On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will officially become the 47th president of the United States, marking his extraordinary return to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris. This event is not only significant due to its magnitude but also because it will be the first time since Grover Cleveland completed two nonconsecutive terms, making Trump only the second president to achieve this feat.
The inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, adding another layer of historical significance. Scheduled to commence at noon EST on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, the ceremony promises to restore the pageantry seen at past inaugurations, contrasting with the subdued event during Joe Biden's inauguration amid pandemic restrictions and the aftermath of the Capitol riot. Cardinal Timothy Dolan will lead the opening prayer, setting the tone for the day's solemnity.
Following the prayer, Trump and vice president-elect JD Vance will take their oaths of office. The ceremony will feature musical performances, with country music star Carrie Underwood set to sing “America the Beautiful.” Underwood expressed her honor at participating, stating, "I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration..." This year, the entertainment reflects a thawing of relations between Trump and the entertainment industry, with Underwood's performance being highlighted as particularly notable compared to the 2017 lineup.
Other performers will include Lee Greenwood, famed for “Proud to Be an American,” and operatic singer Chris Macchio, who will sing the National Anthem. The Village People will also make their presence felt by performing their hit “Y.M.C.A.” Their social media post shared their view on keeping music free from political division: "We know this won’t make some of you happy... our song 'Y.M.C.A.' is a global anthem..."
The timeline for the inauguration festivities is packed with events. Leading up to January 20, there will be several key gatherings including several receptions, church services, and the ceremonial wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery. Trump’s inaugural weekend will begin with a President’s Reception and fireworks display at Trump Sterling, followed by dinners and rallies.
The Swearing-In Ceremony itself will kick off officially at 12:00 PM, directly following the ceremonial processional from the White House. Many dignitaries are expected, including President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Biden, who previously announced his intention to attend regardless of the outcome of the election, reiterated his commitment to maintaining traditions, stating he would not only respect the peaceful transition of power but also support Trump as the country moves forward.
Despite this, significant opposition is anticipated. Various activist organizations are calling for protests, with some mobilizing participants to gather around the nation’s capital on the morning of the inauguration. This reflects memories of the significant protests from 2017, signaling deep divisions within the country around Trump’s presidency. Protests are being organized by groups including the National Women’s Law Center and Planned Parenthood, alongside the People’s March scheduled for January 18.
Security will be heightened as January 20 has been classified as a “national special security event,” with 25,000 law enforcement personnel, including the National Guard, deployed to manage the occasion. The Capitol will be adorned with temporary fencing and significant security protocols will be enacted to mitigate potential unrest.
Trump's return to power is not without controversy. Notably, flags at federal buildings will remain at half-staff due to the death of former President Jimmy Carter until January 28 due to Biden's proclamation. Trump has voiced his dissatisfaction with this, stating on social media, "Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out." House Speaker Mike Johnson assured followers flags will be raised at full-staff to celebrate the inauguration before lowering them again for Carter.
The events of January 20 will also include not just the swearing-in and inaugural address, but the traditional military review, signing ceremonies, and inaugural luncheons, symbolizing the actions Trump seeks to undertake on his first day back. Trump plans to introduce significant policies quickly, hinting at tariffs against Mexico, Canada, and China, as well as initiatives aimed at the prosecution of those involved with the January 6 Capitol riot.
Both this inauguration and the accompanying events signal not just Trump’s political resilience, but also the charged environment of American political life where even celebratory moments are intertwined with significant dissent and opposition.
Overall, as Trump prepares to mount the podium at the Capitol once more, the nation will be watching closely, marking historical continuity and the complications of civic engagement, all set against the backdrop of America’s unresolved political tensions.