On January 20, following a tumultuous initial term characterized by a divisive election year, two impeachment proceedings, and a groundbreaking felony conviction—the first of its kind for any U.S. president—Donald Trump will be inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States.
Observers worldwide are keenly anticipating the forthcoming ceremony, especially Trump’s statements given his controversial *January 6, 2020* address, which was labeled as inciting insurrection. That speech resulted in his suspension from several online platforms and led to an impeachment by the U.S. House of Representatives. Nevertheless, Trump’s triumphant reelection campaign indicates that this presidential transition may unfold more smoothly than his first.
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### Who Will Be Present at the Inauguration Ceremony?
This year’s inauguration will present a streamlined schedule of events, underpinned by a $170 million inauguration committee budget backed by some of Trump’s leading tech industry allies, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg. The entertainment lineup boasts a country music array featuring Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Lee Greenwood. The Village People will entertain at various gatherings throughout the weekend, and opera singer Christopher Macchio is poised to sing the national anthem during the swearing-in ceremony.
The list of attendees includes former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush (with First Lady Laura Bush), and Bill Clinton, as well as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Trump has also invited several foreign leaders, potentially resulting in one of the most widely attended inaugurations in U.S. history. Confirmed guests include Argentinian President Javier Milei, while Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to send an official envoy, according to *Forbes*. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has indicated his desire to attend but is reportedly working on entering the United States.
Trump’s tech associates will also play a significant role, with Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and TikTok CEO Shou Chew anticipated to be present.
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### How to Watch the Ceremony Online
The inaugural festivities will commence on Saturday, January 18, with the official swearing-in ceremony slated for Monday, January 20, at 12 p.m. EST.
The ceremony will be streamed live across major television networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, PBS, and CSPAN. For online viewers, the event will be accessible via platforms such as YouTube, with live coverage provided through channels like [ABC](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UPHevUOYtg), [CBS](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhLRP5kcN5s), [PBS NewsHour](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUoZdrj_rl0), [USA TODAY](https://www.youtube.com/embed/74fDmAt4Mp8?si=IQyTEaz3oSo1KAau), and [Fox News](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu2S53EO4m0). NBC will offer coverage via [NBC News Now](https://www.nbcnews.com/watch), while CNBC will broadcast the event live on its homepage.
Moreover, viewers can watch the inauguration through streaming services like Disney+ (via ABC) and Max (via CNN), or directly on the [White House’s official website](https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/).
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### When Trump’s Presidential Powers Will Commence
Many viewers watching on January 20 will be interested in the moment when Trump’s executive powers officially activate.
The transition period, spanning approximately 75 days from Election Day to Inauguration Day, enables the incoming administration to prepare for the power transition. During this interval, Trump’s team has been assembling transition personnel and volunteers to ensure a smooth transfer, as noted by the [Center for Presidential Transition](https://presidentialtransition.org/transition-resources/presidential-transition-guide/transition-overview/), a nonpartisan organization. The President-elect has also been naming key appointments for his administration.
After the inauguration, the new administration will enter a “handover” phase, followed by an essential 200-day timeframe aimed at achieving early policy successes. On his first day in office, Trump will have the capacity to sign executive orders and reverse existing policies, a course of action he has already [promised to pursue](https://www.axios.com/2025/01/15/trump-executive-orders-president-powers). Analysts anticipate that his primary objectives will involve tariffs, immigration, and environmental regulations. While some measures, like tariff modifications or reductions in federal employees, may yield immediate results, others will serve primarily symbolic functions.
Trump will also obtain the authority to issue executive clemency, enabling him to pardon or commute sentences. In the days following the inauguration, Americans can look forward to further announcements regarding appointments and staffing for the new administration.
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