
President-elect Donald Trump speaks during the Make America Great Again Victory Rally at Capital One Arena one day prior to his Inauguration in Washington on Jan. 19, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Ceremony Moved to Capitol Rotunda
Trump said on Jan. 17 that the ceremony would move indoors after dangerously cold temperatures were forecast for Inauguration Day.
Jan. 20 Schedule
Inauguration Day will begin with a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, followed by tea at the White House with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden. Trump will then head to the rotunda for his swearing-in ceremony before bidding farewell to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Inauguration Ceremony
While Trump’s previous inaugural address, which lasted 16 minutes, discussed the shuttering of U.S. factories and the nation’s shrinking middle class, the president-elect told NBC News on Jan. 18 that the theme of his 2025 inaugural address will be “unity and strength, and also the word ‘fairness.’”
Musical Performances
Before Chief Justice John Roberts swears Trump in at about 12 p.m. EST on Jan. 20, Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful.” The former “American Idol” contestant, who has also won eight Grammy Awards, was a surprise guest for Trump’s inauguration schedule.
Macchio will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and Greenwood will close out the night with a performance of “God Bless the U.S.A.,” another staple of Trump’s campaign rallies.
Global Leaders Present
No foreign heads of state have previously made an official visit to the United States for an inauguration ceremony. Trump broke that tradition by inviting Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, and Italy’s premier, Giorgia Meloni, who both accepted his offers. The offices of Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa confirmed their invitations and indicated the two leaders’ intentions to attend.
How to Watch
Trump’s swearing-in ceremony will be closed to the public but will be viewable online. NTD, a sister outlet of The Epoch Times, will stream the ceremony live. Several television networks will also broadcast the proceedings, including C-SPAN.