Donald Trump is poised to take the oath of office for the second time as President of the United States, marking a historic moment in American politics. The grand ceremony is set to take place in Washington, D.C., beginning at noon local time (17:00 GMT). While many festivities are scheduled for today, the official events will culminate on Tuesday with a prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral—a tradition for incoming presidents.

Inauguration Day Events

Here's a detailed schedule of events surrounding Trump's second inauguration, though some adjustments may occur due to the swearing-in being moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.

Morning Service: The day will begin with Trump attending a traditional church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, situated right across Lafayette Park from the White House.

Tea at the White House: Trump and incoming First Lady Melania Trump will welcome outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for a ceremonial tea at the White House—a long-standing tradition.

Swearing-In Ceremony: Musical Prelude: The day will feature performances from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Combined Choirs and the United States Marine Band. Invocation & Performances: Notable clergy will deliver invocations, followed by performances, including a rendition of "Oh, America!" by opera singer Christopher Macchio and "America the Beautiful" by Carrie Underwood and various choruses. The Presidential Oath of Office: Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath during this ceremonial highlight. Trump’s Inaugural Address: Expect poignant messages and bold promises from the newly sworn-in president.

Farewell to the Bidens: A formal farewell will be extended to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as they leave the Capitol.

Signing Ceremony: Trump will sign important documents in the President's Room, surrounded by watching members of Congress.

Inaugural Luncheon: A formal luncheon will take place in the National Statuary Hall, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Parade: Due to inclement weather, Trump will make a departure from tradition, moving the presidential parade to the Capital One Arena, featuring marching bands, significant remarks, and more.

Inaugural Balls: The Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball will honor military service members with live performances from country music stars. The Liberty Inaugural Ball aims to delight Trump’s supporters with musical acts like rapper Nelly. A third ball will cater to major donors, featuring singer Gavin DeGraw.

Notable Attendees

The inauguration is expected to attract a roster of prominent figures from various sectors. Among those scheduled to attend are: Elon Musk (CEO of Tesla and SpaceX), Jeff Bezos (Executive Chairman of Amazon), Mark Zuckerberg (CEO of Meta Platforms).

The event will also see the presence of various athletes and artists, including NFL stars, boxers, and popular musicians like Kodak Black and Rod Wave. The Village People's Victor Willis confirmed that the iconic group would perform their hit "YMCA," a perennial favorite at Trump rallies.

Financial Backing

The costs for the official events will be managed by Trump’s inauguration committee, helmed by his close allies. This includes significant contributions from high-profile figures in the tech industry who have pledged nearly $1 million each to support the committee.

Trump's inauguration festivities in 2017 set a record with $106.7 million raised, and this year, reports suggest that his committee has gathered over $170 million.

In conclusion, Trump’s inauguration promises to be an event filled with tradition, celebration, and a showcase of America’s diverse cultural fabric, making this occasion not just a formal ceremony but a major highlight for many watching closely from around the world. Stay tuned for more updates!