This Monday, January 20, Donald Trump will take office as president of the United States, becoming the second president in the country’s history to serve two non-consecutive terms, after Grover Cleveland in the 19th century.
This day, which represents the 60th presidential inauguration in the history of the North American nation, will be full of symbolism and traditions.
When and where is it celebrated?
Donald Trump’s official inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Monday, January 20 at 12:00 pm ET, as required by the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
“This amendment was ratified on January 23, 1933 and mainly addresses the reduction of the period between elections and the beginning of the terms for the president, vice president and members of Congress,” explains Rafael Peñalver, constitutional lawyer, in statements to the Voice of America.
The legal text “clearly states that” the terms of the president and vice president begin on January 20 at 12 noon,” he added.
Who is in charge of the organization?
The event will be overseen by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).
“This committee is responsible for planning and coordinating the presidential inauguration ceremonies in the United States,” emphasizes the constitutional lawyer consulted by the VOA.
On the other hand, Richard Tapia, professor of Political Science at Miami Dade College, explains that this body must “prepare the stage and logistics for the swearing-in ceremony that typically takes place at the United States Capitol,” as well as “ensure that the event adequately reflects the solemnity and symbolism of the peaceful transfer of power.”
“You must also oversee the invitation of dignitaries, former presidents, members of Congress, the Supreme Court and other special guests, and manage the distribution of tickets to the general public.”
The JCCIC is also charged with collaborating with security agencies and other government entities to ensure the safety of attendees and the event. In addition, coordinating the speeches, music and providing all the necessary means to make the event accessible to the public through live broadcasts and other means of communication.
What will the program be like?
The inauguration follows a well-established schedule. The day begins with a religious service at St. John’s Church, known as the “Church of the Presidents,” followed by a private meeting that will take place at the White House in which President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden will participate. , President-elect Donald Trump, and his wife Melania Trump.
The main ceremony will take place on the steps of the Capitol, where Trump will be sworn in with his hand on the Bible, “an act full of symbolism in which the president expresses his commitment to the Constitution and the country,” according to Peñalver.
He will then deliver an inaugural address, “in which he will outline the goals of his administration and his vision for the future.”
Following the oath, a signing ceremony will be held in the Presidential Room of the Capitol, where Trump will sign his first actions as president.
“The day will continue with a lunch offered by Congress, the traditional Pass in Review of the troops and a parade along Pennsylvania Avenue, culminating with three inaugural dances,” advances Tapia.
The schedule of events
The official program includes four days of activities before and after the ceremony. The schedule is detailed below:
Saturday January 18:
Reception and fireworks at Trump’s golf club in Virginia.
Dinner of the Cabinet and the vice president.
Sunday, January 19:
Wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Trump’s speech at the Capitol One Arena in Washington, DC
Gala dinner.
Monday, January 20:
Morning church service at St. John’s Church.
Meeting at the White House between the Biden and Trump couples.
Swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.
Signing of official documents at the Capitol.
Lunch offered by the Congress.
Go to Troop Review.
Presidential parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Three inaugural balls: the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball, the Freedom Ball, and the Star Ball.
Tuesday, January 21:
National prayer service that concludes the inaugural activities.
Featured guests and security
The guest list includes former presidents such as Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, who will attend with their respective wives, except Michelle Obama, who declined the invitation. Hillary Clinton, who ran against Trump in 2016, will also be present.
Featured businessmen include Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, who will have prominent seats near other dignitaries and cabinet members.
International leaders such as the president of Argentina, Javier Milei, the prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, and the Salvadoran president, Nayib Bukele, have also been invited. Some leaders have confirmed their attendance, while others will send diplomatic representatives.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has already confirmed that she will not attend the inauguration.
The deployment of numerous law enforcement personnel is also planned, both on the day of the inauguration and in the days leading up to it.
“Security will be a critical aspect, with thousands of agents deployed in the US capital to guarantee the peaceful development of the event,” says Peñalver. The National Guard will also be present to prevent any incident.
Know the prohibited items for Donald Trump’s inauguration as president of the United States
The inauguration ceremony of the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, will take place on Monday, January 20 and is organized by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. The event will have some restrictions that we detail here:
Cultural and artistic events
The inauguration ceremony will feature musical performances from notable artists, including Carrie Underwood, who will perform “America the Beautiful” before Trump’s inauguration. The group Village People and opera singer Christopher Macchio will also perform at related events. In addition, there will be special performances at the inaugural balls.
Are there tickets available?
Tickets to attend in person are free, but demand is high. “Each member of Congress receives a limited number of tickets to distribute to his constituents,” says the MDC professor.
For those who cannot attend, the ceremony will be broadcast live on major television networks and on the White House’s digital platforms.
What will the weather forecast be?
The National Weather Service has predicted extremely cold temperatures, with highs of -4 degrees Celsius and lows of -13 degrees Celsius.
“These conditions could recall Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in 1985, one of the coldest in modern history,” recalls Peñalver.
Flags will not fly at half-mast
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Tuesday that Capitol flags will fly at full staff on the day of the presidential inauguration, temporarily suspending the provision to keep them at half-staff for 30 days in honor of the late former President Jimmy Sump.
With this measure, President-elect Donald Trump will assume his second term without the flag at half-mast, a situation that he had previously criticized.
This decision aligns with recent announcements by some Republican governors who have also indicated that flags in their states will be flown at full mast during Trump’s inauguration.
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channelsYouTube, WhatsApp and to newsletter. Turn on notifications and follow us on Facebook, x and instagram.
