The January 20, 2025 presidential inauguration is the 60th. The theme for Trump’s inauguration is “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.”
Trump’s inaugural committee said, “Throughout its history, the nation has been tested and has persevered because of the sacred American principles rooted in our founding documents. The Inaugural Ceremonies, a tradition since 1789, embodies the principles expressed by the Founders in 1776 and symbolizes our continuing commitment to these ideals. When we gather for the 60th Presidential Inauguration, we will honor the Constitution’s promise to preserve liberty through a stable, enduring democracy for generations to come.”
Officials have said they are not anticipating any major disruptions or protests on the day of the inauguration. But they are operating in a “heightened threat environment” due to the Jan. 1 terror attack in New Orleans and the assassination attempt on the campaign trail.
The oath will be taken in the Capital Rotunda since the weather is expected to have a high of 24 degrees.
The District of Columbia National Guard will deploy roughly 7,800 soldiers for security, which includes traffic control and patrolling underground stations. Thousands of federal agents, police and other law enforcement personnel will also be on hand.
Trump will take the oath at 9 a.m. PST.
The swearing-in was last moved indoors in 1985, when President Ronald Reagan began his second term.
Weather is expected to be sunny with a high of 24 degrees.
On Saturday morning the president-elect is participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and then holding a campaign-style rally at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington.
The Republican’s Inauguration Day plans include tea at the White House, the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, a congressional luncheon, and a trio of balls.
The inauguration date coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the NCAA College Football National Championship.
Vice President-elect JD Vance will be the first to take his oath of office, followed by the president-elect. John Roberts, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, is expected to administer the oath to the incoming president, in line with tradition.
Trump will hold up his right hand and place his left on a Bible. The Bible is usually held by the incoming president’s spouse.
The length of the speech varies from president to president, with Trump’s inaugural speech in 2017 lasting around 17 minutes, while Joe Biden spoke for just over 20 in 2021.
There are not many constitutional guidelines for inaugurations, only the date and the words of the oath. All else is driven by tradition.
Presidential parade
Trump said the parade will be held at Capital One Arena, which has 20,000 seats. It will be televised. The procession was scheduled to include about 7,500 participants including first responders, veterans groups and school marching bands. First responders from Butler County, Pennsylvania, where Trump survived an assassination attempt, were set to be among the groups participating.
Inaugural balls
The soirees include a Commander in Chief Ball focused on military members, a Liberty Inaugural Ball geared toward Trump supporters that will feature a performance by the Village People, and the Starlight Ball, focused on high-dollar donors. Trump is scheduled to speak at all three events.
Inaugural address
George Washington’s second inaugural address was the shortest at 135 words. Every president since Washington has given an inaugural address before taking the oath of office. The longest address was given by President William Henry Harrison: 8,445 words. His speech was delivered on a cold, wet day, and his death a month later is believed to have been brought on by prolonged exposure to the elements during his inauguration.
Inaugural quiz
1. Which word is missing from the oath of office?
I do solemnly swear that I will 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.
A) faithfully
B) properly
C) honestly
2. When George Washington was sworn in as our first president, where did it take place?
A) Washington, D.C.
B) New York
C) Philadelphia
3. In which month was Washington sworn in?
A) January
B) February
C) March
4. In 1997, President Bill Clinton’s inauguration was the first to be broadcast live on the internet. Which president’s inauguration was the first shown on television?
A) Richard Nixon
B) Harry Truman
C) John F. Kennedy
5. Two presidents walked to their ceremonies. Which of the following was one of them?
A) James K. Polk
B) Andrew Jackson
C) John Adams
Answers
1. A) The president shall faithfully execute the office of president …
2. B) New York. In 1789 the U.S. capital was New York City. Washington took the oath of office on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street.
3. C) Inaugurations were held March 4 until 1933, when the ratification of the 20th Amendment changed the date to Jan. 20. Before modern communications became available, four months were needed to tally the electoral votes. The amount of time became a nuisance for incoming administrations when problems in the nation arose that needed immediate attention.
4. B) Truman’s inauguration was the first shown on television. The inauguration of William McKinley in 1897 was the first to be recorded by motion picture cameras.
5. B) Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson walked to the ceremony. Most of the other presidents rode in carriages or automobiles. President William Henry Harrison rode to the Capitol for his swearing-in on a white horse in 1841. Outgoing President John Tyler joined President-elect Polk in 1845 for the carriage ride to the Capitol, establishing one of several traditions of the peaceful transition of power.
Scoring: Five correct: President; three-four correct: Vice President; Two or less: Senator
Sources: U.S. Senate, President James Buchanan.org, National Museum of American History, The Associated Press
Capitol illustration by JEFF GOERTZEN/STAFF