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Edited by: Fern Sidman
The inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, marking his historic return to the White House, promises to be a grand affair spanning four days of festivities from Saturday, January 18, to Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee unveiled the detailed schedule on Monday, highlighting a mix of solemn ceremonies, celebratory events, and public gatherings aimed at showcasing Trump’s America First agenda. The festivities will include fireworks, inaugural balls, a parade, and the official swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.
With a record-breaking $170 million raised for the inauguration, Trump’s return to the presidency has already set a historic benchmark. According to the U.S. Secret Service, at least 250,000 attendees are expected to join the celebrations, underscoring the enthusiasm surrounding the event. In a statement, inaugural co-chairs Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler emphasized the symbolic significance of this moment. “The 2025 inaugural celebrations will reflect President-elect Trump’s historic return to the White House and the American people’s decisive vote to Make America Great Again,” they said.
The inauguration kicks off Saturday evening with fireworks at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia. Later that night, the Cabinet Reception and Vice President’s Dinner will be held at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. These events serve as a celebratory prelude, bringing together key members of the incoming administration and their supporters.
Sunday’s schedule begins with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. This tradition honors the sacrifices of America’s military and underscores the administration’s commitment to national defense and veterans’ issues.
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— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) January 15, 2025
Later that afternoon, Trump will deliver remarks at the “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., at 3 p.m. The rally is expected to draw thousands of supporters, emphasizing the movement’s enduring momentum. The day will conclude with a candlelight dinner at the National Building Museum, where Trump will address attendees, highlighting the vision of his administration.
Monday will be the centerpiece of the inauguration, beginning with a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, followed by a tea reception at the White House. The official swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol is scheduled for noon, where Trump will take the oath of office alongside Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. Following tradition, the ceremony will include a farewell to outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and a U.S. Capitol Departure Ceremony.
Key events of the day also include:
The President’s Signing Room Ceremony: Symbolizing the beginning of the new administration.
The Joint Congressional Luncheon: Hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
The President’s Review of the Troops: A long-standing tradition where the president observes military forces.
The Presidential Parade will then take place along Pennsylvania Avenue, featuring nearly 7,500 participants, from marching bands to military units. This year’s parade will spotlight first responders from Butler County, Pennsylvania, where Trump survived an assassination attempt during the campaign.
The evening will culminate with three inaugural balls: the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball, and the Starlight Ball, where Trump will deliver remarks to celebrate the administration’s vision with supporters and dignitaries.
We need every state to fly the flag at full staff. @RonDeSantis @GovKathyHochul @GavinNewsom @SarahHuckabee https://t.co/TZxWnKdSCM
— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) January 14, 2025
On Tuesday, the inauguration concludes with the interfaith National Prayer Service at 11 a.m. at Washington National Cathedral. This event symbolizes unity and hope, bringing together diverse religious leaders and faith traditions to offer blessings for the administration and the nation.
The inauguration’s robust schedule reflects Trump’s commitment to showcasing his America First principles and connecting with his base. As the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee noted, the celebrations aim to unite the country under the ideals of strength, security, and opportunity. From honoring the military to engaging with supporters at rallies and inaugural balls, the events encapsulate the spirit of Trump’s historic return to the presidency.
This inauguration marks not only a transfer of power but also a reaffirmation of the movement that propelled Trump back to the White House, promising to continue shaping the country’s future through his bold vision.
Religious Leaders Offering Benedictions
The 2025 presidential inauguration of Donald J. Trump is set to feature a lineup of religious leaders delivering benedictions, including figures whose backgrounds have ignited discussions about unity and controversy. According to information provided by The Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), Rabbi Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, and Imam Husham Al-Husainy, a leader with a contentious past concerning Hezbollah, will deliver prayers immediately following Trump’s inaugural address.
Rabbi Berman, 54, who has led Yeshiva University since 2016, expressed his honor at being part of this historic moment. “It is a profound privilege to offer a prayer of unity and hope on behalf of Yeshiva University and for all Americans at this historic moment,” he wrote on X, accompanied by a photo of himself preparing for the occasion. Under his leadership, Yeshiva University has experienced significant growth, solidifying its status as a flagship institution for Jewish education in the United States, noted JNS.
Imam Al-Husainy, representing the Karbalaa Islamic Center in Dearborn, Michigan, has drawn criticism for his refusal to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization and for his attendance at a 2006 pro-Hezbollah rally during Israel’s conflict with the Iranian proxy. JNS reported that at the rally, Al-Husainy held a photo of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, who was recently eliminated in an Israeli strike. Al-Husainy’s past invocations, including one at a Democratic National Committee meeting in 2007, have also been scrutinized for their criticisms of U.S. military actions.
The Trump transition team has not commented on Al-Husainy’s selection, JNS noted. Critics have questioned the inclusion of a figure with such a polarizing history, while others argue that it reflects an effort to embrace diverse perspectives in a ceremony aimed at national unity.
Trump’s selection of these faith leaders for the benedictions may signal a desire to showcase diverse religious perspectives, despite the stark differences in political and cultural viewpoints represented. As The Forward emphasized, the inclusion of leaders such as Rabbi Berman and Imam Al-Husainy adds a layer of complexity to the inaugural ceremony, given the significant tensions and disagreements surrounding the Israel-Hamas war.
Rabbi Berman and Yeshiva University spokespeople did not immediately respond to The Forward’s inquiries regarding his selection for this high-profile role.
By featuring voices from such distinct backgrounds, the inauguration may serve as a microcosm of the complex religious and political landscape in the United States, one where faith often intersects with contentious social and political issues.
