Donald Trump's Historical Second Inauguration: A Look at What to Expect
Donald Trump is set to take his oath of office for the second time, marking a remarkable political comeback as he becomes the 47th president of the United States. The inauguration, scheduled for January 20 at noon Eastern Time, coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a notable occasion as it is the third time an inauguration has aligned with this holiday.
The ceremony is expected to see a significant gathering of both supporters and protesters, with security measures heightened amid predictions of sub-zero temperatures. In contrast to Joe Biden's inauguration four years ago, which took place during the COVID pandemic and after the January 6 insurrection, Trump's event appears to be gearing up for a more traditional celebration.
In attendance will be various dignitaries and foreign leaders, including Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Javier Milei of Argentina, and Santiago Abascal from Spain. The event's high-profile guest list reflects Trump’s alignment with global right-wing figures while notably omitting representatives from opposing viewpoints, such as the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Trump also extended an invitation to other notable figures from tech companies and all living former presidents.
Trump will be sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts on the west front of the Capitol. He will recite the presidential oath, an echo of his previous cheers of 'America First' from his first inauguration in 2017. However, there is anticipation about the contents of his inaugural speech this time, which is expected to include references to his policy initiatives such as border security, deportation efforts, and potential pardons for those involved in the January 6 events.
The logistics of the day will begin with security checks at 5 AM, leading up to the major speeches starting at 11:30 AM. The inaugural address will follow the oath-taking ceremony, with Trump set to outline a vision for his second term and potentially announce executive actions straight away.
In terms of entertainment, the inauguration will feature performances by recognized artists spanning various genres, including Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean at the Freedom Ball. The celebration will have fewer events compared to past inaugurations; organizers expect participation from tech executives and significant donors, many from the major tech firms, showing substantial support for Trump's return.
The Trump-Vance Inauguration Committee has reportedly raised over $170 million, overshadowing previous fundraising efforts for past inaugurations. This financial backing highlights the distinct strategy of the new administration compared to previous ones.
Post-inauguration festivities will include a variety of parties and balls, including a MAGA rally and a reception hosted by billionaires in support of Trump. The quieter approach to celebration events, with just a few official balls compared to the more extensive gatherings seen during Obama's and Clinton's inaugurations, is noteworthy.
Trump's inauguration signifies not only his return to the presidential office but also aims to reinforce his unique approach to American politics amidst a backdrop of past controversies, marking him as the first criminal president to be inaugurated in the United States' history. This ceremony symbolizes a pivotal point in the nation's political landscape and sets the stage for what could be a volatile, transformative term ahead.
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