As Donald Trump prepares to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, his inauguration is set to be an event like no other. Taking place on Monday, January 20, this ceremony marks a historic return to office eight years after his initial presidency. You can watch all Inauguration Day events live on our streaming platform and follow the lineup of activities planned for this momentous day.
Though moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to cold weather, the event promises to maintain its grandeur with a star-studded guest list, high-profile performances, and an inaugural address anticipated to set the tone for Trump’s second term.
What to Expect on Inauguration Day
1. The Swearing-In Ceremony
The highlight of the day will occur at noon EST, when Chief Justice John Roberts administers the oath of office to Donald Trump. The ceremony will take place inside the Capitol Rotunda, a space limited to approximately 600 attendees due to its size and security considerations.
The swearing-in will feature notable moments, including Carrie Underwood’s rendition of “America the Beautiful” and the presence of prominent figures such as First Lady Melania Trump, Trump’s five children, and his grandchildren.
2. A High-Profile Guest List
The Capitol Rotunda will host a mix of political, business, and international elites. Here’s who’s expected to attend:
- Political Figures: The 535 members of Congress, Cabinet nominees, Supreme Court justices, military leaders, and former presidents. However, some Democratic lawmakers have publicly announced they will not attend.
- Business Leaders: Tesla and X owner Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew have been invited to the dais.
- Family Influence: Trump’s children—Don Jr., Eric, Ivanka, Tiffany, and Barron Trump—will be present, with Don Jr. and Lara Trump taking on increasingly prominent roles within Trump’s circle.
3. Musical Performances
Trump’s inauguration will feature a star-studded lineup of performers:
- Carrie Underwood: Singing “America the Beautiful” before the swearing-in ceremony.
- The Village People: Performing their hit song “Y.M.C.A.” at one of the inaugural balls, a nod to its viral popularity during Trump’s campaign.
- Christopher Macchio: Opera singer performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- Lee Greenwood: Singing his iconic anthem, “God Bless the USA.”
- Gavin DeGraw: Performing at one of the three inaugural balls.
- Country Artists: Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, and Rascal Flatts will entertain guests at the other inaugural balls.
4. The Inaugural Address
Trump’s speeches are known for their bold promises and pointed criticisms, and his 2024 inaugural address is expected to be no different.
During his first inaugural speech in 2017, Trump pledged to end “American carnage” and adopted an “America First” approach. This year, Trump has hinted that the address will focus on “unity, strength, and fairness.”
Key themes include:
- Border Security: Trump has pledged to launch the largest deportation operation in U.S. history and seal off the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Economic Nationalism: Plans to impose tariffs on imports and rebuild domestic manufacturing.
- A “Golden Age”: Promises to usher in an era of prosperity and fairness for Americans.
Speaking to NBC News, Trump emphasized the need for justice and fairness, stating, “We went through hell for four years with these people… something has to be done about it.”
5. International Representation
For the first time, Trump has invited foreign leaders to the inauguration. While no heads of state have officially attended U.S. inaugurations in the past, Trump has broken tradition by extending invitations to global figures:
- China: President Xi Jinping declined but is sending Vice President Han Zheng as his special representative.
- Argentina: President Javier Milei has confirmed his attendance.
- Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will also be present.
- Latin America: Leaders from Ecuador and Paraguay are expected to attend as well.
Key Takeaways
Trump’s second inauguration is set to be a reflection of his unique approach to leadership—breaking traditions, embracing bold promises, and showcasing his support from both domestic and global elites. Whether through the presence of influential business figures, high-profile performers, or his fiery inaugural address, the day promises to capture the attention of Americans and the world alike.
Tune in to watch the live events and witness the beginning of Trump’s historic second term as the 47th President of the United States.