BBCPresident-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House on Monday after officially becoming the 47th president of the United States.
Inauguration Day includes a formal swearing-in ceremony as well as musical performances, a celebratory parade and a number of formal balls.
Vice President-elect JD Vance will also take the oath of office and join Trump on stage to officially launch his new administration.
What is the inauguration?
The inauguration is the official ceremony that marks the end of a president’s term and the beginning of his successor’s administration.
This is the highest-profile part of the transition of power among government leaders in Washington, DC.
A key part of the ceremony includes the president-elect reciting the oath of office: “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. »
Although he won the election in November, Trump officially becomes the 47th president once he says these words. He previously served as the 45th president between 2017 and 2021.
Vance will also take the oath of office before officially assuming the role of vice president.
What happens on inauguration day?
Trump’s second day of inauguration will begin with a service at St. John’s Church in Lafayette Square, a historic church in Washington, DC, followed by tea at the White House.
Musical performances and keynote speeches are scheduled to begin on the event’s main stage — located on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building — at 9:30 a.m. EST (2:30 p.m. GMT).
This will be followed by the swearing-in of Trump and Vance as well as the inaugural address in which the president will outline his goals for the next four years.
Trump will then head to the President’s Room – near the Senate Chamber – to sign key documents.
He will then attend a luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
This is followed by a parade that goes from the Capitol building on Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
Later that evening, Trump will appear at three inaugural balls across the city: the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball.
He is expected to speak at all three.
How can I attend the inauguration?
There is usually a high demand to attend the inauguration in person, and tickets are in high demand.
Members of Congress receive a certain number of tickets to the ceremony, which they can distribute to their constituents.
These tickets are free, but often difficult to obtain. Americans can contact their member of Congress directly for tickets.
If you can’t attend in person, there are many ways to watch remotely.
The White House will livestream the inauguration.
The BBC will broadcast live coverage of the inauguration on our news channel.
You can also watch a stream of the inauguration on our website and follow our live page, where we’ll bring you updates, analysis and key moments as they happen..
Who will attend the inauguration?
Local and federal officials expect about 200,000 people to show up in Washington, D.C., which could include Trump supporters and protesters.
Many US senators and congressmen will also be in attendance, as well as guests from the new administration.
After Trump, Vance and their families, the next most important participants are the outgoing president and vice president. That means we’ll see President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris — who lost the November election to Trump — with their spouses Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff.
Former presidents and first ladies are also often on the guest list.
This year, George, Laura Bush and Barack Obama are expected to attend, although it has been reported that Michelle Obama will not attend.
Who will play?
Country singer and former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood is set to perform America the Beautiful at the ceremony.
“I love our country and am honored to have been invited to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said in a statement. “I am honored to answer this call at a time when we must all come together in a spirit of unity and look to the future.”
American disco group The Village People will also perform at one of the inaugural balls.
During the campaign, Trump frequently played the band’s songs – YMCA and Macho Man – at his rallies.
“We know this won’t please some of you, but we believe music should be played without regard to politics,” the band said in a post on its Facebook page.
“Our YMCA song is a global anthem that will hopefully help bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign in which our favorite candidate lost.”
Country singer Lee Greenwood – Trump’s longtime friend and collaborator – will also perform, as will opera singer Christopher Macchio.
