Inauguration of President Donald Trump: Complete schedule, times, and what to expect
President Donald Trump will be sworn into office Monday, becoming only the second person to hold the office for two non-consecutive terms.
Trump will take the oath of office around 11:30 a.m. ET (10:30 a.m. CT) Monday, Jan. 20, roughly four years after leaving Washington, D.C. after he lost the White House to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump – the 45th and soon-to-be 47th president – follows the only other non-consecutive president, Grover Cleveland, who served as the 22nd president after winning the White House in 1884 and again in 1892.
The theme for the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies is “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.” This year’s chair is Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota.
Here’s the schedule:
According to the Associated Press, Trump will start the day by attending services at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a tradition for presidents-elect. He and incoming first lady Melania Trump will then meet with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the White House.
Because of the cold temperatures, the swearing-in ceremonies will be held inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda and not on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
“The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the wind chill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th.”
Previous presidents, including Ronald Reagan in 1985, have used the Rotunda for their swearing-ins due to weather.
Around noon ET (11 a.m. CT) an invocation will be offered by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, archbishop of New York, and the Rev. Franklin Graham.
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh will administer the Oath of Office to incoming vice president JD Vance. He will repeat the oath of office given to the VP, Senators, Representatives and other government officials since 1884:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
Country star Carrie Underwood will then sing “America the Beautiful,” accompanied by the Armed Forces Chorus and U.S. Navy Academy Glee Club.
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will then administer the oath of office to Trump.
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
The Naval Academy Glee Club will perform “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” followed by Trump’s inaugural address and the benediction.
You can see a full list of inaugural day performers here.
Other events of the day include an inaugural luncheon, a presidential parade moved to the Capitol One Arena due to the weather, and several inaugural balls. Trump is expected to make remarks at the Commander in Chief Ball, Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball.