Donald Trump’s Inauguration: A Blend of Tradition and Trumpian Flair

Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, marking his return to the White House in an inauguration that blends traditional pageantry with his signature style. The ceremony has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to frigid weather, but the event is set to feature prominent guests, controversial plans, and musical performances that reflect Trump’s bold persona.

The U.S. Constitution mandates that a new president’s term begins at noon on January 20. Trump will take the presidential oath administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts for the second time. Incoming Vice President J.D. Vance will also be sworn in during the event.

The ceremony, typically held on the Capitol’s West Lawn, will instead take place inside the Capitol Rotunda due to cold temperatures. Trump’s inaugural address is expected to outline his ambitious plans for the next four years. His first term began in 2017 with a stark speech referencing “American carnage,” and this address is anticipated to carry a similarly dramatic tone.

In a uniquely Trumpian twist, the guest list includes prominent tech billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, as well as Shou Chew, the CEO of TikTok. Trump’s efforts to forge closer ties with tech leaders come despite criticism over disinformation spread on social media during his campaign.

Outgoing President Joe Biden will attend the ceremony, a notable gesture of tradition despite Trump’s absence from Biden’s inauguration in 2021. All living former presidents—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama—will also be present, along with their spouses, except Michelle Obama.

Trump has also extended invitations to several foreign leaders, including Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has confirmed her attendance. Hungary’s Viktor Orban and Argentina’s Javier Milei were also invited, though some leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, opted to send representatives.

Initially planned as an outdoor event with over 220,000 tickets distributed to the public, the inauguration’s shift to the Capitol Rotunda limits attendance to about 600 people. Trump supporters have been invited to watch the event via livestream at Washington’s Capital One Arena, with Trump promising to make an appearance there later.

Trump has promised to hit the ground running, announcing plans to sign approximately 100 executive orders on his first day in office. Many of these orders aim to dismantle policies enacted by the Biden administration. Key actions include launching a mass deportation program, expanding oil drilling, and considering pardons for January 6 rioters.

Following the ceremony, Trump will meet with foreign ministers from Japan, India, and Australia as part of the “Quad” alliance, signaling a focus on countering China’s influence in the region.

Unlike his first inauguration in 2017, which struggled to attract celebrity performers, Trump’s second swearing-in will feature a stronger lineup of entertainment. Country star Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful,” while Lee Greenwood will sing his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA,” a staple at Trump rallies.

The celebrations began Sunday with a pre-inauguration rally featuring performances by Kid Rock and the Village People, who joined Trump on stage for their hit song “Y.M.C.A.”

Monday night will culminate in three official inaugural balls featuring performances by country artists Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Gavin DeGraw, among others. Trump is expected to attend all three events, with additional unofficial galas planned across the capital.

As Trump takes the oath of office, his inauguration reflects both the weight of tradition and the flamboyant style that defines his political brand. From the guest list to the entertainment lineup, the event promises to be as polarizing as the man himself.