On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in for his second term as the 46th President of the United States. This day signifies a pivotal moment in U.S. history as Trump makes his return to the White House, surpassing political forecasts and underscoring his ongoing influence in American politics. Below is a comprehensive overview of his inauguration, including the schedule, distinguished attendees, and significant events of the day.

When Will the Inauguration Take Place?

Donald Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST. For viewers in India, the ceremony will begin at 10:30 PM IST. The swearing-in ceremony will be held indoors at the U.S. Capitol, unlike previous years when it took place outdoors. The decision to move it indoors is a precaution against the freezing temperatures expected on the day.

What Will Donald Trump Do After the Oath of Office?

After taking the oath of office, Trump will deliver his inaugural address. Unlike his 2017 speech, which was filled with harsh criticism of the state of the nation, this time Trump promises a message of unity and hope. His address is anticipated to unite the American populace as he embarks on his second term, prioritizing national strength, security, and unity, while articulating his vision for the future.

Will Joe Biden Be Present at the Ceremony?

Despite their political rivalry, outgoing President Joe Biden has confirmed his attendance at the inauguration. He will be present to witness the peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of American democracy. This is a stark contrast to the 2017 inauguration when Trump did not invite Biden. The participation of Biden further emphasizes the tradition of democratic transition.

Who Will Attend Donald Trump’s Inauguration?

This inaugural ceremony is poised to be a significant international event, with numerous global leaders and distinguished personalities anticipated to be in attendance. In a departure from established norms, Trump has extended invitations to foreign dignitaries for this occasion. Among those invited is Argentine President Javier Milei, known for his admiration of Trump. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also confirmed her attendance. Despite receiving an invitation, Chinese President Xi Jinping has decided not to attend, opting to send a representative instead.

From India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will be present. Business moguls such as Mukesh Ambani and his wife, Nita Ambani, are expected to attend, alongside tech giants like Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Jeff Bezos, Executive Chairman of Amazon, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

What About the Parade and Other Celebrations?

The traditional inauguration parade, which typically takes place down Pennsylvania Avenue, will be altered this year. Due to concerns over rising temperatures, the parade will be moved indoors to the Capital One Arena, with seating for 20,000 attendees. Although the outdoor march will not happen, the arena will still feature music, floats, and other ceremonial performances.

What Other Key Events Will Happen?

In addition to the swearing-in and speech, Trump is expected to take immediate action by signing over 100 executive orders on his first day in office. These orders could include stricter immigration enforcement, military expansion at the U.S.-Mexico border, and the resumption of construction on the border wall. Trump might also announce pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, an issue that still looms large over American politics.

Who is Funding the Inauguration?

The inauguration’s costs are being covered by Trump’s Inaugural Committee, which is made up of several key figures from his administration and supporters. The committee’s leadership includes Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and Trump ally, as well as Kelly Loeffler, a former U.S. Senator who has supported Trump in various capacities.

While the cost of the ceremony itself is funded by taxpayers, other events—such as the parade and gala—are privately financed. In a show of support, high-profile figures such as Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook (CEO of Apple), and Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI) have pledged $1 million each to support the event. This is expected to raise over $170 million for the inauguration, surpassing the funds raised in 2017.

Why Is This Inauguration So Significant?

Donald Trump’s second inauguration holds immense significance both for American politics and the global stage. His return to office after a challenging first term shows his resilience and strong political base. The inauguration will set the tone for the next four years, with key policies expected to be rolled out swiftly. Trump’s administration is likely to focus on national security, economic growth, and immigration reform, which have been central themes of his presidency.

Conclusion

The 2025 inauguration of Donald Trump will be a historic event, filled with international attention and major policy implications. From the timing of the ceremony to the star-studded guest list, this event will be one to watch. With the promise of significant executive actions and a speech focused on unity, Trump’s second term will likely begin with bold moves that shape the course of his presidency.