President-elect Donald Trump’s arrival at the White House is near. He will serve as the 47th president, joined by his running mate, Vice President-elect JD Vance. As the inauguration approaches, preparations are underway.
Also, this year, the inauguration falls on the same day as the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
If you’re not familiar with the process, here is a reminder:
When is the Inauguration Day 2025?
Inauguration Day occurs every four years on Jan. 20 (or Jan. 21 if Jan. 20 falls on a Sunday). The inauguration ceremony takes place at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
This year, the presidential inauguration is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2025.
What is Inauguration Day?
Inauguration Day is the day when the president-elect and vice president-elect are sworn into office.
Do the president and vice president-elect take an oath?
According to USA.gov, the vice president-elect is sworn in first and repeats the same oath of office, which has been in use since 1884, as senators, representatives, and other federal employees.
That oath goes as follows:“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
What events take place on Inauguration Day?
The events, including the swearing-in, the inaugural address, and the pass in review, are organized by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).
The JCCIC offers a limited number of inauguration tickets to the public through members of Congress. These tickets are free and grant access to watch the president and vice president being sworn in at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025.
Here is a full rundown of Inauguration Day:
- A swearing-in ceremony for the president and vice president
- Inaugural address by the president
- Pass in review
- Inaugural parade
- Inaugural balls and celebrations
Who are some past performers for the inaugural ball?
Past performances for the inaugural ball include:
- Beyoncé
- Stevie Wonder
- Frank Sinatra
- James Brown
- Fleetwood Mac
- Wayne Newton
- Chrisette Michele
- The Beach Boys
- Aretha Franklin
- Nat King Cole
You can see the list of past performers from Billboard here.
What is MLK Day?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. observed on the third Monday of January each year. According to the Museum of African American History and Culture, it took several years to be recognized as a national holiday.
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan enacted the King Holiday Bill, establishing the third Monday of January as a federal holiday to honor civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., according to the NMAAHC. The effort to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day began just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. It took 15 years of relentless campaigning by civil rights activists for the holiday to gain federal approval and another 17 years to be acknowledged in all 50 states.
Texas officially recognized MLK Day in 1991. Today, it remains the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service, encouraging all Americans to volunteer and contribute to their communities.
When is MLK Day 2025?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or MLK Day, is observed annually on the third Monday of January. This year, that falls on Jan. 20, 2025.
