January 20, 2025, marks the day President-Elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office. There will be several events and ceremonies anticipating the peaceful transfer of power.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) makes limited tickets available to watch the Inauguration at the Capitol building in D.C. Although the tickets are free, there’s no public website where you can get a ticket yourself; you have to be given a ticket from a member of Congress.
The events of inauguration day include the procession to the Capitol, the President and Vice-President swearing-in ceremony, inaugural address, honorary departure of the previous President, signing ceremony, inaugural luncheon, and finally, the pass in review.
Procession to the Capitol
Members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies travel to the White House to escort the President-elect, Vice President-elect, and their spouses to the Capitol for the Inaugural Ceremonies. The President-elect and the outgoing President will then go to the Capitol together, awaiting the swearing-in ceremonies. This firmly established protocol is based on a tradition from the 1700s.
Vice President’s Swearing-In Ceremony
Before the President-elect takes the oath of office, the Vice President-elect will step onto the Inaugural platform on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol and repeat the oath of office:
“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.”
President’s Swearing-In Ceremony
After the Vice President is sworn in, the president-elect steps onto the platform and delivers their oath:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Inaugural Address
George Washington delivered the first-ever inaugural address on April 30, 1789. Not only was Washington’s address the first inaugural address, but it was also the shortest, with only 135 words. On the other hand, William Henry Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address on a rainy day on March 4, 1841, with a total of 8,445 words. Harrison died only one month later of pneumonia, and many believe it was caused by his prolonged inaugural address in the cold and rain.
Many Presidents have given their address before taking the oath. But, in the modern day, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court administers the oath first, followed by the President’s speech.
Honorary Departure
Before the 20th century, the departing President also usually accompanied the newly elected President on the carriage ride from the Capitol to the White House after the Inauguration. Now, the new Vice President and President escort the outgoing Vice President and President (along with their spouses) out of the Capitol through a military cordon. Since 1977, the outgoing President and Vice President have left via helicopter.
Signing Ceremony
The newly elected President then moves to the President’s Room just off the Senate Chamber in the U.S. Capitol. This is where the new President gathers with aides and Members of Congress to sign nominations. While the President’s room was used to sign historic legislation in the past, today, it is mainly for ceremonial purposes.
Inaugural Luncheon
The JCCIC hosts the inaugural luncheon for the new President, Vice-President, and guests. The luncheon takes place at Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol, and the menu usually reflects the taste of the incoming President and Vice-President. For example, President Truman’s luncheon consisted of South Carolina turkey, Smithfield Ham, potato salad, and pumpkin pie.
Pass in Review
After the end of the Inaugural day ceremonies, the President and Vice President will walk to the East front steps of the Capitol to review military troops before leading the big parade. The parade will consist of ceremonial military regiments, citizens’ groups, marching bands, and floats down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
