Why this year’s Inauguration Day is a rare event – ​​NBC Chicago

President-elect Donald Trump’s second non-consecutive term begins on January 20, making him the 47th president of the United States.

While Trump’s return to the White House marks an unprecedented political return after four turbulent years out of the Oval Office, Inauguration Day also marks a rare and serendipitous event.

Inauguration Day 2025 will coincide with this year’s celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights icon on the third Monday of each January.

Inauguration Day and MLK Day will be celebrated on the same day for only the second time, with President Bill Clinton’s second inauguration taking place on MLK Day in January 1997.

MLK Day was first celebrated in January 1986, three years after the holiday was signed into law by then-President Ronald Reagan.

With just over two weeks until this historic day, here’s what you need to know:

When will the new president be sworn in?

The 60th presidential inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Monday, January 20.

With this inauguration, Trump is expected to become the second president to serve non-consecutive terms, with Grover Cleveland having won elections in 1884 and 1892. Cleveland served as the nation’s 22nd and 24th president.

What time is the inauguration?

The swearing-in ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. CT or 12 p.m. ET.

There will also be an inaugural parade following the inauguration ceremony and a closing luncheon. The newly sworn-in president and vice president will head to the Capitol’s East Front steps where they will review military troops before leading a motorcade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. They will then watch the rest of the parade as it unfolds.

What is the theme of this inauguration?

According to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the theme of the 60th Inaugural Ceremony is “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.”

The committee said it “recognizes the Founders’ commitment to future generations of Americans in preserving the continuity and stability of our democratic system of government.”

“Throughout its history, the nation has been tested and persevered because of the sacred American principles rooted in our founding documents. The inaugural ceremonies, a tradition since 1789, embody the principles expressed by the founders in 1776 and symbolize our continued commitment to those principles. ideals. When we gather for the 60th Presidential Inauguration, we will honor the Constitution’s promise to preserve liberty through a stable and lasting democracy for generations. to come,” the committee states.

What else needs to happen?

The new Congress is seated

The new members of Congress meet on January 3, and on that date the recorder transfers the sets of certifications of the Electoral College votes to the legislators.

Electoral College votes are counted

On January 6, the Electoral College votes are counted in a joint session of Congress. Vice President Harris will oversee the count.

Trump’s conviction

Extraordinarily, a judge on Friday set Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case for January 10 – just over a week before he returns to the White House – but indicated he would not be jailed.

The development nonetheless leaves Trump on track to become the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes.

Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, indicated in a written ruling that he would sentence the former and future president to what is known as an absolute discharge, in which a case is closed without penalty prison, fine or probation. Trump can appear virtually for sentencing, if he chooses.

Why are American flags flying at half-staff on Inauguration Day?

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed frustration that flags will be flown at half-staff when he takes office later this month.

This is an action put in place by President Joe Biden to honor the late President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday at age 100. And even though Trump will be the first president to take the oath of office with American flags flown at half-staff, that’s not a timeline he can do anything about — until he takes office.

The American Flag Code sets parameters for lowering the American flag at half-staff, including a 30-day deadline for current or former presidents to cover flags on federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as U.S. embassies and other countries. other facilities abroad. including military installations and vessels.

Flags may be lowered to commemorate the deaths of other officials, including the vice president, Supreme Court justices, and members of Congress, although these periods are not as long.

Flags may also be ordered to be lowered in other circumstances, including times of national tragedy or on Memorial Day.

Since the American Flag Code states that no flag shall be flown higher than the American flag on or near the same flagpole, state flags are also lowered during these times.

Trump to hold rally before inauguration

Trump is expected to hold a major rally in Washington the day before his inauguration.

The victory rally, as announced, will take place at the Capital One Arena in the District of Columbia on January 19.

“It’s President Trump’s VICTORY RALLY the DAY before his inauguration as the 47th president – ​​the crowd must be HUGE!” read an email to supporters announcing the event.

The rally is being held indoors — Trump’s large outdoor events have been limited in the months after an assassination attempt. The arena can accommodate around 20,000 people.

Security will be reinforced; the inauguration is considered a special national security event that frees up federal funds and facilitates collaboration with local law enforcement.

The return to the White House marks an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of crimes and survived two attempts to ‘assassination.

Who did Trump invite to his inauguration?

Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders to his inauguration — an unorthodox move that would integrate U.S. allies and adversaries into a very American political tradition. It is unclear whether any leaders will actually attend.