On Jan. 20, President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office as the 47th president of the United States. This event marks his return after previously serving from 2017 – 2021. Since January of 1933, the inauguration has been held at noon following the tradition set by the 20th Amendment commencing the end of a presidents four year term and the start of a new period of office.  

During the ceremony, Trump will take the oath of office which will be administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, followed by Trumps inaugural address where he will outline key visions and future plans for the country. “Given Trump’s recent interest, immigration will be a big topic along with tax cuts and the economic budget. In addition, he has promised to impose international tariffs on goods coming in from China, Canada and Mexico,” said Dr. Carl Cavalli, a political science professor at the University of North Georgia. 

Due to frigid weather, the ceremony will take place inside of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, along with the Presidential Parade that will be taking place afterwards at the Capitol One Arena. Country music artist Carrie Underwood will be at the ceremony performing “America The Beautiful” along with the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. Opera singer Christopher Macchio will perform The National Anthem before the inaugural address.

“It’s going to be an interesting next four years, especially with stuff that’s happening before he even gets inaugurated.” – Ian Cormier, freshman officer of College Republicans at UNG

Many other celebrations will be held in the evening after the address. Trump will be attending the Commander-In-Chief ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball where other celebrities, foreign leaders and business leaders will be present. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden along with Former Vice President Kamala Harris, will attend the ceremony. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will be skipping without a stated reason of absence.  

Cavalli thinks this inauguration will be much more polarized than his previous. “We will most likely hear about the Republican Congress hitting the ground running and the overwhelming support they have behind them.”