On Monday, the nation will witness the swearing-in of President-elect Donald Trump for his second term in office. This historic inauguration marks a significant shift in the leadership of the United States, as power transitions from the Biden administration to the Trump administration. The 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution dictates that the president’s term ends at noon on January 20, with the newly elected president taking the oath of office shortly thereafter. This day will not only celebrate the new president but also highlight the inauguration of JD Vance as vice president, adding another chapter to America’s political history.
The Role of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
The responsibility of planning and executing the inaugural ceremonies falls to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. This committee is tasked with overseeing all major events related to the inauguration, ensuring that the day unfolds smoothly and according to tradition. Led by Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, the committee has organized a full day of events. This year’s theme, “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise,” aims to highlight the strength and resilience of the U.S. democratic process.
The ceremonial proceedings will be divided into multiple events, beginning with a grand procession to the U.S. Capitol. This procession will set the tone for the day as it carries the president-elect and vice president-elect to the ceremonial heart of the country’s political system.
The Inauguration Day Events
The inauguration ceremony is traditionally a multi-step process, each part symbolizing an essential aspect of American democracy. This year, the proceedings will take place inside the Capitol Rotunda due to forecasted cold temperatures in Washington, D.C., deviating from the typical outdoor location on the West Front of the Capitol. However, the adjustments will not detract from the ceremony’s grandeur or significance.
The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. ET, with a musical prelude performed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Combined Choirs and “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band. This musical performance will set a patriotic and reverent tone for the momentous occasion.
Following the musical performances, Senator Amy Klobuchar will formally call the event to order. This will be followed by the invocation, delivered by two influential religious leaders—Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and Rev. Franklin Graham, well-known evangelical leader. The invocation will be a call for unity, reflection, and hope for the future of the nation.
JD Vance’s Swearing-In as Vice President
One of the pivotal moments of the inauguration will be the swearing-in of JD Vance as the vice president of the United States. This ceremony will be conducted by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, whom President Trump appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. Kavanaugh’s role in swearing in Vance will be a symbolic continuation of Trump’s legacy, as both men have been significant figures in shaping modern American politics.
JD Vance’s swearing-in will mark the culmination of his rise from author and political outsider to the second-highest office in the land. Vance’s selection as vice president is seen by many as a key moment in the Republican Party’s future, emphasizing populist, working-class values that resonate with much of the American electorate.
The Presidential Oath and Address
After the vice-presidential ceremony, the focus will shift to President Donald Trump. The swearing-in ceremony for the president will be conducted by Chief Justice John Roberts, a crucial moment that will officially mark the beginning of Trump’s second term. This step will follow the tradition of previous inaugurations, with the president taking the oath in front of the nation and the world.
Once sworn in, President Trump will deliver his inaugural address. This speech is an important part of the ceremony, as it sets the tone for the upcoming term and outlines the president’s vision for the country. While the specifics of Trump’s speech remain a closely guarded secret, it is expected to reflect on the challenges and successes of his first term, offering a vision for America’s future.
President Trump’s Celebratory Victory Rally https://t.co/MCKNpDh8kG
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2025
Performances and Celebrations
No inauguration is complete without the performances that fill the day with music, spirit, and patriotism. Carrie Underwood, the country music sensation, will perform “America the Beautiful”, joined by the Armed Forces Chorus and the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club. The performance will evoke feelings of national pride and unity, key themes for an event of this significance.
In addition to Underwood, Christopher Macchio, an opera singer known as “America’s Tenor,” will perform the anthem “Oh, America!” before the swearing-in ceremony. His powerful voice will bring further emotion and grandeur to the occasion, setting the stage for the subsequent events.
The ceremony will also feature another stirring performance of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” by the Naval Academy Glee Club, further reinforcing the patriotic atmosphere of the day.
Benediction and Conclusion
To close the event, there will be a benediction from religious leaders representing various faiths. Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University; Imam Husham Al-Husainy of the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center; Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church Detroit; and Rev. Father Frank Mann of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn will all participate. Their words of unity and hope will inspire Americans to come together as the nation embarks on a new chapter.
Finally, the National Anthem will be performed by Christopher Macchio, marking the conclusion of the official inauguration events.
A Day to Remember
The inauguration of Donald Trump and JD Vance is not only a celebration of a political transition but a reflection of the resilience and endurance of American democracy. As the nation moves forward, this ceremony will serve as a reminder of the peaceful transfer of power that has defined the United States since its founding.
With a day filled with powerful performances, historical moments, and hopeful speeches, January 20th will be a day to remember in the annals of American history. It is a testament to the ongoing journey of democracy in the United States, with its promise of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of a more perfect union.
