Despite the change in venue, the event will still feature familiar traditions, though the move to the Rotunda marks a significant break from outdoor celebrations.
Morning worship service
This tradition began with Franklin Roosevelt in 1933. And since 1937, the presidential inauguration has included one or more prayers given by members of the clergy.
Procession to the Capitol
The outgoing president Joe Biden will accompany Trump to the Capitol building.
Vice-president’s swearing-in ceremony
Vance will be sworn in at the Senate Chamber.
President’s swearing-in ceremony
Over the years, there have been 56 formal ceremonies so far, held at 10 different locations. Trump’s second swearing-in will take place indoors at the Rotunda, making this the first time since Ronald Reagan in 1985 that there will be an indoor inauguration of a US president. Among those expected to be present are former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, as well as Cabinet members, congressmen and Supreme Court justices.
Inaugural address
Since 1789, each new president has delivered a speech ranging from 135 to 8,445 words. Trump’s much-awaited address will maintain this long-standing tradition and reflect his stance on key issues.
Inaugural luncheon
Trump and Vance, along with their spouses, Senate leaders and other VIPs will be escorted to Statuary Hall in the Capitol for a luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
Departure of the outgoing president
While the ceremony is going on, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will take their leave, marking a symbolic passing of the baton of the nation’s highest office.
Inaugural parade
The presidential inaugural committee selects the participants – ranging from marching bands, mounted units and various performers. The parade, which will now be held at the indoor Capital One Arena, is set to feature nearly 7,500 participants from 23 states.
Inaugural ball
Trump will appear and deliver remarks at three inaugural balls throughout the city - the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball.
Trump’s inauguration ceremony
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.
Inauguration cost
2017
Donald Trump
2021
Joe Biden
2025
Donald Trump
(hover over the years for more information)
Estimated cost: US$107 million
Estimated cost: US$665 million.
This increase was due to heightened security measures following the Jan 6 Capitol riot and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Estimated cost:
The inauguration committee has raised over US$170 million.
Inauguration date
Trump’s 2025 inauguration falls on the same day as Martin Luther King Jr Day, a day that has sparked irony due to his controversial history with civil rights.
Performers
The Village People, whose music is linked to LGBTQ+ culture, will perform, causing backlash from fans due to Trump's divisive stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Other performers who are scheduled to appear include country music star Carrie Underwood.
Michelle Obama’s absence
Former first lady Michelle Obama is skipping Trump’s inauguration, and some sources have said that she does not want to "fake cordiality" for someone she views as a threat to democracy.
Breaking from tradition
The Oath
Non-consecutive presidency
Trump is just the second US president in history to serve non-consecutive terms, the first being Grover Cleveland (22nd and 24th president).
Oldest US presidents on day of inauguration
Oldest president sworn in
At 78, Trump will be the oldest to be inaugurated as president, surpassing Joe Biden, who was younger by a few months at his 2021 inauguration.
History in the making
Donald Trump
(78 years old, born 1946)
Joe Biden
(78 years old, born 1942)
Ronald Reagan
(69 years old, born 1911)
William Harrison
(68 years old, born 1773)
James Buchanan
(65 years old, born 1791)
The main event
Trump’s road to the White House
July 2024
Trump's campaign gains significant traction, emphasising economic reforms and immigration control.
August 2024
Trump officially secures the Republican nomination for president at the party’s national convention.
September 2024
Debates and rallies: engages in presidential debates and holds rallies nationwide, focusing on policy agendas.
Nov 5, 2024
Election Day victory: Trump defeats Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, securing key swing states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Nov 6, 2024
Victory speech: He delivers a speech in West Palm Beach, Florida, highlighting plans for economic reforms and government restructuring.
Dec 11, 2024
Certification of election results: states complete certification of vote counts, confirming Trump's victory.
Dec 17, 2024
Electoral College vote: Electors convene to officially elect Trump as president.
Jan 6, 2025
Congressional certification: Congress holds a joint session to count Electoral College votes, officially declaring Trump as president-elect.
Jan 20, 2025
Inauguration Day: Trump to be sworn in as the 47th president, marking his return to the White House. There will be five flags flown on the day. The 50-star flag will be flanked by two 13-star flags and two 13-star Betsy Ross flags. The Betsy Ross is an early design of the US flag, which represented the original 13 colonies.
(click on the circles for more information)
East entrance (Capitol Plaza)
West entrance
Senate chamber
House of Represenatives chamber
Sources: abcnews.go.com,Reuters, Telegraph UK, NYTimes, Senate.gov, aoc.gov, People.com, dc.about.com, smithsonianmag.com, straitstimes.com
PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, afp, FACEBOOK, reuters, TRUMP VANCE TRANSITION TEAM, THE WHITE HOUSE, WIKIPEDIA
btvisual: simon ang, hyrie rahmat
Sources: abcnews.go.com,Reuters, Telegraph UK, NYTimes, Senate.gov, aoc.gov, People.com, dc.about.com, smithsonianmag.com, straitstimes.com
PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, afp, FACEBOOK, reuters, TRUMP VANCE TRANSITION TEAM, THE WHITE HOUSE, WIKIPEDIA
btvisual: hyrie rahmat, SIMON ANG
This year’s presidential inauguration will be held inside the Capitol Rotunda instead of the traditional West Front due to concerns over extreme weather. President Trump ordered the change after consultations with meteorologists and security experts, who warned the cold temperatures posed risks. The Capitol Rotunda offers a safer, more controlled environment for the ceremony.
The Capitol Rotunda
Located at the heart of the US Capitol, the structure is an iconic space designed by Thomas Walter and completed in 1818. Its stunning neoclassical dome, featuring murals by Constantino Brumidi, represents the nation’s democratic values and history.
The Rotunda has hosted numerous significant events, including lying in state ceremonies for presidents Lincoln, Kennedy and George H W Bush, and presidential inaugurations, such as Lyndon Johnson's 1963 swearing-in. It was also the site of state funerals, major legislative events and the National Statuary Hall Collection, which displays statues of influential Americans. The Rotunda remains a symbol of the nation’s enduring legacy.
This year’s presidential inauguration will be held inside the Capitol Rotunda instead of the traditional West Front due to concerns over extreme weather. Trump ordered the change after consultations with meteorologists and security experts, who warned the cold temperatures posed risks. The Capitol Rotunda offers a safer, more controlled environment for the ceremony.
