In the coming week, a series of formal and festive events will unfold, culminating in the second inauguration of Donald Trump. The commencement ceremony is scheduled for Monday, January 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol building in the heart of Washington D.C. The oath-taking ceremony kicks off at noon, Eastern Standard Time. The overall timeline for the weekend has been sketched by several organizations including the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, National Park Service, the D.C. tourism department, and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Not all events have defined start times or venues. The mentioned times correspond to Eastern Standard Time.
On Saturday, January 18, festivities commence with the president’s reception, featuring fireworks at the Trump National Golf Club located in Sterling, Virginia. The same evening also features a reception for the Cabinet and the vice president’s dinner.
Following day, Sunday, January 19, hosts a series of activities. The day starts off with a ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery, where a wreath will be laid honouring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later in the day, a ‘Make America Great Again Victory Rally’ is set to take place at the Capital One Arena. The day winds down with a Candlelight dinner, during which Trump is expected to provide commentary.
Inauguration Day kicks off on Monday, January 20, with a politically neutral service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown D.C. Post this, Donald Trump and Melania Trump are set to visit the White House for a cordial tea session with the then-President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The traditional escort of the president-elect to the Capitol by the incumbent president is set to follow this.
Live music and opening speeches will set the mood on the West Lawn of the Capitol building starting at approximately 9:30 a.m.
At high noon, as dictated by the Constitution, the transfer of power becomes official. The presidential oath will be administered, marking the swearing-in of Trump. Following tradition, the new president will then deliver the inaugural address.
The President’s signing room ceremony follows suit, with the newly minted president attending the JCCIC congressional luncheon hosted at the Capitol’s Statuary Hall. Post-luncheon, the president is scheduled to review the military troops on the east front steps of the Capitol.
Moving on to 3 p.m., the presidential parade will commence from Pennsylvania Avenue onwards to the White House. This procession will feature a variety of groups including exemplary military units, civilian assemblies, marching bands, and vibrant floats.
Wrapping up the day, Trump is expected to be present and provide remarks at three distinct balls: the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball, and the Starlight Ball.
The series of inauguration festivities are designed to blend tradition and celebration as the country prepares for a presidential changeover. The entire schedule reflects the spirit of the moment, combining the formality of official duties with the joyous celebration of democratic transfer of power.
Every event, starting from the president’s reception at the golf club to concluding balls, is designed to respect the seriousness of the occasion while also making space for social celebration and public participation.
As one can anticipate, the newly inaugurated President’s speech will set the tone for the administration’s approach in the times to come. All eyes will be on the inaugural address to glean insights into the future direction of the nation.
These inauguration events aren’t just a celebration of the beginning of a presidential term, they also represent the sustenance of democracy, reflecting the country’s enduring commitment to peaceful transfer of power and respect for constitutional norms.