Entertainers at the Inauguration
The Associated Press reported on Monday that country music star Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s inauguration next week and the 1970s hitmakers Village People will perform at two inaugural events.
Underwood, who launched her career on “American Idol,” is to perform shortly before Trump takes the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, according to a copy of the inaugural program provided to The Associated Press on Monday.
“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said in a statement Monday. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
American disco group the Village People made a name for themselves in the late-70s for their chant-along dance-pop hits and their colorful on-stage personas. Their best known hit, “Y.M.C.A.,” is widely considered a gay anthem — and became a staple of Trump’s rallies in the last election, along with their hit “Macho Man.”
The AP also reported that the American disco group is set to perform at one of Trump’s inaugural balls and a rally he’s holding in Washington the day before he’s sworn in.
According to the AP report, the band took to Facebook to emphasize that music should transcend politics, stating, “Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign.” The group’s performance is slated for Sunday at the “MAGA Victory” rally in Washington, a campaign-style event that underscores Trump’s continued appeal to his base.
Other notable performers include country music legend Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio. Greenwood will perform as Trump walks out to take the oath of office, while Macchio, a longtime favorite of the president, will sing the National Anthem. The AP report highlighted Macchio’s prior appearances at Trump events, including the Republican National Convention and rallies where he captivated audiences with his vocal talent.
In a break from past traditions, this inauguration will see President Joe Biden attending Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, signifying an effort to foster unity after years of political division. Incoming Vice President JD Vance will also play a significant role, hosting events for Cabinet members and participating in the inaugural festivities.
The festivities extend beyond official events, with AP noting a variety of unofficial gatherings organized by conservative groups and supporters. These include Turning Point USA’s ball and the Legacy of Freedom Ball, which will feature celebrities such as Waka Flocka and Antonio Brown.
With a diverse lineup of events and performers, the AP has reported that the objective of Trump’s second inauguration us to emphasize both celebration and reconciliation, reflecting the administration’s stated goal of uniting the nation under the banner of strength and opportunity.
Historical Evolution of Inaugurations
Initially, inaugurations were modest affairs. George Washington’s took place in New York City, the nation’s first capital, setting precedents for future ceremonies. Over time, the events grew in complexity and grandeur, incorporating parades, balls, and extensive public participation. The 20th Amendment, ratified in 1933, shifted Inauguration Day from March 4 to January 20, reducing the transition period and modernizing the process.
The tradition of presidential inaugural balls in the United States has evolved significantly since its inception, serving as both a celebration of democratic transition and a reflection of the nation’s cultural values. A pivotal figure in establishing this tradition was Dolley Madison, whose influence set enduring precedents for inaugural festivities.
The first inaugural ball was held on May 7, 1789, in New York City, one week after George Washington’s inauguration. However, it was Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison, who institutionalized the inaugural ball as a central event in Washington, D.C. On March 4, 1809, the evening of her husband’s inauguration, Dolley hosted a grand ball at Long’s Hotel near the Capitol. Approximately 400 guests attended, each paying $4 for a ticket—a considerable sum at the time. Dolley’s charm and social acumen were on full display; she arrived draped in a low-cut, buff velvet gown with a long train, embodying an American interpretation of regality.
This event was not merely a social gathering but a strategic move to foster unity and goodwill in the young republic. Dolley’s reputation as a gracious hostess and her ability to bring together individuals from diverse political backgrounds were instrumental in setting a precedent for future inaugural celebrations.
Following the success of the 1809 ball, inaugural celebrations became more elaborate. By 1833, during Andrew Jackson’s second inauguration, two balls were held, and in 1841, three balls marked William Henry Harrison’s inauguration. Temporary structures were even erected to accommodate the growing number of attendees, such as those for Zachary Taylor’s inauguration in 1849 and James Buchanan’s in 1857.
However, not all presidents embraced the tradition. Franklin Pierce canceled the inaugural ball in 1853 due to mourning the recent death of his son. Woodrow Wilson deemed the events too extravagant and omitted them in 1913, and Warren G. Harding followed suit in 1921, aiming to set an example of simplicity. It wasn’t until Harry S. Truman’s second inauguration in 1949 that the official inaugural ball was reinstated, reflecting a renewed public appetite for such festivities.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of inaugural balls in 2021, highlighting the adaptability of traditions in response to contemporary challenges. Despite such interruptions, the essence of inaugural balls—as a celebration of democracy, unity, and national identity—remains steadfast.
Inaugural addresses offer presidents a platform to articulate their vision and inspire the nation. John F. Kennedy’s 1961 address, crafted by speechwriter Ted Sorensen, is particularly renowned. Kennedy’s call to action, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” resonated deeply, encapsulating a spirit of civic duty and optimism that galvanized a generation.
First Ladies have often used inaugural fashion to make cultural and political statements. Jacqueline Kennedy’s ensemble during her husband’s 1961 inauguration, especially her pillbox hat, became emblematic of 1960s style, reflecting elegance and modernity. Such fashion choices influence public perception and can set trends, highlighting the intersection of politics and culture.
Inaugurations are also steeped in traditions that symbolize continuity and stability. The oath of office, inaugural parades, and balls are time-honored practices. Notably, attire has evolved; early inaugurations featured formal morning coats and top hats, a practice that has shifted to more contemporary suits in recent decades.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first inauguration in 1933 occurred during the Great Depression. His address, asserting that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” aimed to restore public confidence. The subsequent inaugural ball featured First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in a light blue gown, symbolizing hope and resilience.
Presidential inaugurations are more than procedural formalities; they are rich tapestries woven with historical significance, cultural expressions, and societal values. Through eloquent speeches and symbolic fashion, these events reflect and influence the nation’s identity, leaving lasting impressions on American society.
