On January 20, 2025, at precisely 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Donald Trump is set to assume the presidency of the United States following a landmark victory in the elections. This day marks the official commencement of a new administration. The Inauguration Day, traditionally held every four years on January 20 (or January 21 if it falls on a Sunday), will occur on a Monday in 2025 at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., as reported by Telemundo.
The U.S. Constitution mandates that the inauguration ceremony includes the presidential oath, which is preceded by the swearing-in of the vice president-elect, potentially Senator J.D. Vance. This oath, in use since 1884 for senators, representatives, and other federal officials, is as follows: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."
Following that, the president-elect delivers the presidential oath as specified in Article II, Section I of the Constitution: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Preparations for the Historic Day
The presidential inauguration, encompassing the swearing-in ceremony, inaugural address, and parade review, involves additional activities orchestrated by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. These events are meticulously planned to ensure the seamless transition of power.
In 2021, former President Donald Trump made headlines when he announced he would not attend the inauguration of Joe Biden, who was elected at the time. "To all those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20," he posted on his X profile in 2021. By opting out, Trump became the fourth U.S. president to skip his successor's inauguration, breaking a tradition spanning over a century where outgoing leaders participated in the handover ceremony.
Trump's decision stemmed from his belief that Biden's victory in the election was tainted by alleged electoral fraud, a claim that sparked considerable controversy and debate.