On Monday, January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to the White House after eight years. This inauguration promises to be a unique spectacle, blending traditional elements with unexpected surprises. Despite being moved indoors due to inclement weather, the event will feature prominent guests, top-tier performances, and a powerful inaugural address.
How to Watch the Inauguration
You can follow the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural events live via the embedded livestream above. Events will include performances by renowned artists, appearances by global dignitaries, and President Trump’s much-anticipated inaugural address.
An Intimate Ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda
This year’s inauguration will take place inside the Capitol Rotunda, a venue that offers an exclusive setting but limits attendance to just 600 guests. Among those expected to attend are:
- First Family: Melania Trump, Trump’s five children, and grandchildren. Don Jr. and Lara Trump, now influential figures in Trump’s political orbit, will also be present.
- Political Figures: Supreme Court justices, military leaders, former presidents, Cabinet nominees, and members of Congress will fill the Rotunda. However, some Democratic lawmakers have chosen to skip the ceremony.
- Tech and Business Titans: Notable figures like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have received invitations, signaling Trump’s alignment with influential industry leaders.
Star-Studded Performances
The inauguration lineup features some of the biggest names in music, blending patriotic anthems with surprising additions:
- Carrie Underwood: The country superstar will perform “America the Beautiful” ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.
- The Village People: The iconic disco group will perform their hit “Y.M.C.A.” at both a rally on Sunday and an inaugural ball, celebrating their viral connection to Trump’s campaign.
- Christopher Macchio: The opera singer will deliver a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- Lee Greenwood: Known for “God Bless the USA,” Greenwood is a staple performer at Trump events.
Additional performers include Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, and Rascal Flatts, who will entertain guests at the inaugural balls Trump will attend.
The Inaugural Address: Unity, Strength, and Fairness
President Trump’s second inaugural address is set to highlight themes of “unity, strength, and fairness.” Known for his captivating rhetoric, Trump has promised to strike a balance between outlining bold policy goals and addressing national unity.
- Key Promises: Trump has pledged to launch the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, seal the U.S.-Mexico border, and impose tariffs to protect American industries.
- Vision for the Future: He aims to usher in a “golden age” for America, emphasizing economic growth and national sovereignty.
- Acknowledging Challenges: Reflecting on his first term and the challenges faced, Trump told NBC News, “You can’t just say, ‘Oh, everything’s going to be wonderful.’ We went through hell for four years … and something has to be done about it.”
Expect his speech to blend bold promises with calls for fairness and unity.
Foreign Leaders Attending the Inauguration
Breaking tradition, Trump extended invitations to world leaders, making this the first U.S. inauguration to include official visits from foreign dignitaries. While Chinese President Xi Jinping declined to attend, Vice President Han Zheng will represent China. Other confirmed attendees include:
- Javier Milei, President of Argentina.
- Giorgia Meloni, Premier of Italy.
- Representatives from Ecuador and Paraguay.
This unprecedented diplomatic gesture underscores Trump’s intent to project American strength and foster international relationships during his second term.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Trump’s inauguration not only marks the beginning of a historic second term but also sets the tone for his ambitious agenda. With a focus on strong leadership, economic transformation, and national security, this inauguration reflects a blend of celebration and determination.
Tune in to witness history in the making and experience President Trump’s vision for the future of the United States.
