WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump, who surmounted impeachments, criminal charges, and two assassination attempts to secure another term in the White House, is poised to be inaugurated as the 47th U.S. president on Monday. With Republicans now in unified control of Washington, they are primed to reshape the country’s institutions.
Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, relocated indoors due to frigid temperatures, is scheduled to commence at noon ET. Festivities will kick off earlier as the incoming president attends a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Key Updates:
Transition turmoil
The “transfer of families” is a chaotic Inauguration Day tradition lasting approximately five hours, during which the White House transitions from the outgoing presidential family to the incoming one. While the outgoing and incoming presidents participate in the inaugural ceremony, White House staff scramble to inventory belongings, pack up one family, and ready the residence for its new occupants.
This process wasn’t always as smooth, though. After the disputed election of 1876, outgoing President Ulysses S. Grant suggested that his successor, Rutherford B. Hayes, be sworn in two days early to prevent potential unrest. Hayes complied but took a second oath as scheduled, leading to Grant’s delayed departure from the White House.
Unprecedented pardons
President Biden has set a new record for individual pardons and commutations, having announced on Friday that he would commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. He also commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 people on federal death row, converting their penalties to life imprisonment right before Trump, a vocal advocate for expanding capital punishment, assumes office. Trump oversaw an unparalleled series of executions—13—in a drawn-out timeline during the pandemic.
Biden grants clemency to Fauci and Milley in a precautionary move against potential retaliation by Trump
In his final hours, President Joe Biden has pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that probed the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Biden employed the extraordinary powers of his office to shield against potential “revenge” from the incoming Trump administration. Trump had previously warned of an enemies list targeting those who opposed him politically or aimed to hold him accountable for his actions concerning the 2020 election and the Capitol riot.
“The granting of these pardons should not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing by any individual, nor should their acceptance be seen as an acknowledgment of guilt for any offense,” Biden stated. “These public servants deserve our nation’s gratitude for their unwavering devotion to our country.”
▶ Learn more about Biden’s eleventh-hour pardons
Trump to gain control of an existing Twitter account
The official White House X account, boasting 37 million followers, will transition from Joe Biden to Donald Trump around midday. The process mirrors the transfer of the @POTUS account during the
The same applies to the @WhiteHouse, @FLOTUS for the first lady, and @VP for the vice president. Twitter banned Trump’s personal account, @realDonaldTrump, in 2021 following the U.S. Capitol insurrection. However, Trump supporter Elon Musk later acquired Twitter and rebranded it as X. As a result, Trump returned to the platform last summer, although he primarily uses his Truth Social network. Inauguration Day has changed over time and across locations.
In September 1788, Congress mandated that the presidential swearing-in ceremony occur on the first Wednesday in March. Although George Washington wasn’t inaugurated until April 30, 1789, on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, the nation’s capital at the time. The capital later moved to Philadelphia in 1790 before the completion of the White House in 1800. There, Washington was sworn in for his second term in 1793, and John Adams was inaugurated in 1797. Inaugurations typically occurred on March 4 until the Twentieth Amendment in 1933 set the ceremony for noon on Jan. 20. Since Ronald Reagan’s presidency in January 1981, inaugurations have been held on the Capitol’s western front facing the National Mall.
Robert Thompson, a pop culture professor at Syracuse University, noted the potential impact of musicians performing at inaugurations, suggesting that such participation could influence public perception. However, Thompson also highlighted the ongoing stigma surrounding such appearances and the potential for changing opinions about the artists. Notably, participation in national civic rituals might transcend political divides.
At a rally speech in Washington, D.C., Trump criticized Biden’s administration as failed and corrupt, pledging to usher in an era of American strength and prosperity. In contrast to eight years ago when Trump faced challenges in securing star-studded support for his inauguration, current events indicate a shift in mainstream entertainers’ willingness to align with the new administration. Noteworthy celebrities such as Carrie Underwood, Nelly, and The Village People are now openly associating with the administration, reflecting changing dynamics in celebrity endorsements and political affiliations.
In a surprising turn of events, the recent presidential inauguration weekend showcased a diverse array of performers, a departure from the usual star-studded liberal lineup. Among the notable names gracing the stage were Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Village People, Lee Greenwood, Nelly, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, and Gavin DeGraw. This eclectic mix of talent lent a unique MAGA flair to the events, setting the tone for the new administration.
President Trump wasted no time in flexing his executive authority, with plans to sign a multitude of orders on his very first day in office. These orders are expected to touch on a wide range of issues, from deportations and border security to energy policy, federal worker regulations, school gender guidelines, and vaccine requirements. Additionally, Trump aims to address the sale of popular social media platform TikTok through executive action, demonstrating his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises swiftly.
One of the more notable directives in the works is an order to halt the development of offshore wind farms for electricity generation, a move that has garnered attention and sparked debate among lawmakers. With the new administration’s focus on prioritizing domestic interests, such actions are likely to face pushback from the opposing party, setting the stage for potential political showdowns in the days ahead.
Despite the President’s ambitious agenda, some of the executive orders are viewed as symbolic gestures reflecting Trump’s campaign pledges rather than immediate policy changes. This distinction underscores the complexity of governing and the delicate balance between campaign rhetoric and practical governance.
Meanwhile, the decision to maintain the U.S. flag at full-staff during Trump’s inauguration, contrary to the customary lowering of flags following the passing of a former President, has raised eyebrows and drawn scrutiny. This subtle departure from tradition speaks to the unique and unconventional approach of the incoming administration, setting a precedent for a presidency characterized by bold and unorthodox actions.
As the nation adjusts to the new political landscape and anticipates the unfolding of Trump’s policy agenda, the stage is set for a dynamic and eventful term ahead. With a mix of celebrity performances, controversial executive orders, and symbolic gestures, the Trump administration is poised to make its mark on history in ways both expected and unforeseen. The coming days will undoubtedly bring further surprises and challenges as the country navigates the complexities of governance and leadership in a rapidly changing world.
