When is Inauguration Day? Here’s What You Need to Know

Donald Trump won the 2024 US presidential election with an overwhelming majority of the electoral vote (295 to be precise), ensuring his second term in office.

On the other hand, Kamala Harris, who ran as the Democratic candidate, received 226 electoral votes, falling short of the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.

Despite her defeat, Harris vowed to continue fighting for the American people and working toward a better future for all citizens.

Now Donald Trump is elected President of the United States and J.D. Vance serves as Vice President of the United States.

As the U.S. presidential election takes place on the first Tuesday in November and the inauguration takes place on January 20, Trump and Vance will be officially inaugurated on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Here are the important details about the inauguration of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance as the new President and Vice President of the United States.

Inauguration ceremonies typically include the swearing-in, inaugural address, parade, and various inaugural balls celebrating the new government.

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What is Inauguration Day?

Inauguration Day is a major event in the United States that occurs every four years on January 20 (or January 21 if January 20 falls on a Sunday).

This marks the formal transfer of power to the newly elected President and Vice President. The day begins with a worship service, followed by a ceremonial march to the U.S. Capitol, where the president-elect is sworn in.

This was followed by an inaugural address outlining the government’s vision, an inaugural luncheon and a parade. The day ends with various inaugural balls celebrating the new government.

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Why is Inauguration Day held in January? The history behind Presidential Inauguration Day

Due to the ratification of the Twentieth Amendment in 1933, the inauguration date was postponed from March 4 to January 20, thus moving Inauguration Day to January.

Prior to this change, March 4 was celebrated as Inauguration Day because it marked the beginning of the federal government under the 1789 U.S. Constitution.

The delay to January is intended to shorten the transition period between elections and reduce the risks associated with lengthy “lame duck” periods, especially during crises such as the Great Recession.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated on January 20, 1937 as the first president.

Where is the inauguration held?

Inauguration ceremonies are held at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., which has been a standard location on the Western Front since Ronald Reagan was first inaugurated in 1981.

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Who attends Inauguration Day ceremonies?

Inauguration Day is a ceremonial event that marks the official start of the new presidential term of the United States.

The ceremony was attended by the president-elect, vice-president-elect, outgoing president, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, military officials and invited guests.

In addition, members of the public can attend, some of whom obtain tickets through their congressional representatives. Foreign diplomats and other prominent figures often attend the event to witness the peaceful transfer of power.

What happens during the inauguration?

  • Swearing-in: The ceremony begins with the Vice President-elect taking the oath of office, followed by the President-elect. This happened on the west side of the U.S. Capitol.
  • Inaugural Speech: After taking the oath of office, the new president delivers an inaugural address outlining their vision and goals.
  • Lunch and Parade: Following the ceremony, there will be an inaugural luncheon attended by dignitaries and an inaugural parade of military units and floats celebrating the formation of the new government.

How long does the inauguration last?

In accordance with the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Inauguration Ceremony takes place at noon on January 20 (or January 21 if January 20 falls on a Sunday).

The main swearing-in ceremony usually lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, but a full day of festivities, including inaugural speeches, luncheons and parades, can last several hours.

Unique facts about Inauguration Day

  • Although it is generally believed that George Washington added the words “God bless me” to the presidential oath when he was inaugurated as president in 1789, this cannot be definitively confirmed.
  • The first recorded instance of this addition occurred during the inauguration of Chester Arthur in 1881, and every president since then has included it in their oaths.
  • Thomas Jefferson chose to walk to the Capitol rather than ride in a carriage during his 1801 inauguration, symbolizing a more humble approach to his inauguration as president.
  • Jimmy Carter revived this tradition in 1977, when he stepped out of his limousine and walked part of the way, aiming to send a message of accessibility and reduce the “imperial” image of the presidency.
  • James Madison’s inauguration in 1809 marked the first official inaugural ball, hosted by First Lady Dolly Madison.
  • This event set the stage for future celebrations that have since evolved into numerous official and unofficial balls held in Washington, D.C.

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  • Jefferson also started the tradition of the Inaugural Open House, welcoming citizens into the White House after being sworn in.
  • This practice has become popular, but sometimes confusing. Andrew Jackson famously had to escape through a window when faced with a mob scene at his open house.
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower famously broke with the tradition of wearing a top hat during his inauguration, opting for a Humboldt hat for both ceremonies. John F. Kennedy attempted to revive the top hat tradition, but ultimately it was not worn consistently.
  • In 1964, Lady Bird Johnson became the first First Lady to hold a Bible during her husband’s swearing-in, a tradition that has continued with subsequent First Ladies.
  • Franklin Roosevelt’s fourth inauguration in 1945 was unique in that he canceled a parade and ball due to wartime austerity measures during World War II, opting instead for a simple public swearing-in.

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