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What time is Donald Trump’s inauguration and how to watch the ceremony

Donald Trump officially takes office for the second time on January 20

President-elect Donald Trump and vice president-elect JD Vance (AP/Evan Vucci)
President-elect Donald Trump and vice president-elect JD Vance (AP/Evan Vucci) (Evan Vucci/AP)
By Mark Robinson

Donald Trump may have won the US presidential election back in November, but he does not officially become President until his inauguration ceremony takes place on January 20.

Millions across the globe will be watching as President Trump is sworn in for a second four-year term.

While usually taking place outside the US Capitol, the ceremony will take place inside the building for the first time since 1985 due to cold temperatures.

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The event will be held indoors due to bad weather (AP)
The event will be held indoors due to bad weather (AP) (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

What happens at an inauguration?

The inauguration ceremony is the formal commencement of a presidential term and involves both the President and the Vice-President (VP) swear their oaths of office.

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This involves the President promising to “preserve, protect and defend” the US constitution.

It takes place every four years on January 20, or on January 21 if the 20th falls on a Sunday.

Once President Trump is sworn in, he will deliver his inauguration speech where he is expected to set out his plans and goals for his time in office.

Ronald Reagan’s swearing-in in the Rotunda on January 21 1985 (Ron Edmonds/AP)
It will be the second time the inauguration is held indoors, following Ronald Reagan’s swearing-in in the Rotunda on January 21 1985 (Ron Edmonds/AP) (Ron Edmonds/AP)

Former presidents typically attend the ceremony and the outgoing President and VP, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, will also be in attendance.

While the traditional outdoor Inauguration Day Parade has been cancelled due to weather, there will be musical performances from country singers Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood.

What time is Donald Trump’s inauguration?

The inauguration ceremony is expected to being at around 4.30pm (GMT), however the swearing-in will take place just before 5pm (GMT).

The ceremony typically lasts around an hour, so it should be finished by around 5.30pm (GMT).

Once the ceremony ends, President Trump will sign the first official documents of his term in the President’s Room, including executive orders and proclamations, before attending a series of lunches and balls.

He is also expected to conduct his first inspection of troops as Commander-in-Chief on Monday evening.

Where can I watch Donald Trump’s inauguration?

Coverage of the ceremony starts from 3.30pm on BBC One, while a news special on RTÉ One airs from 4pm.

Live streams for a number of US broadcasters, such as ABC, MSNBC and CBS News, will also be available to watch in the UK and Ireland.

An official live stream will also be available from The White House’s media platforms.