On January 20th of this year, president elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated into office. But what is inauguration? And what happens during its ceremony? Despite this article’s title, you probably won’t be inaugurating a president any time soon, but in the meantime, this is how an inauguration schedule works and commences.
This year, inauguration celebrations start on the weekend of the ceremony, beginning with Saturday, January 18th. It will begin with fireworks and a reception at Trump’s golf course in Virgina and a reception with the Cabinet for the Vice President’s, JD Vance, dinner.
On Sunday the 19th, there will be a ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery honoring veterans buried there and a MAGA Victory Rally and “candlelight dinner” led by Trump.
The day of the Inauguration is full of activities, including formal balls, parades, ceremonies, and a special tea at the White House. The swearing in ceremony is at around 11am, where they will be having the ceremony inside due to cold weather. It is the coldest inauguration day since Reagan in 1985, and it will take place in the U.S Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
First, the vice president elect will be sworn in and will use the same oath since 1884 as senators, representatives, and other federal officials use. They will solemnly swear to protect the U.S constitution “so help me God,” as the famous phrase goes.
Then, the president will use a smaller oath in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution.
After a farewell ceremony for Biden and Harris, Donald Trump and J.D Vance will be America’s president and vice president for the next four years.