Donald Trump's 2025 Inauguration Day: Date, Details, and What to Expect

With Donald Trump set to officially take office as the 47th president of the United States, preparations for his inauguration are well underway. Here’s everything you need to know about this historic event, from the swearing-in ceremony to the festivities surrounding the occasion.

When is Donald Trump’s Inauguration?

Donald Trump will be sworn in as president on Monday, January 20, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time in Washington, D.C. This date and time are set by the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which dictates that a presidential term begins at noon on January 20 following the election year. If the date falls on a Sunday, the ceremony moves to January 21, as was the case with Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013.

For international audiences, this means the inauguration will occur very early on Tuesday morning in regions like Australia. Inauguration Day happens every four years on the same date, providing a sense of consistency for this pivotal moment in U.S. democracy.

What is a Presidential Inauguration?

The inauguration is much more than a simple swearing-in ceremony—it’s a multi-day celebration that marks the peaceful transfer of power between administrations. While the highlight is undoubtedly the oath of office, taken on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, the event also includes parades, receptions, and formal balls.

The oath itself is a short but powerful declaration:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) 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."

Immediately following the oath, Trump will deliver his inaugural address, outlining his vision for the next four years. Afterward, outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will depart the Capitol in a ceremony steeped in tradition, escorted by the new president and first lady through a military honor guard.

Will Trump’s Inauguration Be Different?

This inauguration is expected to look quite different from Biden’s swearing-in ceremony in 2021, which was heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden’s event featured socially distanced attendees, face masks, and an eerily empty National Mall populated by flags rather than crowds, reflecting the public health restrictions and heightened security concerns following the Capitol riots just weeks earlier.

Unlike in 2021, Trump’s 2025 inauguration is anticipated to include a return to the large-scale public celebrations of pre-pandemic years, with crowds gathering to witness the ceremony in person.

Who is Performing at the Inauguration?

The entertainment lineup includes performances by Carrie Underwood, Lee Greenwood, and The Village People. Greenwood will perform his patriotic anthem God Bless the USA as Trump steps out to take the oath, while Underwood will sing America the Beautiful. The Village People, whose hit YMCA became a rallying cry at Trump’s campaign events, are slated to perform at one of the inaugural balls. Other performers include Kid Rock and Rascal Flatts, adding to the star-studded festivities.

Who is Attending?

The guest list features a mix of prominent Republicans, foreign dignitaries, and global tech executives. Attendees include former U.S. presidents, key Trump allies, and international leaders such as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele. Tech moguls like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are also expected to be present.

Schedule of Events

The inauguration spans several days, with events planned as follows (all times in EST):

Saturday, January 18

• President's Reception and Fireworks at Trump Sterling

• Cabinet Reception and Vice President's Dinner

Sunday, January 19

• Wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery

• Make America Great Again Victory Rally

• Candlelight Dinner

Monday, January 20

• Morning service at St. John’s Church

• Tea at the White House

• Swearing-In Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol

• Farewell ceremony for the outgoing president and vice president

• Presidential Parade and troop review

• Three inaugural balls: Commander in Chief Ball, Liberty Ball, and Starlight Ball

Tuesday, January 21

• National Prayer Service

Where to Watch the Inauguration?

For Australian viewers, the event will be broadcast live on ABC News and ABC iview, with coverage running from 3:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. AEDT. In the United States, major networks and streaming platforms will provide extensive live coverage.

How is the Inauguration Funded?

While taxpayers cover the costs of the swearing-in ceremony, other events are financed by Trump’s inaugural committee, supported by significant donations. Major contributors include corporations like Amazon, Meta, and Uber, as well as high-profile individuals like Apple CEO Tim Cook and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

The inauguration of Donald Trump promises to be a blend of tradition, spectacle, and celebration, symbolizing a new chapter in American politics. Whether you’re watching from Washington D.C. or tuning in from across the globe, this historic day will undoubtedly capture the world’s attention.