President-elect Donald J. Trump’s 2025 inauguration ceremony will be held indoors at the U.S. Capitol rotunda on Monday, January 20, due to a forecast of frigid weather in Washington, D.C. This marks the first indoor inauguration since former President Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in in 1985, which was moved inside due to sub-zero temperatures. The parade that year was also canceled, while Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration was the only other sub-freezing high on record.
Trump announced the weather-related changes on his social media platform, Truth Social, noting that the traditional Presidential Parade will also shift indoors to the Capital One Arena. Following his swearing-in, Trump plans to join attendees at the arena.
Key Event Details and Timing
The inauguration will begin at 11 a.m. CT (12 p.m. ET) with the swearing-in ceremony, which officially transitions power from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to President Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, as stipulated under the 20th Amendment. Security gates will open at 5 a.m. CT, with musical performances and opening remarks preceding the ceremony.
Full Schedule of Inaugural Events
The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee has released the following schedule:
Monday, January 20, 2025
• St. John’s Church Service
• Tea at the White House
• Swearing-In Ceremony (U.S. Capitol Rotunda)
• Farewell to the Former President and Vice President (U.S. Capitol Departure Ceremony)
• President’s Signing Room Ceremony
• JCCIC Congressional Luncheon
• The President’s Review of the Troops
• Presidential Parade (Capital One Arena)
• Oval Office Signing Ceremony (The White House)
• Commander-in-Chief Ball: Remarks by President Trump
• Liberty Inaugural Ball: Remarks by President Trump
• Starlight Ball: Remarks by President Trump
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
• National Prayer Service
Performances and Entertainment
The inauguration will feature performances by country music superstar Carrie Underwood, who will sing “America the Beautiful,” and the 1970s group Village People, who will perform at two inaugural events. Additional performances will include country singer Lee Greenwood, opera singer Christopher Macchio, and various groups participating in the Presidential Parade.
Trump’s Return to the Oval Office
Donald J. Trump will officially assume office as the 47th President of the United States at 11 a.m. CT (12 p.m. ET) on January 20, marking his return to the presidency after four years. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will also be sworn in alongside him.
As Washington braces for historic cold, preparations for the day reflect a blend of tradition and adaptation, setting the stage for a highly anticipated ceremony.
