America is set to enter another Don era with Trump moving back to the White House on Monday as he takes charge as the 47th president of the United States.
From failed assassination attempts to criminal charges, nothing could stop Donald Trump but brutal winter winds froze his plans for an outdoor inauguration, taking the ceremony indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.
The nation’s capital has made preparations to ensure the safety and security of unfolding events. However, unlike the chaos in 2021 when Trump incited a mob of his supporters to storm the Capitol after his loss to Joe Biden, officials are not expecting widespread protests or violence this time. Instead, the city is preparing for crowds celebrating Trump’s second term and the total control of the Republican Party by MAGA.
What is inauguration?
In the United States, a presidential inauguration marks the moment when a president-elect takes the oath of office, officially beginning their four-year term.
“I do solemnly swear 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,” the president-elect recites in the oath.
Traditionally, the president-elect swears in by placing their hand on a Bible, though some have chosen alternative books of spiritual or political importance.
Along with Trump, Vance will also take oath before officially assuming the role of vice president.
When and where will the inauguration take place?
Originally planned to take place outdoors on the west front of the US Capitol, overlooking the National Mall in Washington, DC, the ceremony has been relocated indoors due to icy temperatures. Citing safety concerns, Trump announced on Friday that the event would now be held in the Capitol’s rotunda, beneath its iconic 88-meter (288-foot) dome.
Tickets for in-person attendance at the US Capitol are free, and viewers can also catch live coverage of the event on platforms like TOI.in.
What events would take place?
The inauguration, organized by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), will feature traditional events such as the swearing-in ceremony, inaugural address, and parade. Following the address, the public can witness the inaugural parade traveling down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.
The day’s events will also include a signing ceremony and an inaugural luncheon, often showcasing cuisine from the home states of the president and vice president. Trump will then lead the inaugural procession, with the day concluding in grand style at a series of inaugural balls across Washington, DC, as reported by SKY News.
Who will attend the inauguration?
The inauguration will feature appearances by Melania Trump, the president-elect’s five children, and his grandchildren. Don Jr and Lara Trump, who have gained significant influence over the past year, are expected to play a prominent role.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, along with other family members, are expected to attend, just as they did on election night.
The Capitol Rotunda, which can accommodate only about 600 people, will host a select audience. Supreme Court justices, military leaders, former presidents and their spouses, Cabinet nominees, and visiting dignitaries will join the 535 members of Congress, though some Democratic lawmakers are opting to skip the event.
High-profile tech figures, including Tesla and X owner Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have also been invited to the dais.