Trump’s 2025 Inauguration

In just a matter of days, President-elect Donald Trump will once again take center stage in Washington, D.C., for his second inauguration. Scheduled across four days, the events promise a mix of tradition, celebration, and political theater—enough to capture the attention of supporters, critics, and global onlookers alike.

Below is everything you need to know about the schedule, the expected attendees (including a few notable absences), and what the return of “inauguration pageantry” says about America’s political climate as 2025 kicks into gear.

A Weekend of Festivities

Saturday marks the official start of the festivities. The president-elect will kick things off at his Virginia golf club with a reception and a fireworks display. Despite this inauguration trailing behind the $170 million raised for Trump’s previous inauguration, the new round of festivities is still poised to be lavish. The opening events include:

• A reception featuring key allies and select GOP heavyweights.

• A night of fireworks, designed to spotlight Trump’s renewed leadership and to set the tone for the following days.

Meanwhile, a dinner is planned to honor the vice president-elect, Ohio Senator JD Vance, who rose to political prominence via a Trump endorsement and has promised to work in tandem with the president on key legislative goals.

Sunday Traditions

On Sunday, attention shifts to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This solemn tribute, a staple of inaugural weekend, is expected to draw bipartisan attendance.

Later that day, Trump will speak at a “victory rally” at Capitol One Arena, offering supporters a chance to celebrate his second inauguration win. Rumors hint at surprise guests, but what’s confirmed is a spirited atmosphere reminiscent of Trump’s campaign stops.

The evening culminates in a candlelight dinner, an exclusive event where Trump typically addresses donors and longtime friends. This function, closed to most of the press, will likely foreshadow his forthcoming legislative agenda.

Main Event: Monday’s Swearing-In

The spotlight narrows on Monday at noon when Trump and Vice President-elect Vance take their oaths on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Here’s what the day entails:

1. Morning Church Service: The traditional prayer service at St. John’s in Washington, sometimes called the “Church of the Presidents,” signals the formal beginning of Inauguration Day.

2. Tea at the White House: Outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will greet Donald and Melania Trump, continuing a century-long tradition of congeniality and cooperation between administrations.

3. Swearing-In Ceremony: At 12 p.m. EST, Trump will deliver his inaugural address. Although tight-lipped about the speech’s specific themes, campaign officials say he plans to focus on “American resilience” and a vision for a “prosperous future.”

4. Farewell for Biden and Harris: Departing leaders Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be recognized for their time in office, marking a key moment of bipartisan unity.

5. Signing Ceremony: Immediately after his swearing-in, Trump is expected to sign the first set of official nominations and executive orders, signaling the new administration’s priorities.

6. Luncheon and Parade: A traditional luncheon follows, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, before the new president reviews the troops and leads a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.

7. Inaugural Balls: Monday night features three official inaugural balls. Attendees can look forward to performances by country star Carrie Underwood and the Village People, whose hit “Y.M.C.A.” became a mainstay at Trump rallies.

Attendance: Who’s In, Who’s Out

Former Presidents

A show of bipartisan unity includes three former commanders-in-chief: Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Each leader will attend alongside their spouses, with the notable exception of Michelle Obama, who declined the invitation with no further explanation.

Biden and Harris

Despite the bitter and often controversial political climate of recent years, both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have confirmed they will attend. Their decision stands in stark contrast to Trump’s own refusal to attend Biden’s 2021 inauguration.

Tech Billionaires

One of the most intriguing news items this inauguration? Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos are slated to attend and will be seated together. Musk, who aligns closely with Trump’s administration, serves as the new head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Zuckerberg and Bezos, despite past clashes with Trump, are reportedly among tech giants who contributed $1 million each to Trump’s inaugural fund.

Foreign Leaders and Dignitaries

Although the U.S. does not traditionally invite foreign heads of state to inaugurations, a few have been confirmed or rumored to be in attendance:

• Argentinian President Javier Milei: The first head of state to meet with Trump following the election.

• Envoy from China: President Xi Jinping is sending a formal representative.

• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: Indicated she might attend if scheduling allows.

• Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele: Invited, but no confirmation yet.

A handful of European far-right figures, like French politician Éric Zemmour and Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, have also been invited, further illustrating the polarizing effect of Trump’s presidency on the global stage.

The Return of Tradition

After the tumultuous 2021 inauguration—dampened by the pandemic, the aftermath of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, and Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election outcome—this year’s festivities signify a return to historical norms. Flags, originally ordered at half-staff to honor former President Jimmy Carter’s passing, will be raised on Monday, sparing Trump the optics of a lowered flag during his speech.

With Monday also coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, government offices, banks, post offices, and many businesses will be closed, allowing for a national day of observation and reflection.

How to Watch

Major news networks (Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, ABC, and more) plan to broadcast the inauguration ceremonies live, with extended coverage leading up to and following the swearing-in. For those who prefer digital access, the White House will host a livestream on its official website, accompanied by live updates on social media platforms.

A Historic Reminder

From George W. Bush’s memorable remarks—coined “that was some weird s—t” after Trump’s 2017 inaugural address—to the swirl of controversy expected this time around, each inauguration writes a new chapter in America’s political story. The final highlight of the extended weekend will be a National Prayer Service on Tuesday, capping off what is sure to be a whirlwind of events.

Inaugurations often serve as a stage for national unity, tradition, and a reflection on the peaceful transfer of power—no matter how divisive the politics may be. As the country steps into a new chapter under Trump’s second term, all eyes remain on Washington to see how the next four years will play out.