At noon on January 20, 2025, which is 10:30 pm in India, Donald J. Trump will finally become the United States President for the second time. The inauguration ceremony will occur inside the United States Capitol Rotunda, which was the center of intense activity four years ago as rioters stormed it after the 2020 election.

What makes this inauguration unique

This inauguration is a milestone in U.S. history that is marked by one of the greatest political comebacks ever. Trump is only the second U.S. President who returned to the White House after losing re-election, a feat first achieved by Grover Cleveland back in the late 1800s. Trump skipped the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021 another historical exception that broke the peaceful transfer of power tradition that spanned 150 years.

The inauguration day

Inauguration Day is held every four years on January 20, as stipulated by a constitutional amendment in 1933. Prior to that, presidents were sworn in on March 4. This lag between the November election and the January inauguration provides time for all votes to be certified and for the new administration to prepare for office.

After the November election, although the media often projects the winner quickly, the official process involves the Electoral College, where state electors formally cast their votes in December, and Congress counts and certifies these votes in January. This period also allows the President-elect to make some key appointments and prepare for the responsibilities ahead. As of mid-January, Trump had announced several important nominations, including a new Middle East envoy.

The JCCIC plans the inauguration. Traditionally, it has been held outdoors on the West Front of the Capitol. Because of the extreme cold, Trump decided to hold the 2025 inauguration indoors in the Rotunda, a first since Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in 1985.

Although there will be limited space, political leaders, entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, and international dignitaries will be present. However, the majority of the 200,000 guests who have been invited will view from other venues. One of those venues is the Capital One Arena, where Trump will join the crowd after his swearing-in.

Trump will begin his day with a service at St. John's Episcopal Church. He will then go to have tea with President Biden and the First Lady before proceeding to the Capitol for musical performances, religious rites, and where the oath-taking will be done. 

Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the presidential oath, and Justice Brett Kavanaugh will be responsible for the vice-presidential oath of J.D. Vance. Trump will take the presidential oath on the Bible given to him by his mother and the historic Lincoln Bible.

After the ceremony, there will be a parade along the traditional route from the Capitol to the White House. Trump will then give his Inaugural Address, followed by a farewell to President Biden, a signing ceremony, and an Inaugural Luncheon.

The presidential oath is the only part of the inauguration that is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Since 1884, the words of the oath have not changed: “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.” This solemn promise is made with a hand on the Bible, a tradition started by George Washington.

Donald Trump inauguration: How and when to watch

Donald Trump will be inaugurated on January 20 at 12:00 pm ET (5:00 pm GMT, 4:00 am AEDT on Tuesday).

In India, it can be watched live on January 20 at 10:30 pm.

The White House will stream the ceremony: https://www.whitehouse.gov

The event will also be broadcast live on the White House's social media platforms, which include YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

The ceremony will also be broadcast live by major news networks, including NBC, CNN, ABC, and Fox News.

As Trump assumes office, the nation will witness how his administration opens a new chapter in American politics.