
A star-studded lineup awaits at Donald Trump’s second inauguration, yet attendees must brace for the coldest inauguration day in four decades.
At a Glance
- Performers include Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood.
- Xi Jinping sends envoy instead of attending.
- Harsh Arctic blast forecast for Washington, D.C.
- Bipartisan attendance includes Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Event Details and Guest List
As Trump prepares for his second presidential term on January 20, 2025, the list of attendees and performers set the tone for a grand occasion. Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood headline the performances. The guest list includes prominent figures such as President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. While notable Democrats like Michelle Obama and Nancy Pelosi will not be attending, former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton are expected.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was invited but will send an envoy in his place. Additionally, TikTok CEO Shou Chew plans to attend. Much attention is also directed towards the Legacy of Freedom Ball, drawing celebrities such as Waka Flocka, Fivio Foreign, and Antonio Brown.
Performance Lineup and Ceremonial Acts
The event will feature performances from The Village People, Lee Greenwood, and Christopher Macchio. Franklin Graham and New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan will deliver the invocation. The four-day celebration includes three inaugural balls, receptions, a wreath-laying ceremony, a victory rally, a church service, and a parade.
“Zuckerberg is also co-hosting a reception with billionaire Republican donors for Trump’s inauguration, according to the Associated Press,” per the Associated Press.
With the presence of bipartisan leaders, the event serves as a solidifying moment for Trump after previous contentious elections. Despite raising $170 million, the event remains smaller when compared to earlier inaugurations of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Performances by Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus at related events further enhance the ceremony’s appeal.
Weather Considerations and Broadcast Information
A chilling Arctic blast is expected, making it the coldest inauguration in 40 years with temperatures predicted in the low 20s. This extreme weather poses challenges for attendees who will gather in Washington, D.C., on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, impacting bank and stock market closures. Major networks, including ABC, CNN, Fox News, NBC, and the White House website, will broadcast the event live.
Opening remarks and musical performances will begin at 9:30 a.m. EST, followed by the swearing-in ceremony at 12 p.m. EST. Ceremonial plans include a service at St John’s Church, tea at the White House, an inauguration at the U.S. Capitol, a lunch, and a parade.