Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, marking the beginning of his second term. The event will include an invocation from Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the Rev. Franklin Graham, reflecting interfaith participation, as well as a performance of “America the Beautiful” by country music star Carrie Underwood.
Congress certified Trump’s victory in the 2024 election on Jan. 6. The inauguration will take place at the Capitol, featuring traditional elements such as prayers, a review of the troops, and a presidential parade. Cardinal Dolan, a Catholic leader, confirmed his involvement in December, sharing that he was honored to give the opening prayer, reprising his role from Trump’s 2017 inauguration. Rev. Graham, a prominent evangelical pastor, will also participate.
Underwood’s performance, backed by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, highlights a notable shift in support from the entertainment industry. In 2017, Trump’s inaugural performers included Jackie Evancho and the Radio City Rockettes. Other events include a luncheon at Statuary Hall in the Capitol, inaugural balls, and a National Prayer Service at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21.
Outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are expected to attend the ceremony. Biden ordered flags to be flown at half-staff during the inauguration in honor of the late President Jimmy Carter. Trump, who did not attend Biden’s 2021 inauguration, returns to the White House following his election win.
Vice President-elect JD Vance will join Trump on the Republican ticket. Vance’s swearing-in marks him as the second Catholic vice president in U.S. history, after Biden, who served under President Barack Obama beginning in 2009.
