On Monday, January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to the White House eight years after his initial presidency. The day’s events will blend tradition with Trump’s characteristic flair, promising a spectacle of notable performances, influential guests, and a forward-looking inaugural address.
Here’s everything you need to know about this much-anticipated day, including key highlights, performers, attendees, and Trump’s vision for his second term.
How to Watch the Inauguration Live
You can watch the entire Inauguration Day lineup live via our streaming platform embedded above. Coverage begins early on Monday, capturing every moment of the ceremony, from Trump’s oath of office to his inaugural address.
A Unique Inaugural Ceremony: Extravagance Indoors
Originally planned as an outdoor ceremony, the inauguration was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to the cold January weather. The change in venue limits attendance to approximately 600 people, creating an exclusive event for select dignitaries, family members, and business leaders.
Key Attendees in the Capitol Rotunda
- The Trump Family:
- Melania Trump will accompany her husband, alongside Trump’s five children and grandchildren.
- Donald Trump Jr. and Lara Trump, who have gained significant political influence in recent years, are expected to take center stage among the family.
- Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, while less active in this campaign, will also attend the ceremony.
- High-Profile Guests:
- Business titans, including Elon Musk (Tesla and X owner), Mark Zuckerberg (Meta CEO), Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO), and Shou Zi Chew (TikTok CEO), will attend.
- Influential political and global leaders, such as Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, are among the foreign dignitaries who accepted Trump’s invitation.
Performances and Entertainment
Trump’s inauguration will feature an eclectic lineup of performers, blending patriotism with a hint of nostalgia:
- Carrie Underwood:
- The country music icon will perform “America the Beautiful” before Trump takes the oath of office.
- Her presence marks a nod to her celebrated career, including eight Grammy wins and her impact on American culture.
- The Village People:
- Famous for their disco anthem “Y.M.C.A.,” the group will perform at both a Trump rally on Sunday and an inaugural ball.
- The song became synonymous with Trump’s rallies, often played during his signature dance routines.
- Other Performers:
- Opera singer Christopher Macchio will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- Country singer Lee Greenwood will deliver his patriotic hit, “God Bless the USA.”
- Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, and Rascal Flatts are set to perform at various inaugural balls.
The Inaugural Address: Unity, Strength, and Fairness
President Trump’s inaugural address is expected to focus on his campaign promises and vision for the next four years. Known for his candid speeches, Trump has hinted at key themes:
- Unity and Strength:
- Trump emphasized these themes during a recent interview with NBC, signaling his intent to rally the nation after years of political division.
- Fairness:
- Trump stated, “You have to treat people fairly. … You can’t have that happen, and we shouldn’t have that happen,” referring to past political struggles.
- Policy Priorities:
- A major focus will be on his promise to launch the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
- He plans to seal off the U.S.-Mexico border and implement tariffs to bolster domestic industries.
- Trump also envisions a “golden age” of economic growth through aggressive policy measures.
Breaking Tradition: Foreign Leaders in Attendance
For the first time in U.S. history, foreign leaders have been officially invited to attend the inauguration. While Chinese President Xi Jinping declined the invitation, he is sending Vice President Han Zheng as a special representative.
Other confirmed attendees include:
- Javier Milei, President of Argentina.
- Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy.
- Representatives from Ecuador and Paraguay.
This unprecedented move underscores Trump’s intention to project global influence and build stronger ties with allies.
What to Watch For
- High-Profile Guests:
Who makes it into the Rotunda? With limited capacity, the guest list reflects a balance of political allies, influential business leaders, and foreign dignitaries. - Performance Highlights:
From Carrie Underwood’s stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful” to the Village People’s nostalgic disco hit, the entertainment lineup promises to set a celebratory tone. - Policy Vision:
Trump’s inaugural address will be closely watched for details on his plans to tackle immigration, trade, and economic growth. - Public Reaction:
The day will undoubtedly spark conversations about Trump’s return to office and his approach to governance in his second term.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s second inauguration as the 47th President of the United States promises to be a historic and memorable event. With a mix of high-profile attendees, star-studded performances, and Trump’s signature rhetoric, the day marks the beginning of a new chapter in American politics.
Stay tuned for live coverage of all Inauguration Day events as history unfolds on January 20, 2025.
