On January 19, 2025, in Washington, DC, the U.S. Capitol and frozen U.S. Capitol Pool were visible as preparations were underway for the Inauguration Day ceremony scheduled for the following day. Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his second term in office. This historic moment comes after Trump’s previous presidency from 2017 to 2021, making him the second President in American history to serve two nonconsecutive terms. Notably, Trump will be the first President with a felony conviction to assume the presidency.
Due to extreme cold weather forecasts, organizers decided to move the Inauguration indoors to the United States Capitol Rotunda. Over 220,000 tickets were issued by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for the swearing-in ceremony, which typically takes place outside the U.S. Capitol building. This event follows a tumultuous transition of power in 2020, marred by tension and the storming of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021.
In contrast, this year’s transition has been more peaceful, with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris planning to attend Trump’s Inauguration on January 20. The day’s program will include various ceremonies, events, and performances, in addition to the swearing-in ceremony.
The tradition of Inauguration Day occurring on January 20 traces back to the ratification of the 20th Amendment in 1933, moving the date up from March. Initially, Inauguration Day was set for March 4, 1789, with George Washington taking office on April 30 due to delays caused by harsh winter conditions. The shift to January was influenced by advancements in technology and infrastructure, reducing the gap between Election Day and Inauguration Day.
Looking back at Trump’s 2017 Inauguration, organizers faced challenges securing performers for the event. Acts such as Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the Rockettes ultimately entertained the crowd. As for the 2025 Inauguration, artists scheduled to perform included Carrie Underwood, Christopher Macchio, and Lee Greenwood, with plans adjusting due to the change in venue to the Capitol Rotunda.
Washington D.C. is gearing up for a grand celebration as the 2017 Presidential Inauguration approaches. The capital city is abuzz with preparations for the Make America Great Again victory rally, set to take place on the eve of the inauguration. The lineup of performers is nothing short of spectacular, with multiplatinum artists like Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Jason Aldean ready to take the stage. The iconic disco band, The Village People, will also be making a special appearance, promising a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Adding to the excitement, Liberty University’s Praise Choir is set to grace the Liberty Ball with their soul-stirring melodies. Attendees can also look forward to surprise performances by a mystery musical guest at the Commander-in-Chief Ball and the Starlight Ball. Rascal Flatts, Parker McCollum, and Gavin DeGraw are among the talented singer-songwriters who will be lending their voices to the festivities, ensuring that the night is filled with music that will resonate with all in attendance.
As anticipation builds for the inauguration ceremony itself, the question arises: which inauguration in history boasted the largest crowd? While official estimates for events on the National Mall are not released by the National Park Service, it is widely acknowledged that former President Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009 drew a record-breaking crowd of approximately 1.8 million people. The sheer magnitude of attendees on that historic day left an indelible mark on the nation’s capital.
In contrast, President Trump’s 2017 inauguration, with its shift indoors to the U.S. Capitol rotunda, is expected to see a more modest turnout of a few hundred individuals. The discrepancy in crowd sizes between the two inaugurations has been a subject of contention, with conflicting claims regarding the actual number of attendees. Former press secretary Sean Spicer’s assertion that Trump’s inauguration boasted the largest audience, both in person and globally, ignited a firestorm of debate.
An expert analysis commissioned by The New York Times estimated that the attendance at Trump’s inauguration was roughly one-third of the crowd present at Obama’s first inauguration. The differing figures have fueled speculation and scrutiny, highlighting the significance of the inaugural crowd size as a barometer of public interest and support.
As the nation prepares to witness the transfer of power from one administration to the next, the atmosphere in Washington D.C. is charged with excitement and anticipation. The rich tapestry of musical performances and celebratory events scheduled for the inauguration promises a memorable start to President Trump’s term in office.
For further insights and updates on the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, reach out to journalist Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of this historic event.
