On Monday, January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to the White House eight years after leaving office. This highly anticipated event promises a blend of tradition, spectacle, and political significance. From high-profile attendees to a focus on unity and strength, here’s a detailed look at the day’s lineup, the inaugural address, and the key figures involved.
How to Watch
You can watch the live stream of President Trump’s swearing-in and inaugural address in the embedded player above. Coverage begins Monday morning, with events leading up to the oath of office scheduled for noon EST.
An Extravagant Yet Adapted Ceremony
Originally planned as an outdoor celebration, the ceremony has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to cold weather. While this adjustment limits the audience to around 600 invite-only attendees, it has not dampened the grandeur of the event.
The Rotunda will host a distinguished group of guests, including foreign leaders, influential business figures, and Trump’s close family. This scaled-down setting reflects both logistical challenges and a renewed focus on strategic alliances.
Key Attendees Inside the Capitol Rotunda
The Trump Family
The President’s family will feature prominently, with First Lady Melania Trump and his five children—Donald Jr., Eric, Ivanka, Tiffany, and Barron—joining him. Trump’s eldest son, Don Jr., and daughter-in-law Lara Trump, who have gained significant influence in recent years, will also be present. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, although less politically active now, will attend in a supportive capacity.
Business and Technology Leaders
Several influential figures in business and technology have been invited to the dais:
- Elon Musk, Tesla and X owner
- Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO
- Shou Zi Chew, TikTok CEO
- Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder
- Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO
The inclusion of these leaders signals Trump’s intention to align his administration with innovation and economic growth.
Political and International Dignitaries
In a first for Inauguration Day, Trump extended invitations to global leaders. Among those expected to attend are:
- Javier Milei, President of Argentina
- Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister
- Representatives from Ecuador and Paraguay
This unprecedented inclusion of foreign dignitaries underscores Trump’s focus on strengthening international partnerships.
Entertainment Highlights
The event will feature performances by notable artists across genres, emphasizing a celebration of American culture:
- Carrie Underwood: Singing “America the Beautiful” before the swearing-in ceremony.
- The Village People: Performing their iconic hit “Y.M.C.A.,” a staple at Trump rallies.
- Christopher Macchio: Opera singer performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- Lee Greenwood: Known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA.”
Inaugural Balls Performances
- Gavin DeGraw: Performing at one of three inaugural balls.
- Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, and Rascal Flatts: Headlining performances at the other two balls.
The Inaugural Address
President Trump is set to deliver an inaugural address emphasizing unity, strength, and fairness. Known for his bold rhetoric, Trump has promised a speech that outlines his vision for the next four years.
Key Themes
- Unity and Fairness: Trump has pledged to bring the nation together while ensuring fair treatment for all Americans.
- Border Security: Reinforcing his commitment to sealing the U.S.-Mexico border with the largest deportation operation in history.
- Economic Growth: Launching a new era of tariffs and economic strategies to usher in what he calls a “golden age.”
Trump told NBC News:
“We went through hell for four years with these people. Something has to be done about it. You can’t have that happen, and we shouldn’t have that happen.”
Breaking Tradition: Foreign Leaders on Inauguration Day
While no foreign heads of state have previously attended U.S. inaugurations, Trump’s decision to invite global leaders marks a significant shift. Although Chinese President Xi Jinping declined the invitation, his Vice President, Han Zheng, will represent China.
This move underscores Trump’s global ambitions and efforts to solidify alliances with key international players.
What to Watch For
- The Trump Family Dynamics: With Don Jr. and Lara Trump rising as key influencers, their roles in Trump’s administration may hint at his long-term legacy.
- Global Business Alliances: The presence of tech and business titans like Musk and Bezos signals Trump’s focus on economic innovation.
- The Speech’s Impact: Trump’s inaugural address will likely set the tone for his presidency, focusing on rebuilding trust and delivering on his promises.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s 2034 inauguration as the 47th President of the United States is a momentous occasion, blending tradition with innovation. From high-profile attendees to a bold inaugural address, the event promises to be a defining moment in American history. Whether through his ambitious policies or international outreach, Trump’s return to the White House is poised to reshape the political and economic landscape for years to come.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as history unfolds.
