Trump officially takes office on January 20, 2025: A detailed schedule of the 47th U.S. presidential inauguration

The date of Donald Trump’s inauguration has been set for January 20, 2025. According to BBC News, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States at 12:00 noon Eastern Time on January 20 (1:00 AM Beijing Time on January 21). Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance will take the oath of office alongside Trump, officially beginning the new administration. This historic moment also marks a new shift in the American political landscape.

The inauguration ceremony kicks off in the morning, with Washington, D.C. becoming a global focus

Trump’s second term inauguration is scheduled to be quite grand. At 9:30 AM local time (10:30 PM Beijing Time on the 20th), musical performances and opening speeches will take place on the main stage on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The entire inauguration day will include the official swearing-in ceremony, musical performances, a grand parade, and a series of formal balls.

The first swearing-in ceremony for Trump will be held at St. John’s Church on Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., a historic site. After the ceremony, Trump and Vance will head to the White House for tea and refreshments, followed by an inaugural address outlining the administration’s goals and vision for the next four years.

From signing documents to the transfer of power at the White House, the transition proceeds smoothly

One of Trump’s first tasks after taking office will be to go to the President’s Office near the Senate to sign important documents. This is a traditional procedure at the start of a new presidency, marking the official transfer of executive power. Afterwards, Trump will attend a luncheon hosted by the Joint Committee of the Congressional Inauguration.

In the afternoon, the parade will march from the Capitol along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, showcasing the new government’s political ceremony to the public. This famous avenue has witnessed many historic presidential inaugurations.

Three grand balls conclude the day, with Trump delivering speeches

The evening will focus on three inaugural balls — the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Freedom Inaugural Ball, and the Starlight Ball. Trump is expected to appear and give speeches at each event, addressing supporters and political figures, further elaborating on the new government’s policy directions.

These balls are the most ceremonial and symbolic part of Inauguration Day and serve as important scenes for Trump to interact with political and business elites. The entire schedule from morning to late night provides a comprehensive view of the American political transition.