What to expect on Trump's Inauguration Day

Donald Trump will be inaugurated Monday for his second presidential term, marking one of U.S. history's most remarkable political comebacks.

In keeping with tradition, the day will feature pomp and ceremony as power is transferred. However, Trump has pledged to launch a wave of executive actions on issues like border security and energy production on his first day back in office.

When is the Inauguration?

Trump will take the oath of office at 12 p.m. ET (1700 GMT) at the U.S. Capitol, likely administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.

Trump has described his upcoming inaugural address as "uplifting and unifying," contrasting his 2017 speech. Outgoing President Joe Biden will attend, fulfilling a tradition Trump bypassed four years ago. Thousands are expected to gather at the National Mall for the event.

U.S. President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 13, 2024. Reuters

Trump broke with precedent by inviting foreign leaders to the inauguration. Argentina's President Javier Milei has confirmed attendance, while Hungary's Viktor Orban is considering. Chinese President Xi Jinping declined but is sending an envoy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping makes a toast during the National Day reception on the eve of the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on September 30, 2024. Reuters

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed her intention to attend.

Following a Capitol luncheon, Trump will lead a motorcade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

Military regiments, school bands, and floats will join the procession, which ends with a viewing stand at the White House.

Getting to work

Trump allies suggest his first day in office will bring a "blizzard of executive orders." These will target border security, immigration enforcement, and energy production.

U.S. President Donald Trump displaus the "Space Policy Directive 4" after signing the directive establish a Space Force as the sixth branch of the Armed Forces in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 19, 2019.Reuters

Plans include restarting border wall construction, sending more troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, and issuing pardons for individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Who covers the cost?

Trump’s inauguration committee, chaired by allies Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler, is funding the events. Major companies like Amazon and Meta have pledged $1 million each.

The swearing-in ceremony costs are taxpayer-funded, but the committee covers all other expenses. Trump’s 2017 inauguration raised $106.7 million, a record at the time.

Supporters of Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump react at the site of the rally for Trump, in Palm Beach County Convention Center, in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024. Reuters

On Sunday night, Trump will hold a "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" in downtown Washington. The event is expected to draw thousands of supporters to the capital.

This rally will be Trump’s first in Washington, D.C., since the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.