Donald Trump Inauguration Day Live: Ahead of second inauguration, Trump arrives in Washington to host event at Virginia club to kick off festivities

Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day Live: Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20. His inauguration weekend features several events, including a rally and galas, culminating in a historic indoor swearing-in ceremony due to cold weather. Key attendees include outgoing President Joe Biden, tech leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos and global dignitaries.

Complete inauguration plan
Saturday and Sunday events
The inaugural weekend begins on Saturday with a reception and fireworks display at Trump’s golf club in Virginia, followed by a cabinet reception and vice presidential dinner.

Sunday events include:

Wreath Laying Ceremony: At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Victory Rally: Trump to deliver remarks at Capitol One Arena in Washington, DC
Candlelight Dinner: The president-elect will address attendees in a ceremonial prelude to Monday’s events.

Monday’s main events
The official swearing-in ceremony will take place on Monday at the Capitol. Events include:

Service at St. John’s: A tradition for future presidents.
Tea at the White House: The Trumps and Bidens meet ahead of the ceremony.
Inauguration Ceremony: Scheduled for noon, followed by Trump’s inaugural address.
Farewell to outgoing leaders: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris depart after the ceremony.
Signing ceremony: Trump will sign initial documents and nominations as part of his first official acts in the President’s Room at the Capitol.
Parade and Review of the Troops: A ceremonial march along Pennsylvania Avenue.
Inaugural Ball: Trump will attend the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball.

The initial events will conclude on Tuesday with a national prayer service.

Weather conditions may change plans
With an expected high temperature of 24°F and strong winds creating sub-zero chills, this inauguration could be one of the coldest in modern history. The investiture ceremony is expected to be moved indoors to the US Capitol Rotunda. Trump explained, “I have requested that my inaugural address take place inside the Capitol,” citing “severe” low temperatures.

Key participants and absences
Political leaders
Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will attend, along with former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton. However, Michelle Obama will not be attending and her office is releasing a statement citing scheduling conflicts. Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House, also announced her absence.

Outgoing President Biden stated in December, “Of course I will attend Trump’s inauguration,” despite Trump skipping Biden’s 2021 inauguration after refusing to concede his election loss. Vice President Harris is also expected to attend, continuing the tradition of outgoing vice presidents.

International dignitaries
Notable international figures include Argentine President Javier Milei, who was the first foreign leader to meet with Trump after his election victory. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will attend and represent China’s interest in “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.”

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were invited, although confirmation is pending. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing legal challenges, said on X that he hopes to participate if he can secure the return of his passport.

Historian Thomas Balcerski noted that it is “unprecedented for foreign leaders to attend inaugurations,” stressing that such events are typically represented by diplomats rather than heads of state.

Business leaders and artists
Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman are among the billionaires taking part. Zuckerberg will host a reception with Trump allies including Miriam Adelson, Tilman Fertitta and Todd Ricketts. Performances include country singer Carrie Underwood and the Village People, known for their song “YMCA,” a staple at Trump rallies.