Donald Trump returns to White House: All you need to know about 47th US President’s inauguration
Star-studded event backed by record-breaking $200 million fundraising
WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States today, marking a historic return to the White House.
At 78 years old, Trump becomes only the second president in US history to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland's precedent from over a century ago.
The inauguration ceremony, typically held outdoors, has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing weather. This recalls a similar situation in 1985, during Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration.
Coincidentally, today’s event aligns with Martin Luther King Jr. Day – an overlap seen only twice before, during the inaugurations of Bill Clinton (1997) and Barack Obama (2013).
Donald Trump’s inauguration as POTUS
The day’s festivities began with a weekend fireworks display at Trump’s Virginia golf club.
On Sunday, before making his return to Washington, the Republican, 78, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. He saluted the tomb as a military bugler played "Taps."
This marks his first major speech in Washington since the January 6, 2021, rally with his supporters, which preceded the storming of the US Capitol.
Today’s official schedule starts with a morning service at St. John’s Church, followed by a tea reception at the White House hosted by outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
At noon (ET), Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the 35-word presidential oath, with Trump placing his hand on a Bible. Vice President-elect JD Vance, a former senator from Ohio, will be sworn in moments earlier by Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Post-ceremony, Trump will lead a military review, participate in an Oval Office signing session, and attend a congressional luncheon. The evening concludes with three inaugural balls: the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Starlight Ball.
Performances
The inauguration’s entertainment lineup features top-tier talent. Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood will headline the swearing-in ceremony, while the Liberty Ball boasts a performance by disco legends, the Village People. Rascal Flatts and Gavin DeGraw will perform at the Commander in Chief and Starlight Balls, respectively.
Sunday’s pre-inauguration rally brought a mix of country and rock, with notable performances by Billy Ray Cyrus and Kid Rock. Organizers have promised a surprise musical guest to cap off the celebrations.
Foreign leaders and VIP guests
In a break from tradition, Trump’s guest list includes several foreign leaders. Confirmed attendees are Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will represent Beijing, while Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is attending on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Former US Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, along with their spouses, are expected to attend, although Michelle Obama has declined her invitation. Notably absent from the guest list are UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
$200 million fundraising
The Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee has raised an unprecedented $200 million to fund the event. Major contributors include Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, along with auto industry giants Toyota, Ford, and General Motors. Pharmaceutical leader Pfizer, defense contractor Lockheed Martin, and financial platform Robinhood are also among the donors.
Security arrangements
Security is at its highest level for this event, with 25,000 law enforcement officers, 7,800 National Guard troops, and thousands of police from across the country deployed.
Initially planned as an outdoor event with an estimated 250,000 guests, the move indoors has also limited expected attendance. However, thousands of protesters are still anticipated in Washington, DC.