Politics

Inauguration 2025: Full Schedule and Details on Donald Trump’s Swearing-In Ceremony

The big day has finally come: Donald Trump’s second inauguration as President of the United States. Despite last-minute changes due to harsh weather conditions, the day’s events are ready after weeks of preparation.

An icy cold front sweeping across the nation’s capital has had no choice but force the ceremonies inside Washington, D.C. Yesterday on Friday President elect Trump has informed that this address of the speech, praying etc. has got to happen under the auspice of Capitol US Rotunda from the main usual west side that faces of it. As such was indeed the Ronald Reagans ‘second and in 1985.

“The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows,” Trump said. “I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way.”

Though the location has changed, much of the rest of the day’s schedule remains intact, including an appearance by Carrie Underwood. But the usual outdoor presidential parade has been moved indoors to Capital One Arena.

2025 Inauguration Day Events and Times

The following is the schedule for the day: all times listed are Eastern Time. Now, here’s the schedule:

5:00 a.m.: Screening for security purposes opens at U.S. Capitol.
8:00 a.m.: A non-partisan, open service is held at St. John's Episcopal Church in downtown D.C. After the service, Donald and Melania Trump will join President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for tea at the White House. Traditionally, the outgoing president escorts the incoming president to the Capitol.
9:30 a.m..: Live music and opening remarks begin. Carrie Underwood will sing "America the Beautiful" before the swearing-in ceremony.
10:00 a.m.: Official guests start arriving.
1:30 a.m.: Ticket holders should be there by this time.
12:00 noon: This is the transfer of power established by the Constitution of the United States. Here, Donald Trump will receive his presidential oath while giving an inaugural address in front of the Rotunda in U.S. Capitol.
Shortly after noon: The outgoing president and vice president will give some sort of ceremony farewell and move out; traditionally, it was done via helicopter.

The new president attends a signing room ceremony where he sits to sign nomination and executive orders in the President’s Room just off the Senate Chamber. A congressional luncheon is held for the new president by the JCCIC, in Statuary Hall.

After the Luncheon.: The president and vice president will inspect the troops on the steps of the east front of the Capitol.
3:00 p.m.: The Presidential Parade starts off. Originally, it was planned for Pennsylvania Avenue but is to be held inside Capital One Arena due to harsh weather conditions. The parade is to comprise of military regiments, citizen groups, marching bands, and floats.

Evening Events

How to Watch the Inauguration

Major networks including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, CSPAN, and Fox News will broadcast the events. A livestream will also be available on USA TODAY’s YouTube channel.

A History of Indoor Inaugurations

This is not the first time weather has prompted indoor ceremonies. The last instance occurred during Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration on January 20, 1985, due to frigid temperatures.

Despite the challenges, Inauguration Day 2025 promises to be a historic occasion, celebrating the peaceful transfer of power and the start of a new presidential term.