Donald Trump’s inauguration: Time, how to watch, performers
Donald Trump's second inauguration begins at noon on Monday and will feature Carrie Underwood.
Donald Trump will take his second oath of office Monday in an inauguration stacked with events.
It marks the nation’s 60th presidential inauguration.
Under the Constitution’s 20th Amendment, the newly elected president of the United States takes office on Jan. 20 (unless that’s a Sunday, in which case it moves to Jan. 21). For Trump’s (second) big day, the pomp and circumstance will include performances by Carrie Underwood and the Village People, a military parade, and formal balls.
Here’s what we know so far about the inauguration, including how to watch and follow along.
What time and when will Donald Trump and JD Vance be sworn in?
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to start at noon Monday and will be televised across all major news stations.
Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will attend a church service and a White House tea service before being sworn in.
What else happens on Inauguration Day?
Monday is the grand finale to a weekend full of events, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday, plus a rally and special dinners for Trump and Vance.
On Monday, the schedule beyond the swearing-in ceremony includes a formal farewell for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, a presidential parade, an Oval Office signing ceremony, plus three balls; Trump will speak at all three.
What’s this year’s inauguration theme?
The committee in charge of the inaugural ceremonies says the theme will be “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.”
According to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the theme recognizes the country’s founding documents, American principles, and a commitment to future generations of Americans.
When exactly does Trump take office?
Under the 20th Amendment, Biden’s and Harris’ terms officially end at noon on Jan. 20. Trump and Vance will take over in their respective positions at the same time, even if the oath of office has not been administered yet.
Who’s performing at Trump’s inauguration events?
Trump’s office has announced a mix of artists slated to perform throughout inauguration weekend. Among them are Carrie Underwood, the Village People, Jason Aldean, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Kid Rock.
Rock, Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, and Liberty University’s Praise Choir will perform at the Make America Great Again Victory Rally on Sunday.
Underwood will sing “America the Beautiful” ahead of Trump taking the oath of office.
The other performances will be spread across Trump’s three balls Monday evening.
Country singer Aldean, the Village People, and a “surprise musical guest” are scheduled to perform at the Liberty Ball, while Rascal Flatts and Parker McCollum will perform at the Commander-in-Chief Ball. Singer Gavin DeGraw will perform at the Starlight Ball.
The Village People hits “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man” have been a part of Trump’s presidential campaigns since his first run with the Republican Party in 2016. Victor Willis, the group’s only remaining original member, spoke out against Trump and his use of the group’s songs over the years, and voiced support for Trump’s Democratic opponents.
In recent months, Willis softened his stance. He said in a Fox & Friends interview last month that Trump “seems to genuinely like the song” and that the group would “seriously consider” performing at an event for Trump’s inauguration with the hope that the music could help bridge political divides.
In a note to fans, the group said that “our preferred candidate lost,” referring to Harris, and that “it’s now time to bring the country together with music, which is why Village People will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump.”
“We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics,” the group’s statement said.
How can I stream the inauguration events live?
Major news stations across the country plan to broadcast pre-ceremony and ceremony coverage live throughout Inauguration Day.
Morning shows, including ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, and Fox & Friends, have announced special editions with live coverage.
Events will also be livestreamed online and on YouTube by stations including ABC News Live, C-Span, PBS, and more.