Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States today in a historic ceremony moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.
The 78-year-old’s return to the White House will mark an extraordinary political comeback following his victory over Kamala Harris in November’s election.
Trump will be only the second American President to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland in the 19th century.
The inauguration will take place at noon in Washington DC (5pm GMT) with the procession to the White House taking place around 3pm ET (8pm GMT).
Breaking with tradition due to temperatures projected to fall below -12C, the inauguration ceremony will take place inside the Capitol building rather than on its western steps facing the National Mall.
Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States today in a historic ceremony moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda
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“I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of law enforcement, first responders, police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
He noted the Rotunda had previously been used for Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in 1985, as crowds are expected to congregate in the Capital One Arena, with Trump promising to join the crowd there after his swearing-in ceremony.
JD Vance, Trump’s vice-presidential pick, will first take his oath of office, placing his hand on a bible under the supervision of the chief justice.
Trump will then recite the historic presidential oath, unchanged since George Washington’s time: “I do solemnly swear 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. So help me God.”
Following the swearing-in, Trump will deliver his inaugural address outlining his vision for America and will then have lunch with his Vice-President at the Capitol before inspecting a parade of US troops from the eastern steps.
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Meanwhile, Joe and Jill Biden will make their formal departure from the White House by helicopter, while Barack Obama will attend without Michelle.
Outgoing President Joe Biden said he was “determined to do everything I can to respect the peaceful transfer of power and restore the traditions we have long respected in America”.
President Xi of China is among several world leaders invited, with Argentina’s President Milei confirming his attendance.
Elon Musk is expected to be present, alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, despite the Clacton MP’s recent public disagreement with Musk over activist Tommy Robinson.
Country star Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” during the swearing-in ceremony, who said she was “humbled to answer the call” and urged Americans to “come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future”.
The Village People will also feature in the inauguration celebrations, performing at several Washington parties, while the disco group’s frontman Victor Willis, 73, acknowledged their preferred candidate had lost the election but said: “Music is to be performed without regard to politics”.
The band’s hits “YMCA” and “Macho Man” became unexpected anthems during Trump’s campaign trail, complete with the President-elect’s signature dance moves
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The band’s hits “YMCA” and “Macho Man” became unexpected anthems during Trump’s campaign trail, complete with the President-elect’s signature dance moves.
Security for today’s ceremony has been heightened after two assassination attempts against Trump last year, as well as the more recent New Orleans terrorist attack on New Year’s Day.
The District of Columbia National Guard will deploy 8,000 troops around the security perimeter, with thousands more federal agents and police protecting the event, as the Secret Service and FBI spearhead security arrangements during a hectic fortnight of events in Washington.
“This has never happened before,” Matt McCool, the Secret Service special agent in charge of the Washington field office, told AP of the packed schedule.
“But we’re flexible and adaptable – we’re going to be prepared.”
The day’s events will conclude with Trump and his team attending three inaugural balls across Washington in the evening.