Change of power in the USA: Trump’s inauguration: This is how the day goes

Two and a half months after the election, Republican Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday in Washington. The Democratic incumbent Joe Biden then hands over to Trump, whom he replaced in the White House four years ago. Trump did not attend Biden’s inauguration at the time. Biden, on the other hand, sticks to the usual customs and will be there.

The day is filled with all sorts of protocol appointments. According to the Trump team, the process in detail – still without exact times:

There is a morning service at St. John’s Church, within walking distance of the White House. The Bidens then welcome the Trumps to the White House for tea, followed by the big swearing-in ceremony. It was actually planned outside on the west side of the Capitol as usual, but because of the cold weather in the capital, it was moved at the last minute inside the Parliament building – into the domed hall of the Capitol, where there is significantly less room for guests. In addition to Trump and Biden, their wives and vice-presidents, other Trump family members as well as high-ranking politicians and guests, including from abroad, are expected. According to the constitution, Biden’s term ends at 12 noon local time. Shortly beforehand, Trump and his Vice President JD Vance must take their oath of office before the President of the Supreme Court. First the deputy is sworn in, then the president.

Trump then gives his inaugural speech. At the inaugurations of Barack Obama (2009), Trump (2017) and Biden (2021), the speeches each lasted around 20 minutes. There will also be entertainment at the swearing-in ceremony: the well-known country singer Carrie Underwood will sing the song “America the Beautiful” sing. The national anthem is performed at the ceremony by tenor Christopher Macchio. Country singer Lee Greenwood also performs there. Greenwood’s song “God Bless the USA” was something of an unofficial Trump anthem during the election campaign. Biden and Harris will then be officially farewelled. Trump signs the first documents in the presidential room in the Capitol. Traditionally, these are certificates of appointment, memoranda, proclamations or orders. This is followed by a celebratory lunch in the Capitol with Trump, Vance and guests. The new president and his vice president inspect US military units during a parade march at the Capitol.

Then there is the presidential parade, which traditionally runs along Pennsylvania Avenue between the Capitol and the White House, but has now also been moved indoors: to a sports arena in central Washington. Supporters should have space there. Trump announced that he wanted to stop by there after the ceremony. There will be another signing ceremony later in the White House – in the Oval Office, the president’s office. Trump has announced various decisions for his first day in office.

In the evening, Trump will take part in three celebratory balls and wants to speak at all three events. The once legendary disco group Village People, who became world famous with their songs “YMCA” and “Macho Man,” among others, perform at one of the balls. Trump used both songs extensively in the election campaign.