The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States takes place today (January 20) at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Both Trump and his Vice President, J.D. Vance, will participate in swearing-in ceremonies at 12:00 p.m. EST, where they will take the oath of office.
Following the oath, Trump will deliver his inaugural address, marking his first speech to the nation since officially assuming office. His 2017 inauguration speech, famously titled “American Carnage,” lasted approximately 17 minutes.
After the address, the president will proceed inside the Capitol to sign his first official actions. This will be followed by an inaugural luncheon. The day’s schedule includes a review of troops from the Capitol steps and leading a ceremonial procession, though these plans have been adjusted due to cold weather.
The swearing-in ceremony, initially planned for the Capitol steps, will now take place inside the Rotunda—the first indoor ceremony since 1985, when Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration was moved indoors due to freezing temperatures.
Morning services at St. John’s Church will precede the ceremony, and the traditional inaugural parade has been canceled. Instead, invited guests will watch the proceedings at the nearby Capital One Arena, where Trump will join them after the event. The day will conclude with inaugural balls and the signing of executive orders.
Where To Watch The Inauguration?
The swearing-in ceremony is a highly anticipated public event, drawing thousands to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where attendees can watch the proceedings on large video screens. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast live on major networks such as ABC, NBC, and CNN. Additionally, live streaming will be widely accessible on various platforms, ensuring global reach. Viewers can tune in to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies’ YouTube channel or watch the live stream on the official White House website, making it easy for audiences worldwide to follow the historic occasion.
