Inauguration 2025: What to know about Trump taking office
2025-01-15
Category: news

President-elect Donald Trump will move back into the White House on Monday after he officially becomes the 47th president of the United States. Inauguration day includes a formal swearing-in ceremony as well as musical performances, a celebratory parade and a number of formal balls.Vice-President-elect JD Vance will also take the oath of office, joining Trump on stage to officially begin their new administration. 
What is inauguration?
The inauguration is the formal ceremony that marks the end of one president's time in office and the start of their successor's administration. It is the most high-profile part of the transition of power between government leaders in Washington DC.A key part of the ceremony includes the president-elect reciting the oath of office: "I do solemnly swear 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."Though he won the election in November, Trump officially becomes the 47th president once he says those words. He previously served as the 45th president between 2017 and 2021. Vance will also take an oath of office before he formally assumes the position of vice-president. 
What happens during inauguration day?
Trump's second inauguration day will kick off with a service at St. John's Church, Lafayette Square, a historic Washington DC church, followed by tea at the White House. Musical performances and opening remarks are set to begin on the main event stage - located on the West Lawn of the US Capitol building - at 09:30 EST (14:30 GMT).That will be followed by the swearing-in of Trump and Vance as well as the inaugural address in which the president will set out his goals for the next four years. Trump will then head inside to the President's Room - near the Senate chamber - to sign key documents. He will then attend a lunch hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. This is followed by a parade which goes from the Capitol building down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Later in the evening, Trump will appear at three inaugural balls throughout the city - the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball. He is expected to speak at all three.
How can I watch the inauguration?
There is typically high demand to watch the inauguration in person, and tickets are highly sought after.Members of Congress receive a certain number of tickets to the ceremony, which they can distribute to their constituents. These tickets are free, but often challenging to get. Americans can contact their congressperson directly for tickets. If you're not able to attend in person, there are plenty of ways to watch remotely.The White House will livestream the inauguration. The BBC will carry inauguration coverage live on our news channel. You can also watch a stream of the inauguration on our website and follow our live page, where we'll bring you updates, analysis and key moments as they happen. 
Who will attend the inauguration?
Local and federal officials are expecting around 200,000 people to show up in Washington DC, which could include Trump supporters and protestors. Many US senators and congresspeople will also attend, as well as guests of the incoming administration.After Trump, Vance and their families, the next most important attendees are the outgoing president and vice-president. This means we'll see President Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris - who lost the November election to Trump - with their spouses Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff.Former presidents and first ladies are also often on the guest list. This year George and Laura Bush and Barack Obama are expected to be there, although it has been reported that Michelle Obama will not attend. 
Who will perform?
Country singer and former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood is slated to perform America the Beautiful during the ceremony."I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event," Underwood said in a statement. "I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future."American disco group The Village People will also perform at one of the inaugural balls. During the campaign, Trump frequently played the group's songs - YMCA and Macho Man - at his rallies. "We know this won't make some of you happy to hear, however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics," the band said in a post on its Facebook page. "Our song YMCA is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost."Country singer Lee Greenwood - Trump's long-time friend and collaborator - will also perform, as will opera singer Christopher Macchio. 
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