The inauguration of an American president, the so-called ‘inauguration’, is an important event that attracts worldwide attention. Here, protocol splendor meets American show business, topped with a good dose of personality cult. For major donors and lobbyists, the day is considered one of the most important of a presidency. An overview.
He’s back – and gone again! The inauguration in Washington DC was moved to the Capitol due to “dangerous circumstances”. In short: it is bitterly cold. There is only room for about 600 spectators in the dome hall, which has been busy being prepared ever since. This is the first time in forty years that the launch will take place indoors. Ronald Reagan was fleeing record temperatures of minus 13 degrees Celsius.
Tickets for the passing of the baton in the Capitol and various balls afterwards could be bought for millions. Due to the cold, many millionaires still come away empty-handed.
The checkbooks of American entrepreneurs and billionaires Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos were apparently big enough. You’re already in Washington. At various VIP events, such as a candlelight dinner with the presidential couple, people compete for influence and a selfie with someone from the Trump clan. According to media reports, the total donation amount is expected to be approximately $200 million. A new record.
The transfer of office will be much more diplomatic than the last “inauguration”. Joe Biden will attend the ceremony. After his defeat and the storming of the Capitol, Donald Trump angrily left the American capital four years ago.
Things get serious at 6 p.m
Now the MAGA leader is making his astonishing comeback – and he really only has one crucial job to do. Although the day is filled with rituals, the Constitution of the United States remains surprisingly silent. At around 6 p.m., after his deputy JD Vance was sworn in, Trump is only required to take the following oath of office under Article 2:
This translates to something like: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and that I will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Before Trump takes the oath of allegiance, taken by ‘Chief Justice’ John Roberts, on his mother’s Bibles and those of Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration, he still has a number of appointments to complete.
In the morning, the US president-elect will attend a service with his wife Melania at St. John’s Church, within walking distance of the White House, followed by tea with the Bidens – as an official welcome to their old workplace. Only then will you go to the Capitol for the official ceremony.
There will also be entertainment during the swearing-in ceremony: famous country singer Carrie Underwood will sing the song ‘America the Beautiful’. During the ceremony, the national anthem will be sung by tenor Christopher Macchio. Country singer Lee Greenwood will also perform there. The Village People will then perform at one of the official presidential balls.
The oath of office is followed by an address to the nation
According to the constitution, Biden’s term ends at 6 p.m. Central European Time. Until then, Trump must be sworn in as the new American president. The new ‘commander in chief’ then gives his inaugural speech. At the inauguration of Barack Obama, Trump and Biden, the speeches lasted about twenty minutes each. John F. Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you. But ask yourself what you can do for your country.” Trump’s speech is expected to be much more offensive.
Biden will then officially say goodbye before Trump retires to the President’s Room in the Capitol, where he will sign the first documents. Traditionally these are letters of appointment, memoranda, proclamations or orders. The “Signing Ceremony” symbolizes the takeover of executive power.
Trump signs the first decrees
Trump could sign his first executive orders here. In other words, binding orders from the president for the employees of the executive branch. The decrees can clarify or further develop existing laws, or also impose a national emergency. In the first week of January, Trump spoke of up to 100 executive orders that he would like to implement quickly. The first likely include closing the border with Mexico and pardoning those convicted of storming the Capitol.
Decisions that change the world make you hungry. This will be followed by a celebratory lunch at the Capitol with Trump, Vance and guests. The meeting place is the National Hall of Fame in the Capitol: 36 statues of important Americans are on display there. It is not yet known what the burger fan will have served Trump.
With full stomachs, the new president and his deputy will inspect US military units. If they like what they see, they slowly head back towards the White House.
Into the night with Melania
After the presidential parade, which was moved to a sports arena in downtown Washington, another signing ceremony is scheduled there – in the Oval Office, the president’s office. Trump has announced several decisions before his first day in office.
In the evening, Trump will take part in three festive balls and plans to speak at all three events. Before he dances into his new administration with his first lady Melania…
Source: Krone

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.