On January 20, after a tumultuous initial term defined by a divisive election year, two impeachments, and a groundbreaking felony conviction—the first of its kind for any U.S. president—Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States.
Observers worldwide are intently following the upcoming inauguration, eager to gauge the tone of Trump’s address. This anticipation arises in the aftermath of his controversial **[January 6, 2020, speech](https://www.npr.org/2021/02/10/966396848/read-trumps-jan-6-speech-a-key-part-of-impeachment-trial)**, which led to charges of inciting an insurrection, bans from various social media platforms, and a second impeachment by the House of Representatives. Nevertheless, Trump’s successful re-election campaign indicates that this presidential transition might unfold with greater ease than the previous one.
—
### Who Will Be Present at the Inauguration Ceremony?
This year’s inauguration events will present a less extravagant schedule in comparison to previous years, supported by a $170 million budget from the inauguration committee, enhanced by donations from several of Trump’s prominent tech supporters, including **[Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg](https://mashable.com/article/meta-global-affairs-nick-clegg-out-republican-joel-kaplan-in)**. The inaugural ball will feature a star-studded lineup of country music performers, including Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Lee Greenwood. The Village People are slated to perform over the weekend, while opera singer Christopher Macchio will sing the national anthem during the swearing-in event.
Confirmed guests include former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush (accompanied by First Lady Laura Bush), and Bill Clinton, alongside former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Trump has also invited international dignitaries, which could create an unprecedented level of attendance. Argentine President Javier Milei has affirmed his presence, while Chinese President Xi Jinping will send an official representative, as reported by **[Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/01/14/trump-inauguration-heres-what-to-know-about-guest-list-schedule-performers-and-more/)**. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has also shown interest in attending, although he is reportedly seeking to secure entry into the U.S.
Trump’s tech allies are expected to make a noticeable appearance, with anticipated participation from Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman.
—
### How to Watch the Ceremony Online
Inaugural festivities will commence on Saturday, January 18, with the official swearing-in ceremony set for 12 p.m. EST on Monday, January 20.
The ceremony will be aired live on major television networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, PBS, and CSPAN. Online audiences can watch the event through official YouTube channels such as **[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)**, and **[Fox News](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu2S53EO4m0)**. NBC’s coverage will be also accessible on **[NBC News Now](https://www.nbcnews.com/watch)**.
Moreover, viewers can stream the inauguration via live news hubs on platforms like Disney+ (through ABC) and Max (via CNN), or directly on the **[official website of the White House](https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/)**.
—
### When Trump’s Presidential Authorities Come into Effect
Many Americans tuning in for Monday’s ceremony will wonder when Trump’s executive powers officially take effect.
The transition phase, lasting approximately 75 days from Election Day to Inauguration Day, has provided Trump’s incoming administration the opportunity to gather a team of transition staff and volunteers to facilitate a smooth transfer of power, as noted by the **[Center for Presidential Transition](https://presidentialtransition.org/transition-resources/presidential-transition-guide/transition-overview/)**. During this interval, the President-elect has also declared important appointments for his administration.
After the inauguration, a “handover” period will commence, during which the new administration will enter a rapid 200-day effort to achieve early policy successes. On his first day in office, Trump will have the capacity to sign executive orders and overturn existing policies. He has already **[committed](https://www.axios.com/2025/01/15/trump-executive-orders-president-powers)** to act immediately on tariffs, immigration, and environmental policies. While certain initiatives—like changes in tariffs and reductions in federal employees—will yield immediate impacts, others