Early in the afternoon of January 20, Donald Trump will become the 45th president of the United States after taking the oath of office at the Capitol, in what will be the country’s 58th inauguration ceremony.
The president-elect’s Inaugural Committee has released a schedule of official events for three days of celebrations, but some of the details have not yet been made public. The weekend, according to the Trump team, kicks off on January 19.
Thursday, January 19
Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Where: Arlington National Cemetery
When: TBD
Details: Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence will honor the country’s veterans at the U.S. military cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Where: Arlington National Cemetery
When: TBD
Details: Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence will honor the country’s veterans at the U.S. military cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Welcome Concert
Where: Lincoln Memorial
When: TBD
Details: The inaugural events officially start with this event, which will include a concert and appearances by Trump and Pence.
Where: Lincoln Memorial
When: TBD
Details: The inaugural events officially start with this event, which will include a concert and appearances by Trump and Pence.
Vice President-elect Mike Pence, right, introduces President-elect Donald Trump during an event in Orlando, Florida, on December 16. The two men will be sworn into office on January 20 at the U.S. Capitol.LUCAS JACKSON/REUTERS
Friday, January 20
Inaugural Swearing-In Ceremony
Where: West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building
When: Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m.; opening remarks at 11:30 a.m.; swearing in at noon by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Jr.
Details: The Trump and Pence families will join them, as will members of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, diplomatic corps and other invited guests.
Where: West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building
When: Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m.; opening remarks at 11:30 a.m.; swearing in at noon by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Jr.
Details: The Trump and Pence families will join them, as will members of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, diplomatic corps and other invited guests.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and America’s Got Talent alumna Jackie Evancho have accepted invitations to perform at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. Breaking with a tradition that has stretched back 11 presidents, Trump has replaced the inauguration announcer, instead tapping Steve Ray, a Washington-based announcer who has worked with MLB’s Washington Nationals.
Hillary Clinton, who lost to Trump, will attend the inauguration with her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, as well as former President Jimmy Carter, also will be there. Former presidents typically attend the ceremonial transfer of power. But Bush’s father, former President George H.W. Bush, won’t be in attendance because of his health.
Inauguration tickets and map revealed bit.ly/2j8vAd1
Inaugural Parade
Where: Starts at the steps of the Capitol Building and proceeds along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
When: Begins after the inauguration ends
Details: Trump, Pence and their families will be escorted down Pennsylvania Avenue, followed by parade participants. A ticket is required for special viewing areas.
Where: Starts at the steps of the Capitol Building and proceeds along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
When: Begins after the inauguration ends
Details: Trump, Pence and their families will be escorted down Pennsylvania Avenue, followed by parade participants. A ticket is required for special viewing areas.
Thirty-four local and six national groups will participate, according to Roll Call. Despite protests by some alumni, Talladega College is sending its marching band for the parade. (The historically black school is located in Alabama.) The New York-based Rockettes also are slated to perform.
Many streets will be closed along the parade route and around the National Mall. D.C. officials have created a website and Twitter account to help residents prepare for the event. Social media users can ask questions with the hashtag #Inaug2017.
View the route here.
Inaugural Balls
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center and National Building Museum
When: TBD
Details: At least three official inaugural balls are planned, and they will feature dancing, entertainment and appearances by Trump and his wife, Melania. The two main balls will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and the Salute to Our Armed Services Ball will be at the National Building Museum, according to The Washington Post. There also will be several unofficial balls on this night. Landmarks and themes from New York, Trump’s hometown, will dominate the “Big Apple Ball,” the New York Daily News says.
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center and National Building Museum
When: TBD
Details: At least three official inaugural balls are planned, and they will feature dancing, entertainment and appearances by Trump and his wife, Melania. The two main balls will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and the Salute to Our Armed Services Ball will be at the National Building Museum, according to The Washington Post. There also will be several unofficial balls on this night. Landmarks and themes from New York, Trump’s hometown, will dominate the “Big Apple Ball,” the New York Daily News says.
Saturday, January 21
National Prayer Service
Where: Washington National Cathedral
When: TBD
Details: This will be an interfaith prayer service.
Where: Washington National Cathedral
When: TBD
Details: This will be an interfaith prayer service.
What Is the Cost of Inauguration?
The District of Columbia so far has spent the $19 million that was appropriated for the inauguration. Mayor Muriel Bowser said she expects the cost will reach $30 million. But this year is “not unlike previous years where they spent more than the appropriations,” she said during an inauguration press briefing on January 6.
How Many Will Attend?
As with any inauguration, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit and celebrate the event, while others are planning to descend on the town to protest the incoming president and his vice president. At the press briefing, Bowser declined to predict how many will attend the event. Instead, she said her team is planning for the largest number possible and basing its plans on past inaugurations.
The U.S. Secret Service is the lead agency responsible for overseeing security plans for the inauguration. Bowser said it has prepared for all potential threats that may arise. In addition to the presence of D.C. police, Secret Service and other federal and local law enforcement officers, along with 3,000 police officers from other localities, will assist. Also, 5,000 National Guardsmen will help in downtown D.C. to protect the perimeter around the parade route, Bowser said.
Her team has prepared for “any and all circumstances,” as well as for people to visit the city and exercise their First Amendment rights. Many groups have applied for permits to do so through the U.S. Park Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. The Park Service has received at least 23 permit requests from groups seeking to demonstrate in favor of and against Trump, The New York Times reported. The Metropolitan Police granted three permits for Freedom Plaza demonstrations, the director of the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, Chris Geldart, said at the January 6 briefing.
“We expect people to comply with their permits. We expect them to exercise their rights peacefully, and we’ll be prepared should anybody choose not to,” Bowser said. Officials will treat every attendee as the general public because there aren’t designated areas for demonstrating.
Trump’s inauguration committee has been providing information to and communicating with D.C. residents and business owners about the weekend events.
Anything Else?
Trump’s team has made available inaugural merchandise that includes lapel pins, pint glasses, coffee mugs, buttons, koozies, T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, tote bags and fleece blankets.
Supporters can enter to win a trip to D.C. for the inauguration by contributing a minimum of $3 before January 13.
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