By Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the President of the United States on Monday, marking the start of his second term and cementing one of the most remarkable political comebacks in American history.
INAUGURATION DAY DETAILS
The inauguration ceremony, traditionally a day of pomp and ceremony, will include Trump taking the oath of office at 12 p.m. EST (1700 GMT). Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath inside the congressional complex due to freezing temperatures, a departure from the usual outdoor setting at the U.S. Capitol.
Trump plans to deliver an inaugural address aimed at unity and optimism. This contrasts sharply with his 2017 inaugural speech, which painted a grim picture of the nation’s challenges, famously termed “American Carnage.”
Outgoing President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has confirmed his attendance, marking a symbolic gesture of peaceful transfer of power—an act Trump did not extend to Biden in 2021. Country music star Carrie Underwood is slated to perform during the ceremony.
FOREIGN LEADERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS
Breaking with tradition, Trump has invited several foreign leaders to the ceremony. Argentine President Javier Milei, a vocal supporter of Trump, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are among the confirmed attendees. Chinese President Xi Jinping declined the invitation but is sending a senior envoy.
Prominent U.S. business leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are also on the guest list, signaling strong ties between Trump’s administration and the private sector.
CELEBRATIONS AND RALLIES
The harsh weather has forced organizers to move the traditional parade from Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington. The parade will feature military regiments, school bands, and floats celebrating American culture.
Trump hosted a “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” on Sunday at the same venue, marking his return to the District of Columbia since the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The event drew thousands of supporters and set the stage for Monday’s celebrations.
POLICY ACTIONS ON DAY ONE
Trump has announced plans to sign over 200 executive actions immediately after his swearing-in. Key priorities include national security and economic policies.
Among the anticipated actions:
- Declaring drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
- Reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers.
- Expanding fossil fuel production, aligning with his campaign mantra to “drill, baby, drill.”
- Issuing a wave of pardons for those convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack.
- Restoring TikTok’s access to the U.S. market after prolonged scrutiny over data security concerns.
INAUGURAL GALAS
At least 18 inaugural galas are planned throughout Washington, with three official events Trump is expected to attend. Billionaire donors, including Zuckerberg and casino mogul Miriam Adelson, are hosting exclusive receptions, while oil tycoon Harold Hamm will hold an inauguration watch party atop the Hay-Adams Hotel.
FUNDING THE FESTIVITIES
Trump’s inauguration committee, chaired by real estate developer Steve Witkoff and former Senator Kelly Loeffler, is responsible for financing the events. Reports indicate the committee has raised over $170 million, far surpassing the record $106.7 million for Trump’s 2017 inauguration.
Notable contributors include Bezos, Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who each pledged $1 million. Uber and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also contributed $1 million. Taxpayers will cover the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, with all other events funded privately.
MOVING FORWARD
As Trump prepares to return to the White House, his inauguration signals the beginning of an ambitious agenda and a renewed effort to reshape the nation’s political landscape. With widespread attention from world leaders, business moguls, and millions of supporters, his second term promises to be as eventful as his first.
