The swearing-in ceremony for Donald Trump and JD Vance as United States President and Vice-President is scheduled for 12 noon EST (18:00 Belgian time) on Monday, but inauguration events officially begin on Saturday.
While Trump will not be officially inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States until Monday, events are already taking place this weekend.
"President Trump is dedicated to uniting the country through the strength, security, and opportunity of his America First agenda," co-chairs of Trump’s inaugural committee Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler said in a press release. "The 2025 inaugural celebrations will reflect President-elect Trump’s historic return to the White House and the American people’s decisive vote to Make America Great Again.”
Inauguration weekend schedule
Saturday 18 January
According to officials of the inaugural committee, the President-elect will kick off a series of inaugural events on Saturday. A reception and fireworks will be held for roughly 500 donors, friends, and other supporters, at his golf club in Sterling (Virginia),
A Cabinet reception and vice president's dinner will also be held in the evening.
Sunday 19 January
A wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will take place in Arlington National Cemetery.
Later in the day, Trump's MAGA "Victory Rally" will be held at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC.
The rally will be followed by a candlelight dinner, where Trump will deliver remarks.
US President-elect Donald Trump. Credit: Allison Robbert/AFP/Belga
Monday 20 January
The official inauguration day will start with a service at St. John’s church, followed by tea with the Bidens and Trumps at the White House in the morning.
At noon, Trump and Vance will be sworn in, followed by the official farewell for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Afterwards, Trump will head to the President’s Room near the Senate chamber. There, Trump is expected to sign nominations and other documents in his first official acts.
Following the signing room ceremony, a luncheon will be hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
The ceremony that would normally take place on the steps of Congress will be moved to the Capitol Rotunda due to the freezing temperatures expected. After the inauguration, Trump will join his supporters in the "Capital One Arena," he added. The parade, with a review of the troops, will also be held there.
Lastly, Trump will attend and speak at three inaugural balls: the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball.
Tuesday 21 January
Inaugural activities will conclude with the National Prayer Service in the morning.
