WASHINGTON − President-elect Donald Trump is set to become the 47th president of the United States on Monday, taking the oath of office at his second inauguration.
Trump kicked off festivities in Washington with a rally Sunday afternoon, hosting thousands of supporters at the Capitol One Arena and promising executive orders he’s planning to sign on Inauguration Day that would make his fans “extremely happy,” including a pledge to pardon Jan. 6 defendants.
At noon on Monday, Trump is scheduled to be inside the U.S. Capitol building to be sworn in before lawmakers, distinguished guests and family members. The ceremony was moved indoors due to inclement weather.
Later, Trump said he plans to return to the Capitol One Arena as part of his post-inauguration parade en route to the White House, where he will take up residence for his second term. Among the bevy of additional executive orders expected in the early hours of Trump’s presidency is temporary support for TikTok.
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What’s the Inauguration Day schedule?
The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, National Park Service, Washington D.C. tourism department, Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies and Reuters have laid out a general schedule of the day, though not every event has a specific start time or location. All times provided are in ET.
- 5 a.m.: Security screening opens at the Capitol.
- 8 a.m.: An open, non-partisan service will be held at the St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown Washington, D.C. After that, Donald and Melania Trump will head to the White House for tea with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Traditionally, the sitting president then escorts the incoming president to the Capitol.
- Around 9:30 a.m.: Live music and opening remarks begin. Carrie Underwood’s performance of “America the Beautiful” will occur before Trump’s swearing-in.
- Around 10 a.m.: Official guests begin arriving.
- 11:30 a.m.: Those with tickets should arrive by 11:30 a.m.
- 12 p.m.: In line with the Constitution’s assertion that the transfer of power happens at exactly noon on Jan. 20, Trump will take the presidential oath during the swearing-in ceremony.
- The swearing-in ceremony is traditionally when the new president also delivers their inaugural address.
- A little after 12 p.m.: The official farewell and ceremonial departure of the former president and vice president. Typically, they leave in a helicopter.
- Then comes the president’s signing room ceremony, during which the president, accompanied by aides and members of Congress, heads to the president’s room off of the Senate chamber and signs nominations, memorandums, proclamations, or executive orders.
- Next is the JCCIC congressional luncheon at the Capitol’s Statuary Hall, which is attended by the president and vice president and their guests, Senate leaders and members of JCCIC.
- After lunch, the new president and vice president head to the east front steps of the Capitol for the president’s review of the military troops.
- 3 p.m.: The presidential parade kicks off. Previously scheduled to take place on Pennsylvania Avenue and proceed to the White House, the procession was moved inside at Capital One Arena, due to cold weather. The parade includes ceremonial military regiments, citizens’ groups, marching bands and floats.
- After this, Trump returns to to the White House for the Oval Office signing ceremony where performs an inaugural signing.
- Finally, Trump will attend and deliver remarks at three separate balls: the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball. – Mary Walrath-Holdridge
Who gave the longest inauguration speech? The shortest?
Former President William Henry Harrison holds the record for the longest inaugural address, at 8,445 words and one hour and 40 minutes, on March 4, 1841.
Harrison also went down in history for having the shortest presidential term. At 68 years old, the ninth president died a month after taking office from pneumonia thought to be the result of bitter cold conditions during his inauguration.
Meanwhile, the briefest inauguration award goes to first President George Washington, who offered just 135 words before his second oath of office.
– Savannah Kuchar
When was the first inauguration?
Former President George Washington was sworn in during the country’s first inauguration on April 30, 1789.
Starting with the second president, John Adams, inaugurations were typically held on March 4. The ceremony moved to its current traditional date, Jan. 20, starting with former President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937.
– Savannah Kuchar
