WASHINGTON (AP) — It is not clear how the decision to move Donald Trump’s inauguration indoors to the Capitol Rotunda on Monday could affect the planned schedule for the inauguration ceremonies.
This is what is known about the programming of the official events for the inauguration of the president-elect for his second term.
Monday, January 20th
- Religious ceremony: Trump will start the day by attending a ceremony at the Episcopal church of St. John, located across Lafayette Park from the White House, a tradition for elected presidents.
- Tea at the White House: Trump and incoming first lady, Melania Trump, will meet with outgoing president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the White House for a tea that is traditionally served to welcome a new president.
- Swearing-in ceremony inside the Rotunda of the United States Capitol:
- Musical prelude by the Combined Choirs of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Prelude: "The President's Own", by the United States Marine Corps Band.
- Call to order by Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar.
- Invocation by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, Reverend Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
- "Oh, America!", performed by opera singer Christopher D. Macchio.
- The vice president's oath in a ceremony administered by Brett Kavanaugh, justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
- "America the Beautiful", performed by Carrie Underwood, the Armed Forces Chorus, and the United States Naval Academy Chorus.
- The presidential oath in a ceremony administered by John Roberts, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
- "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", performed by the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
- Trump's inaugural speech.
- Blessing from the president of Yeshiva University, Rabbi and Doctor Ari Berman; Imam Husham Al-Husainy of the Karbalaa Islamic Center; Senior Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of Church 180 in Detroit, and Father Frank Mann of the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.
- "The Star-Spangled Banner", by Christopher Macchio
- Farewell to the former president: A formal farewell will be held for Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris when they leave the Capitol.
- President's signing ceremony: Trump will head to the President's Room, next to the Senate in the United States Capitol, for a signing ceremony, where members of Congress watch as the newly sworn-in president signs nominations, memorandums, or executive orders.
- Inaugural lunch: The new president and vice president attend a lunch at the Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol, organized by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
- Review: After lunch, the president and vice president head to the steps of the east facade of the Capitol, where they will review soldiers.
- Presidential Parade: Due to the cold weather, Trump decided to move the traditional parade along Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol One Arena in Washington, the home of the NBA's Wizards. It is expected that Trump will make remarks at the event and that there will be music bands.
- Ceremony in the Oval Office: Trump heads to the White House for a ceremony in the Oval Office.
- Inaugural dances:
- Inaugural Dance of the Commander in Chief: The country music band Rascal Flatts and country singer Parker McCollum will be present at the dance dedicated to members of the armed forces. Trump will deliver a speech.
- Inaugural Freedom Dance: Rapper Nelly, country singer Jason Aldean, and disco music band The Village People will perform at the dance dedicated to Trump's followers. The new president will speak.
- Starlight Ball: Singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw will perform and Trump will speak at the third inaugural ball, which is expected to be attended by major donors of the incoming president.
Tuesday, January 21
- National Prayer Service: Trump will attend the traditional prayer service the morning after the inauguration, at the National Cathedral in Washington.