Expectations for President-elect Donald Trump's 1st Inauguration Day: Highlights

The second inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump is imminent, and anticipation for the festivities is growing in Washington, D.C., and across the country.

In contrast to the inaugural ceremonies in 2017, the 47th president of the United States is receiving support from celebrities and top business leaders.

In November 2024, Trump won the presidential election in a landslide, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris after a historic campaign cycle. He dominated both the Electoral College and the popular vote.

The president-elect has garnered support from his traditional allies, including Republicans in Congress and GOP governors, as he constructs his incoming administration after his massive victory.

Top executives in the business world and Silicon Valley have also welcomed him, despite their initial reservations about Trump and his allies during and after his first term.

During the transition period, tech leaders such as Jeff Bezos of Amazon and Mark Zuckerberg of Meta visited Trump's estate in Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida.

During the time leading up to the inauguration, notable figures such as Bezos, Zuckerberg, Cook, and executives from Google, Microsoft, Boeing, and Ford Motor Company pledged to donate at least $1 million each to Trump's inaugural fund, marking a significant shift from their behavior during the first Trump inauguration.

Trump will have union leaders at his inauguration, including International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O'Brien and members of the Firefighter's Union, representing the broad coalition of support he has seen since his victory.

The president-elect is being supported by celebrities, including Carrie Underwood, who will sing "America the Beautiful" at the event. The Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club will also join her performance.

Before Trump takes the presidential oath of office for the second time, Underwood's performance will occur.

During the swearing-in ceremony, opera singer Christopher Macchio will join Underwood and perform the national anthem.

Other top music acts are expected to perform in Washington, D.C., including Jason Aldean, Rascall Flatts, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the Village People, among others.

In 2017, Trump had difficulty attracting big-name support and high-profile entertainers for his inauguration, in contrast to Obama's 2013 inauguration, which featured Beyoncé and Kelly Clarkson's performances.

The 2017 inauguration weekend was marked by protests in Washington, D.C.

Demonstrations ahead of Inauguration Day in 2017 resulted in chaos across the city, with protesters shattering glass storefronts and torching cars. Over 200 people were arrested during the several-day protests.

Despite the anticipation of potential incidents, Trump's swearing-in on Capitol Hill and parade to the White House proceeded without any mishaps.

In his inaugural address, Trump urged for a "new sense of national unity" to mend divisions.

On the day following Trump's inauguration as the 45th president of the United States, numerous protesters gathered in Washington D.C. to demonstrate against his presidency during the "Women's March on Washington."

While the peaceful protesters who marched from the National Mall to the streets were largely women, the rioters who caused destruction in Washington, D.C., days earlier were men. The newly inaugurated president attended a National Prayer Service after waking up in the White House for the first time.

Numerous celebrities, including America Ferrera, Madonna, Ashley Judd, Cher, Katy Perry, Amy Schumer, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Michael Moore, Debra Messing, and Patricia Arquette, attended the march.

During the protest, Madonna stated that she had pondered extensively about destroying the White House.

The official Inauguration weekend for Trump's second term will kick off with a grand fireworks show on Saturday night.

On Sunday, there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and a "Make America Great Again" rally, where Trump will deliver remarks, followed by a candlelit dinner.

On Monday, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will attend the swearing-in ceremony, bid farewell to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, participate in the president's Signing Room Ceremony on Capitol Hill, and lead the Presidential Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue and to the White House.

The president is expected to attend three official inaugural balls and deliver remarks at each.

"President Trump is committed to bringing the country together through the strength, security, and opportunity of his America First agenda, as announced by Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler, co-chairs of the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, Inc. The 2025 inaugural celebrations will showcase President-elect Trump's return to the White House and the American people's resolute decision to Make America Great Again."