Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential elections with a massive majority of electoral votes—295 votes to be exact—securing his second term in office.
On the other hand, Kamala Harris, who ran as the Democratic candidate, received 226 electoral votes, falling short of the necessary 270 to win the presidency.
Despite her loss, Harris vowed to continue fighting for the American people and working towards a better future for all citizens.
Now Donald Trump has been elected as the president of the USA, with JD Vance being the vice president of the USA.
Since the U.S. presidential elections are held on the first Tuesday of November and the inauguration takes place on January 20th, Trump and Vance will officially take office on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Here are key details about the inauguration day of Donald Trump and JD Vance as the new President and Vice President of the United States.
The inauguration ceremony typically includes a swearing-in, an inaugural address, a parade, and various inaugural balls to celebrate the new administration.
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What is Inauguration Day?
Inauguration Day is a significant event in the United States, occurring every four years on January 20 (or January 21 if January 20 falls on a Sunday).
It marks the official transfer of power to the newly elected president and vice president. The day begins with a worship service, followed by a ceremonial procession to the U.S. Capitol, where the president-elect takes the oath of office.
This is followed by an Inaugural Address outlining the administration's vision, an inaugural luncheon, and a parade. The day concludes with various inaugural balls celebrating the new administration.
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Why is Inauguration Day held in January? History Behind Presidential Inauguration Day
Inauguration Day was held in January due to the ratification of the Twentieth Amendment in 1933, which moved the inauguration date from March 4 to January 20.
Before this change, March 4 was established as Inauguration Day because it marked the beginning of the federal government under the U.S. Constitution in 1789.
The shift to January aimed to shorten the transition period between elections and reduce the risks associated with a lengthy "lame duck" period, particularly during times of crisis like the Great Depression.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president inaugurated on January 20, 1937.
Where Does the Inauguration Ceremony Take Place?
The inauguration ceremony takes place at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., specifically on the West Front, which has been the standard location since Ronald Reagan's first inauguration in 1981.
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Who Attends Inauguration Day Ceremonies?
Inauguration Day is a ceremonial event marking the official start of a new presidential term in the United States.
The ceremony is attended by the president-elect, vice president-elect, outgoing president, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, military officials, and invited guests.
Additionally, the general public can attend, with some obtaining tickets through their congressional representatives. Foreign diplomats and other notable figures often participate in the event to witness the peaceful transfer of power.
What Happens During the Inauguration Ceremony?
- Swearing-In: The ceremony begins with the vice president-elect taking the oath of office, followed by the president-elect. This occurs on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
- Inaugural Address: After taking the oath, the new president delivers an Inaugural Address outlining their vision and goals.
- Luncheon and Parade: Following the ceremony, there is an Inaugural Luncheon attended by dignitaries and an Inaugural Parade that features military units and floats celebrating the new administration.
How Long Does the Inauguration Ceremony Last?
According to the 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the inauguration ceremony is held at noon on January 20 (or January 21 if January 20 falls on a Sunday).
The ceremony typically lasts about 30 minutes to an hour for the main swearing-in events, but the entire day's festivities, including the inaugural address, luncheon, and parade, can extend several hours.
Unique Facts About Inauguration Day
- Although it is widely believed that George Washington added the phrase "so help me God" to the presidential oath during his inauguration in 1789, this cannot be definitively confirmed.
- The first recorded instance of this addition occurred during Chester Arthur's inauguration in 1881, and since then, every president has included it in their oath.
- Thomas Jefferson, during his inauguration in 1801, chose to walk to the Capitol instead of riding in a carriage, symbolising a more humble approach to the presidency.
- This tradition was revived by Jimmy Carter in 1977 when he stepped out of his limousine to walk part of the way, aiming to convey accessibility and reduce the "imperial" image of the presidency.
- James Madison's inauguration in 1809 marked the first formal inaugural ball, hosted by First Lady Dolley Madison.
- This event set the stage for future celebrations, which have since evolved into numerous official and unofficial balls held across Washington, D.C.
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- Jefferson also initiated the tradition of an Inaugural Open House, where he welcomed citizens into the White House after his swearing-in.
- This practice became popular but sometimes chaotic; Andrew Jackson famously had to escape through a window during a mob scene at his open house.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower was notable for breaking the tradition of wearing a top hat during inaugurations, opting instead for a homburg hat at both of his ceremonies. John F. Kennedy attempted to revive the top hat tradition but ultimately did not wear it consistently.
- Lady Bird Johnson became the first First Lady to hold the Bible during her husband's oath of office in 1964, a tradition that has continued with subsequent First Ladies.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt's fourth inauguration in 1945 was unique in that he cancelled both the parade and balls due to wartime austerity measures during World War II, opting for a simple public swearing-in instead.
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