Why is Trump’s Inauguration on MLK Day?

WASHINGTON, DC – President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration will be held on January 20, 2025.

But why this day, and why does it share the day with Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Inauguration Day and the 20th Amendment

The backstory:

January 20th is celebrated as Inauguration Day because of the 20th Amendment.

If January 20th happens to fall on a Sunday, the oath is still taken on Inauguration Day – just privately – before a public inauguration ceremony on January 21st.

Dig deeper:

At one point, according to History.com, a four-month gap pushed Inauguration Day to March of the year following the election. This long period of paralysis often caused problems between the outgoing administration and the incoming administration. In 1933, the time was shortened to January of the year after the election, finally allowing the president-elect to address issues more quickly.

What they say:

“The 20th Amendment to the Constitution specifies that the term of office of each elected President of the United States begins at noon on January 20 of the year following the election,” according to the Architect of the Capitol. “Each president must take the oath of office before assuming the duties of office.”

Are Inauguration Day and MLK Day connected?

The backstory:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

When is MLK Day 2025?

The public holiday is held on the third Monday in January each year, around the time of the King’s birthday, which is 15 January.

Occasionally, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Inauguration Day. However, the two dates are not directly connected.

What they say:

“We also remember the timeless values ​​he taught us through his example – the values ​​of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so brilliantly defined Dr. King’s character and strengthened his leadership,” according to the United States State Press. “On this holiday we celebrate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and non-violence that fueled his revolutionary spirit.”

Inauguration Day 2025 schedule

When is Trump’s inauguration?

Trump will be sworn in at the White House on Inauguration Day for his second term on Monday, January 20.

What time is the inauguration 2025?

The 60th presidential inauguration is scheduled for Monday, January 20. The dedication ceremony starts at

All inaugural activities will begin on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, including the inauguration ceremony of Vice President-elect JD Vance and President-elect Donald Trump taking the oath of office, followed by an opening address.

The traditional inauguration lunch follows.

The timeline for these events typically starts at 6.00 with security screening followed by musical performances around 9.30 and opening remarks at 11.30 am.

How to get inauguration tickets

Historically, each member of Congress receives a limited number of tickets to the swearing-in ceremony to distribute to constituents.

Tickets for the ceremony are free and in high demand.

Anyone interested in attending Inauguration Day should contact their senators or representative for information on purchasing tickets.

Trump inauguration artists

Country star Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at Trump’s inauguration along with the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, according to the Associated Press.

Other performers will include country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio.

Public viewing areas

If you are unable to get tickets, there are also public viewing areas for the parade. The parade begins at 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, near the Canadian Embassy.

Participants can gather along Pennsylvania Avenue to cheer on the presidential procession and the inaugural parade as it makes its way from the US Capitol to the White House. Bleacher seats can be reserved through 60. Presidential Inauguration Committee.

Inauguration Day parade route

The official Inauguration Day parade route will span DC. The full route is shown below:

The parade begins around 2:30 pm on Inauguration Day.

According to Metro, bus routes are expected to detour due to the 2025 presidential inauguration. Travelers are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes. The nearest station is Union Station.

Driving is not recommended.

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