America the Beautiful,” on the West Lawn of the Capitol.
12:00 PM: Swearing-in Ceremony and Inaugural Address by President Trump.
After the ceremony:
Farewell and Departure: The outgoing president and vice president depart the Capitol.
Signing Ceremony: Trump will sign key documents in the Senate chamber.
Congressional Luncheon: A ceremonial luncheon will be held at the Statuary Hall of the Capitol.
Military Review: Trump will participate in a military review on the Capitol’s east steps.
3:00 PM: The Presidential Parade will march along Pennsylvania Avenue towards the White House.
In the evening, President Trump will attend three inaugural balls:
the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball, and the Starlight Ball.
Final Event
On January 21, 2025, the inaugural events will conclude with a National Prayer Service at 10:00 AM at the Washington National Cathedral.
How to Watch the Inauguration
The inauguration will be broadcast live on major networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, Fox News, and C-SPAN. It will also be streamed on various online platforms.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets were distributed earlier in the week to members of Congress for allocation to their constituents. Unfortunately, most tickets are no longer available as application deadlines have passed.
