The historic day has arrived: Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20, 2025. After eight years since leaving office, Trump returns with bold promises, a transformed support base, and a renewed vision for the country. Despite being moved indoors due to cold weather, the inauguration promises to be a spectacle filled with notable attendees, star-studded performances, and a highly anticipated inaugural address.
How to Watch the Inauguration Live
You can watch President Donald Trump’s swearing-in and inaugural address live via our livestream player above. Coverage of Inauguration Day events will provide insights into Trump’s journey back to the presidency, his promises for the next four years, and what has changed since he first took office.
Notable Highlights of Trump’s 2034 Inauguration
An Extravagant Yet Indoor Ceremony
Initially planned as an outdoor event, frigid January weather forced the inauguration indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, which accommodates approximately 600 people. Despite the smaller venue, the occasion is set to be as grand as ever, with a mix of influential figures, global leaders, and world-renowned performers attending.
Who’s in the Rotunda?
- The Trump Family:
Expect to see Melania Trump, Trump’s five children, and several grandchildren. Don Jr. and Lara Trump, who have become prominent figures in Trump’s campaign, are also set to attend.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, though less involved in recent years, will also make appearances, reminiscent of their presence on election night. - Dignitaries and Influential Guests:
While space is limited, key figures such as Supreme Court justices, military leaders, Cabinet nominees, and foreign dignitaries will attend. Notable absentees include some Democratic lawmakers who have opted to skip the event. - Tech Titans and Business Leaders:
A star-studded guest list includes Elon Musk (Tesla and X), Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Shou Zi Chew (TikTok), Jeff Bezos (Amazon), and Sam Altman (OpenAI). These leaders, once at odds with Trump, now represent a renewed collaboration with the business and tech community.
Star-Studded Performances
Music and culture will play a significant role in the festivities. Highlights include:
- Carrie Underwood: The Grammy-winning country music superstar will perform “America the Beautiful” just before Trump takes the oath of office.
- The Village People: The iconic disco group, known for their hit “Y.M.C.A.,” will perform at a Trump rally on Sunday and at one of the inaugural balls.
- Christopher Macchio: The opera singer will deliver a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- Lee Greenwood: Known for the patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA,” Greenwood returns to perform during the ceremony.
- Other Performers: Country stars such as Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, and Rascal Flatts will perform at various inaugural balls. Singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw will also take the stage.
The Inaugural Address: Unity, Strength, and Fairness
Trump’s inaugural addresses are known for their bold promises and direct rhetoric. In 2017, his speech focused on “American carnage” and his America First philosophy. This year, he promises to strike a different tone, emphasizing “unity, strength, and fairness.”
Key Themes:
- Unity and Fairness:
Trump aims to address national divisions and promises a focus on treating people fairly. Speaking to NBC News, he said:“You can’t just say, ‘Oh, everything’s going to be wonderful.’ We went through hell for four years… Something has to be done about it.” - Immigration and Economic Policy:
Trump’s campaign centered on launching the largest deportation operation in history, sealing off the U.S.-Mexico border, and imposing tariffs to bolster domestic industries. - A “Golden Age” Vision:
Trump has pledged to usher in a new era of economic prosperity, promising detailed plans to achieve these ambitious goals.
Global Dignitaries in Attendance
Breaking with tradition, Trump extended invitations to foreign leaders for his inauguration. While many heads of state declined, notable attendees include:
- Javier Milei (President of Argentina)
- Giorgia Meloni (Prime Minister of Italy)
- Han Zheng (Vice President of China, representing President Xi Jinping)
- Representatives from Ecuador and Paraguay.
This unprecedented move signals Trump’s intention to strengthen ties with select global leaders early in his presidency.
Looking Ahead: Trump’s Second Act
Trump’s return to the presidency marks a unique chapter in American history. The 2034 inauguration reflects his evolving relationship with political allies, business leaders, and global dignitaries. With promises of unity and fairness, as well as ambitious policy goals, the stage is set for a presidency that aims to redefine America’s future.
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates and in-depth coverage of this historic day.