Donald Trump’s inauguration as the nation’s 47th president was poised to be a lavish departure from tradition, but was ultimately moved indoors due to cold weather. The event is still expected to feature renowned performers, influential billionaires, and foreign dignitaries. Unlike his first inauguration eight years ago, Trump is now being embraced by business leaders and global figures who had previously kept their distance. Here are some highlights to anticipate during Trump’s inauguration:
As Trump gathers inside the Capitol Rotunda, who else will be in attendance? Melania Trump, the president-elect’s five children, and grandchildren are expected to be present. Notably, Don Jr. and Lara Trump have seen their influence grow over the past year. Additionally, the fathers of Trump’s sons-in-law have secured key advisory roles. While Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have taken a backseat, they are likely to attend the event, as they did on election night. Due to limited space in the Rotunda, only a select few will be able to attend, including Supreme Court justices, military leaders, former presidents, Cabinet nominees, and visiting dignitaries. Some Democratic lawmakers have opted out of the ceremony, despite the customary attendance of all 535 members of Congress.
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Shou Zi Chew, Jeff Bezos, and Sam Altman have been invited to the dais for the occasion. Country music icon Carrie Underwood is set to perform “America the Beautiful,” followed by Trump’s swearing-in by Chief Justice John Roberts. The surprise addition of the Village People, famous for their hit song “Y.M.C.A.,” adds a nostalgic touch to the event.
Other performers include opera singer Christopher Macchio, who will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and country singer Lee Greenwood with his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA.” Singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw will also entertain attendees at one of the three balls Trump is scheduled to attend, with additional performances by Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, and Rascal Flatts at the other balls.
Known for his lengthy and impassioned speeches, Trump’s inaugural address in 2017 focused on his campaign themes, vowing to address economic challenges and prioritize national interests. This time, his key promise involves an ambitious deportation operation and tighter border security. His speech is anticipated to outline plans for a new era of prosperity and security for the country.
In recent days, President Trump has reiterated his commitment to imposing tariffs on imports, unveiling further details on his strategies to achieve this objective. Speaking to NBC News, Trump previewed the central themes of his upcoming inaugural address, emphasizing the importance of unity, strength, and fairness. “Because you have to be treating people fairly,” Trump insisted, citing the need to address past grievances and ensure equitable treatment moving forward.
Breaking from tradition, Trump has extended invitations to foreign leaders to attend his inauguration, marking a departure from past protocols where heads of state did not typically make official visits for such events. Chinese President Xi Jinping was among the first to receive an invitation, although he will not be in attendance. Instead, Vice President Han Zheng will represent China at the ceremony. Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have confirmed their acceptance of Trump’s invitation, signaling a diverse array of international representation at the upcoming inauguration. Additionally, the offices of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña have expressed their intent to attend the event.
As President Trump prepares to embark on his second term, his focus on implementing tariffs remains a cornerstone of his economic policies. By emphasizing the principles of unity, strength, and fairness in his upcoming address, Trump seeks to set a tone of inclusivity and accountability for his administration. Moreover, the presence of foreign dignitaries at the inauguration underscores the global significance of this event and the importance of fostering international relationships in the years ahead.
Stay tuned for further developments as President Trump’s inauguration approaches, promising a mix of political intrigue and diplomatic engagements on the world stage.
