In an unprecedented comeback following his 2020 reelection loss, former President Donald Trump was elected to a second term as President of the United States.
Donald Trump will hold two nonconsecutive terms as president, making him the second person in American history to do so.
Trump thanked “the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president and your 45th president” after his resounding victory was confirmed. He also claimed that his “political victory” was one “that our country has never seen before.”
In modern American history, the former and soon-to-be president is the first person with a criminal conviction to win the presidency. The nation’s attention will be on the official transition on Inauguration Day next year, when Trump returns to Washington, D.C.
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Inauguration Day 2025: A Historic Ceremony
The United States will celebrate Inauguration Day on Monday, January 20, 2025, marking the beginning of the new presidential term. This significant event, held every four years, will take place at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The inauguration ceremony includes the swearing-in of the President and Vice President, symbolizing a peaceful transition of power and commitment to upholding the Constitution.
Inauguration Day Events: A Tradition of Democracy
Inauguration Day marks the official start of the President and Vice President’s term. Planned by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the day includes several traditional events.
Swearing-In Ceremony
The ceremony begins with the swearing-in of the President and Vice President, where they take the oath of office, pledging to uphold the Constitution and serve the nation.
Inaugural Address
Following the oath, the President delivers the inaugural address, outlining their vision and priorities for the term ahead.
Pass in Review
After the address, the President participates in a pass in review to honor the armed forces, symbolizing their role in supporting the new administration.
The Presidential Oath of Office: A Constitutional Pledge
At noon on Inauguration Day, the president-elect formally becomes the President of the United States by reciting the presidential oath of office. This oath, outlined in Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution, serves as a commitment to uphold the nation’s laws and protect its principles.
The Oath’s Wording
The oath reads: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
The Significance of the Oath
By taking this oath, the President affirms their dedication to democracy and commitment to safeguarding the rights of all Americans.
The Vice Presidential Oath: A Commitment to Service
Before the president-elect takes the oath of office, the vice president-elect is also sworn in, affirming their dedication to uphold the nation’s principles. Unlike the President, the Vice President recites the same oath of office taken by U.S. senators, representatives, and other federal employees.
The Oath’s Wording
The vice presidential oath is as follows:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
The Meaning of the Oath
This oath signifies the Vice President’s pledge to protect the Constitution and to serve the nation with integrity, reinforcing the values of loyalty, responsibility, and dedication.
Inauguration Day Events: A Detailed Overview
Inauguration Day is marked by several significant events, culminating in the new president’s formal assumption of office. Here is the full schedule of events:
Procession to the Capitol
The outgoing president accompanies the president-elect to the U.S. Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony.
Vice President’s Swearing-In Ceremony
The vice president-elect takes the oath of office before the president-elect, officially beginning their term.
President’s Swearing-In Ceremony
The president-elect then repeats the oath of office, formally becoming the President of the United States.
Inaugural Address
The newly sworn-in president delivers their inaugural address, outlining their vision and goals for the nation’s future.
Honorary Departure
The outgoing president and first lady leave the Capitol, marking the official end of their term.
Signing Ceremony
The new president proceeds to the President’s Room to sign important documents, including nominations, proclamations, and sometimes executive orders.
Inaugural Luncheon
The president heads to Statuary Hall in the Capitol for the traditional Inaugural Luncheon, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).
Pass in Review
The president and vice president make their way to the east front steps of the Capitol to review military personnel, before leading a procession down Pennsylvania Avenue, featuring military units, ceremonial regiments, marching bands, and floats en route to the White House.