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WASHINGTON, D.C. - President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration will be held on Jan. 20, 2025.
But why this day, and why does it share the day with Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Inauguration Day and the 20th Amendment
The backstory:
Jan. 20 is observed as Inauguration Day because of the 20th Amendment.
If Jan. 20 happens to fall on a Sunday, the oath is still taken on Inauguration Day – just privately – before a public inaugural ceremony on Jan. 21.
Dig deeper:
At one time, according to History.com, a four-month gap pushed Inauguration Day to March of the year following the election. This lengthy lame-duck period often caused problems between the outgoing administration and the incoming administration. In 1933, the time was shortened to January of the year after the election, finally allowing the president-elect to address issues sooner.
What they're saying:
"The 20th amendment to the Constitution specifies that the term of each elected President of the United States begins at noon on January 20 of the year following the election," according to the Architect of the Capitol. "Each president must take the oath of office before assuming the duties of the position."
Are Inauguration Day and MLK Day connected?
The backstory:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
When is MLK Day 2025?
The holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King's birthday, which is on Jan. 15.
Occasionally, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Inauguration Day. However, the two dates are not directly related.
What they're saying:
"We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example—the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility, and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership," according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office. "On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness, and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit."
Inauguration Day 2025 schedule
When is Trump's inauguration?
Trump will be sworn into the White House on Inauguration Day for his second term on Monday, Jan. 20.
What time is the inauguration 2025?
The 60th Presidential Inauguration is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20. The Swearing-In Ceremony is slated to start at 12 p.m.
All inaugural activities will commence on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, including the inaugural swearing-in ceremony of Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and President-elect Donald Trump taking the Oaths of Office, followed by an inaugural address.
The traditional inaugural luncheon will follow.
The timeline for these events typically kicks off at 6 a.m. with security screening followed by musical performances around 9:30 a.m. and opening remarks at 11:30 a.m.
How to get inauguration tickets
Historically, each Member of Congress receives a limited number of tickets to the swearing-in ceremony to distribute to constituents.
Tickets to the ceremony are free and in high-demand.
Anyone who is interested in attending Inauguration Day should contact their Senators or Representative for information about acquiring tickets.
Trump inauguration performers
Country star Carrie Underwood will perform "America the Beautiful" at Trump's inauguration alongside the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, according to the Associated Press.
Other performers will include country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio.
Public viewing areas
If you are not able to get your hands on tickets, there are also public viewing areas for the parade. The parade will begin at 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, near the Canadian Embassy.
Attendees can gather along Pennsylvania Avenue to cheer on the presidential procession and inaugural parade as it makes its way from the U.S. Capitol to the White House. Bleacher seats can be reserved through the 60th Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Inauguration Day parade route
The official Inauguration Day parade route will stretch across D.C. The full route is pictured below:
The parade will begin around 2:30 p.m. on Inauguration Day.
According to Metro, bus routes are expected to detour because of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration. Travelers are advised to allocate extra travel time and consider alternate routes. The closest station being Union Station.
Driving is not recommended.