This will be the inauguration of Donald Trump: the main guests, swearing-in, speech…

Chijioke Obinna

Time magazine chooses Donald Trump 'Person of the Year 2024'

He January 20, 2025 It will be a day that will be etched in the annals of American and world history. Donald Trump, one of the most polarizing and media leaders of our era, will take office as the 47th president of the United Statesthus beginning his second term in the White House. This ceremony, full of symbolism and tradition, promises to be a political and social spectacle that will attract the attention of millions of people around the planet.

An event that has been the pillar of American democracy since 1789 will take place in the iconic Capitol in Washington, DC. But this will not be just another inauguration. Trump, after his controversial departure from the White House in 2021, returns to power with a mandate that defies convention. In an ironic twist, the businessman who once boycotted his successor’s inauguration, Joe Bidenhe will now face the ritual that he himself rejected in the past.

The date not only marks the beginning of a new administration; matches the Martin Luther King Jr. Day., a reminder of the ideals of equality and justice in a deeply divided nation. This overlap of dates, far from being coincidental, underscores the complexity of the current political moment: a country seeking to reconcile its history while facing an uncertain future under a leader who promises to “make America great again” for the second time.

With an agenda packed with ceremony and symbolism, from the solemn oath of office to the inaugural parade, Trump’s inauguration will be a reflection of the challenges and opportunities that define the United States at this critical moment. The live broadcast, the heated discussions on social media, the illustrious faces and the implicit messages of this day will shape not only a presidency, but also the political narrative of a nation that remains a beacon of hope and controversy for the whole world.

Are we facing a new chapter of renewal or a return to the past? This January 20 will be the first page of a story whose outcome has yet to be written.

When is Donald Trump’s inauguration?

The choice of January 20 as the official date for the inauguration of the president of the United States It wasn’t always like this. Originally, the 1787 Constitution stipulated that the change of power take place on March 4, a date that marked the end of the electoral cycle and allowed sufficient time for the counting of votes and the travel of elected officials to the capital, something essential in a time without rapid transportation.

However, as the country advanced in infrastructure and technology, this long four-month gap between elections and the presidential inauguration began to cause problems, particularly in times of national crisis. A notable example was the transition mandate between Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Rooseveltduring the Great Depression. This prolonged period left the country in a political limbo that prevented quick decisions to be made to confront the economic crisis.

In response to these complications, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution was passed in 1933, also known as the “Lame Duck Amendment” (Lame Duck Amendment). This modification brought forward the inauguration to January 20 (unless the date falls on a Sunday, in which case it is postponed to the next day), significantly reducing the waiting time between the elections and the start of the presidential term. The change took effect in 1937, when Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president to take office on this date.

January 20, 2025 will be no different. On this day, Donald Trump will once again assume the office of president, with an oath that represents not only the transfer of power, but the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s political history.

Where will Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony be?

Donald Trump’s inauguration will take place in the iconic building of the United States Capitollocated in the city of Washington, DC The ceremony will take place on the west platform of the building, an open space that offers a stunning view of the National Mall, where thousands of attendees traditionally gather to witness the event.

It should be noted that the choice of this space has a strategic and ceremonial value. Since 1981, the west platform has been preferred for its ability to accommodate more people and its orientation toward some of the country’s most iconic monuments, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

During the ceremony, political leaders, diplomats, members of Congress and the Supreme Court, as well as special guests, will be present in an exclusive area in front of the platform. Meanwhile, attendees and spectators will spread across the National Mall, many of them carrying flags, banners and clothing alluding to the president-elect.

What time will the inauguration ceremony be?

Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony is scheduled to begin at 12:00 pm (Eastern Time) on Monday, January 20, 2025. This time is not coincidental, as it is established by the United States Constitution, which indicates that the presidential term officially begins at noon on that day.

The exact timing of the oath is a carefully planned tradition. At that time, the outgoing president ceases his duties, and the president-elect formally assumes office after reciting the presidential oath. This ensures an orderly and uninterrupted transition of power.

Before the culminating moment of the oath, the inaugural agenda will include various protocol events. Among them, the arrival of invited dignitaries, the procession to the Capitol and the swearing-in ceremony of the vice president J.D. Vancewho will take his own oath of office a few minutes before Trump.

Although the official event begins at 12:00 pm, the activities surrounding the inauguration extend throughout the day. From the early hours of the morning, the surroundings of the Capitol and the National Mall will be bustling with activity, with the arrival of guests, security personnel and thousands of citizens eager to witness the historic event.

For viewers planning to watch the ceremony from their homes or workplaces, it is important to consider the time difference if they are outside the Eastern Belt. For example, in Spain, the event will be broadcast at 6:00 p.m. (peninsular time).

The inauguration will be broadcast live on multiple news channels, including ABC, NBC, CNN, CBS, C-SPAN, Fox News, MSNBC, PBS, among others. In the same way, it can be seen in the live streaming of the White House.

This is the agenda for the day

The agenda begins with ceremonial procession to the United States Capitol. In a gesture of protocol and respect, the outgoing president and the president-elect usually travel together to the ceremony site. However, on this occasion, given that Joe Biden will no longer be in office, it will be President Trump’s entourage who will lead the journey to the epicenter of the event.

Before the president-elect is sworn in, Vice President JD Vance will be the first to officially assume his duties. This ceremony will take place on the platform built in front of the Capitol, where thousands of spectators and dignitaries will be attentive to his words.

The highlight of the day will come at 12:00 pm (Eastern Time), when Donald Trump will recite the presidential oath before the president of the Supreme Court, John Roberts. With the traditional words that have marked the beginning of every term since 1789, Trump will formally assume the office of president for the second time.

After the oath, the president will offer his inaugural speechin which he is expected to detail the pillars of his vision for the next four years. This speech is considered one of the most significant moments of the ceremony, as it allows the executive to set a tone and message for his administration. Later, Trump will go to the Presidential Hall of the Capitol to sign the first official documents of his mandate, a tradition that symbolizes the beginning of the new administration.

In the same building, Trump and Vance will be the chief guests at the inaugural luncheon hosted by Congress. This exclusive event brings together high-level political leaders and dignitaries, who will toast the success of the new government.

After lunch, the president and vice president will hold a review of troops on the steps of the Capitol. This act reaffirms the link between the commander in chief and the armed forces. They will then lead the inaugural paradea show full of patriotism that will travel down the iconic Pennsylvania Avenue until reaching the White House. This parade will feature marching bands, themed floats and cultural performances.

Furthermore, although it is not part of the official agenda, it is tradition that the day concludes with inaugural balls and private receptions organized by the new president and his team. These events celebrate the beginning of the mandate and bring together supporters, officials and influential personalities.

What does the presidential oath say?

Before Trump takes office, Vice President JD Vance will take his oath of office before the President of the Senate, completing his role as the Executive’s second-in-command. His oath says the following:

“I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will keep true faith and loyalty to it; that I assume this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will fulfill well and faithfully the duties of the position I am about to assume: With the help of God.”

After Vance is sworn in, it will be Donald Trump’s turn to take the presidential oath. This moment is especially significant as it symbolizes the responsibility of leading the nation and ensuring the protection of its fundamental laws. Trump will swear the following:

“I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully exercise the office of President of the United States and that, to the best of my ability, I will preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

This oath has been recited by every United States president since George Washington in 1789. It reflects a fundamental commitment to democracy, republican values, and respect for constitutional rights. Furthermore, it marks the official beginning of his term, underscoring both the authority and responsibilities inherent to the position.

These will be the guests at Donald Trump’s inauguration

Donald Trump’s inauguration will have a varied list of guests, mainly politicians and international leaders related to his ideology. Among the most notable names are:

  • Javier Mileipresident of Argentina
  • Giorgia MeloniPrime Minister of Italy
  • Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary
  • Benjamin Netanyahuformer president of Israel
  • Nayib Bukelepresident of El Salvador
  • Daniel Noboapresident of Ecuador
  • Jair Bolsonaroformer president of Brazil (still pending judicial authorization to travel)
  • Xi Jinpingpresident of China (presence uncertain)
  • Nigel Farage: member of the UK Parliament
  • Eric Zemmour: leader of the Reconquista party in France
  • Ángeles Moreno, Spanish ambassador to the United States
  • Santiago Abascalleader of Vox, will attend as part of a delegation from the European Patriotas coalition.

Furthermore, the Mexican ambassador,
Gerónimo Gutiérrez Fernández
will also attend the evening, despite the fact that the country’s president,
Claudia Sheinbaum
has not been invited.

Other leaders have not been invited either, including Lula da Silvapresident of the Federative Republic of Brazil, nor Pedro Sánchez, proof that Trump has opted for a more selective approach in inviting international leaders, prioritizing figures close to his ideology and leaving aside leaders with a more progressive or adverse profile politically.

Chijioke Obinna

I've been passionate about storytelling and journalism since my early days growing up in Lagos. With a background in political science and years of experience in investigative reporting, I aim to bring nuanced perspectives to pressing global issues. Outside of writing, I enjoy exploring Nigeria’s vibrant cultural scene and mentoring young aspiring journalists.