Donald Trump will formally take the presidential oath of office at 12 p.m. EST on Monday, marking the beginning of his term as the 47th President of the United States. The ceremony will occur inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, deviating from the traditional location on the West Front of the Capitol due to frigid weather conditions.
The decision to move the event indoors was announced by Trump in a social media post on Friday, referencing a similar precedent set by President Ronald Reagan in 1985 under comparable weather circumstances. According to the National Weather Service, Monday’s high is expected to reach just 24 degrees, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 31 mph. These harsh conditions prompted the relocation of the inauguration ceremony, which is typically held outside on a platform that had been under construction for months.
The Rotunda, with a smaller capacity than the West Front, offers a limited space for attendees. Nearly 250,000 tickets had been distributed for the outdoor event, but only about 750 individuals will now be accommodated inside the Rotunda. The original outdoor platform, capable of holding approximately 1,600 people, was set to host a wide array of attendees, including members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, former presidents, and other dignitaries. While the new venue restricts attendance, the ceremonial atmosphere will be preserved with an array of notable guests and a national audience watching from home.
The day will begin with a morning prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a tradition dating back 92 years. Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, alongside a small group, will join Rev. Robert Fisher for a service at the historic church near Lafayette Square. Following the prayer, Trump will meet outgoing President Joe Biden at the White House for a customary tea gathering before proceeding to the Capitol.
The inaugural ceremony inside the Rotunda will include prayers, speeches, and Trump’s official swearing-in. Carrie Underwood, the renowned country music artist, will perform “America the Beautiful,” expressing her pride in being part of the historic event. Classical tenor Christopher Macchio, known for his performances at Trump-related events, will sing the national anthem during the ceremony.
Despite the smaller venue, the guest list reflects the significance of the event. High-profile figures such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Shou Zi Chew, and Sam Altman are expected to attend, alongside Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China. The transition team has emphasized the importance of this gathering, even under constrained circumstances.
Following the official proceedings, Trump will leave the Capitol for an indoor “Presidential Parade” at Capital One Arena, scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. EST. The arena, which has been reconfigured for the day’s events, will host this unique iteration of the traditional inaugural parade.
Evening festivities will include three inaugural balls, each offering a blend of tradition and entertainment. Trump will appear and deliver remarks at the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball, and the Starlight Ball. Musical performances will enhance the celebratory atmosphere, with a lineup featuring Lee Greenwood at the Rotunda ceremony. The Liberty Ball will include acts such as Jason Aldean, the Village People, and Nelly. The Commander in Chief Ball will showcase country music acts Rascal Flatts and Parker McCollum, while Gavin DeGraw will headline the Starlight Ball.
Trump, addressing the adjustments necessitated by the weather, emphasized the unique nature of the event and its appeal to a national television audience. Despite the challenges posed by the forecast, the inauguration promises to retain the grandeur and solemnity befitting a presidential transition. Major networks, including NPR, C-SPAN, and various streaming platforms, will provide extensive coverage, ensuring Americans nationwide can witness the historic occasion.
