On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking his second, non-consecutive term in office.The ceremony, traditionally held outdoors, is being relocated indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to forecasts of dangerously cold temperatures in Washington, D.C., with predictions of lows around -15°C (5°F). 14 This adjustment mirrors the 1985 inauguration of President Ronald Reagan, which was similarly moved indoors because of severe cold.
Ceremony Details
The inauguration will commence at 12:00 PM EST, with Chief Justice John Roberts administering the presidential oath to Donald Trump, and Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh swearing in Vice President-elect JD Vance.Following the ceremony, President Trump plans to join supporters at the Capital One Arena, where the event will be broadcast live, and the traditional inaugural parade will also take place.
Security Measures
In light of recent security concerns, including the tragic New Orleans attack on January 1, 2025, which resulted in 15 fatalities and 57 injuries, security protocols have been intensified. Approximately 25,000 security personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of attendees.The decision to move the inauguration indoors is influenced by both the extreme weather and heightened security considerations
Attendance and Boycotts
The event will be attended by former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, along with former First Ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. Notably, former First Lady Michelle Obama has declined the invitation. Several Democratic members of Congress have also chosen to boycott the inauguration, citing various reasons including the overlap with Martin Luther King Jr. Day events and lingering concerns from the January 6 Capitol attack.
International Representation
Internationally, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will attend as President Xi Jinping’s special representative, marking a significant diplomatic gesture. Other foreign dignitaries, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Argentine President Javier Milei, are also expected to be present.
Tech Industry Presence
Prominent figures from the technology sector, such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, are set to attend the inauguration. Their presence underscores the administration’s focus on engaging with leading tech companies.
Public Participation
To accommodate public participation despite the indoor relocation, the Capital One Arena will host a live viewing of the inauguration and the presidential parade. President Trump has announced plans to join the crowd at the arena following his swearing-in ceremony, maintaining a connection with his supporters.
This inauguration is poised to be one of the coldest in recent decades, with temperatures not seen since President Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985. The combination of weather-related adjustments and heightened security measures makes this a historically unique event.
What time does Trump become president on Inauguration Day?
As per the amendment, which can be read in full on the National Archives website, the president-elect officially assumes the role of president at precisely noon on January 20. This occurs even if the president has not yet taken the oath of office.
Typically, the day is carefully coordinated to ensure that the oath is administered either exactly at or as close as possible to 12 p.m. ET.
Congress can also argue that neither the president-elect nor the vice president is qualified for the position. In such a case, Congress would either appoint an acting president or establish a process to select a new one. This individual would serve temporarily until a qualified president or vice president is in place.
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