Headline
Getting Ready for the Trump Inauguration: A Guide to the Schedule, Attendees, Weather, and Entertainment
Donald Trump Sets for Indoor Swearing-in as President as Billionaires and Ex-Presidents Join the Fray
Key Facts
In the run-up to this Monday's inauguration, expect billionaires and three former presidents to attend the ceremony, as the Capitol moves the event indoors due to inclement weather.
Latest reports have shed light on the expected attendees and performers, with Michelle Obama's absence and high-profile billionaire attendees generating buzz. The event marks a moment of acceptance and acknowledgment, coming after the tumultuous period following the 2020 election and the Capitol riots.
Despite a massive $170 million fundraising effort, Trump's inauguration is expected to be relatively subdued, with fewer events compared to past inaugurations by Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, according to CNBC.
When and Where Is Trump's Inauguration?
The swearing-in ceremony for Trump and Vice President JD Vance is scheduled for 12 pm EST on Monday, with inauguration events kicking off as early as Saturday.
Inauguration Schedule
Sunday
- Wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery
- Trump delivers remarks at Capitol One Arena, Washington
- Trump delivers remarks at a candlelight dinner
Monday
- Church service at St. John's
- Tea at the White House with the Bidens and Trumps
- Main Event: Swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol
- Farewell for Biden and Harris
- Signing ceremony in the President's Room in the Capitol
- Trump attends a luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
- President's Review of troops and Presidential Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue
- Oval Office signing ceremony at the White House
- Trump watches Commander in Chief, Liberty Inaugural, and Starlight Balls
Tuesday
- National Prayer Service concludes the official inaugural activities
Watching the Inauguration
Major networks are set to stream the inauguration on live TV, with the White House broadcasting the events on its website.
Inauguration Indoors Due to Weather
The swearing-in ceremony will move indoors to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to the biting cold Washington D.C. weather. Trump has requested to deliver his inauguration address inside the Capitol, citing the impending severe temperatures, with Capital One Arena hosting the presidential parade and serving as an additional viewing area for the swearing-in.
Biden and Harris Will Attend
Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have confirmed they will attend, following Biden's decision to attend Trump's 2021 inauguration.
Expected Attendees
Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton will attend, accompanied by their First Ladies. Bolsonaro, the former Brazilian president, is reportedly trying to attend, while French politician Eric Zemmour and his partner, European Parliament member Sarah Knafo, have also been invited.
Conspicuous Absences
Among the noteworthy absences are Michelle Obama, who will not attend without providing an explanation. Additionally, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith are skipping the ceremony due to the unforgiving weather.
Inauguration's Billionaire Billing
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos will attend the swearing-in ceremony, making their way to the platform alongside Trump's cabinet. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is also expected to attend, while Meta CEO Zuckerberg co-hosts a black-tie reception with influential supporters of the Republican party.
References:[1] Lauren Burke. "Michelle Obama Will Not Attend Donald Trump's Inauguration, Says Office in Statement." Newsweek, Jan. 3, 2025.[2] Lesley Stahl. "Correspondents Report: Full Interview with Hillary Clinton." 60 Minutes, Jan. 3, 2025.[3] Andrew Restuccia, Amie Parnes, and Edward-Isaac Dovere. "Trump's Inauguration Will Be a Bone-Chilling Affair." Politico, Jan. 3, 2025.
- Despite the expected attendance of former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton at Donald Trump's indoor inauguration, Michelle Obama has decided to stay away, according to a statement from her office.
- Carrie Underwood, who is known for her powerful voice, is not among the performers at Trump's inauguration, but high-profile billionaires like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos will be in attendance.
- Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who will succeed Trump as president and vice president, respectively, have confirmed they will attend the inauguration, continuing the tradition of past administrations.
- Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony will be more subdued compared to past ceremonies by Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, with fewer events and a $170 million fundraising effort, according to CNBC.
