WASHINGTON, D.C – President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration will take place on January 20, 2025.

But why this day and why does it share a day with Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Inauguration Day and the 20th Amendment

The backstory:

January 20th is considered Inauguration Day due to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.

If January 20th falls on a Sunday, the oath will still be taken on Inauguration Day – just privately – before a public inaugural ceremony on January 21st.

Dig Deeper:

According to History.com, Inauguration Day was once moved to March of the year after the election due to a four-month gap. This long lame-duck period often caused problems between the outgoing and new administrations. In 1933, the deadline was shortened to January of the year after the election, allowing the president-elect to finally address issues sooner.

What they say:

“The 20th Amendment establishes that the term of office of each elected President of the United States begins at noon on January 20th of the year following the election,” said the Architect of the Capitol. “Every president must take the oath of office before assuming the duties of the office.”

Are Inauguration Day and MLK Day related?

The backstory:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrates.

When is MLK Day 2025?

The holiday is celebrated every year on the third Monday of January, around the time of the King’s birthday, which is January 15th.

Occasionally, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Inauguration Day. However, the two dates are not directly related.

What they say:

“We also remember the timeless values ​​he instilled in us by example – the values ​​of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that Dr. King’s character so brilliantly and strengthened his leadership,” says the US government publishing office. “On this holiday, we remember the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that strengthened his revolutionary spirit.”

Schedule for Inauguration Day 2025

When is Trump’s inauguration?

Trump will be sworn into the White House for his second term on Inauguration Day on Monday, January 20th.

When is the inauguration in 2025?

The 60th presidential inauguration is scheduled for Monday, January 20th. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m

All inaugural activities will begin on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, including the first swearing-in ceremony of Vice President-elect JD Vance and President-elect Donald Trump taking the oaths of office, followed by an inaugural address.

The traditional opening dinner will then take place.

The schedule for these events typically begins at 6 a.m. with security screening, followed by musical performances around 9:30 a.m. and opening remarks at 11:30 a.m

How to get housewarming cards

Historically, each member of Congress is given a limited number of swearing-in ceremony tickets to distribute to their constituents.

Tickets for the ceremony are free and in high demand.

Anyone interested in attending Inauguration Day should contact their senator or representative for information about purchasing tickets.

Performers at Trump’s inauguration

According to the Associated Press, country star Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at Trump’s inauguration alongside the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.

Other artists include country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio.

Public viewing areas

If you can’t get tickets, there are also public viewing areas for the parade. The parade begins at 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, near the Canadian Embassy.

Visitors can gather along Pennsylvania Avenue to cheer on the presidential procession and inaugural parade as it travels from the U.S. Capitol to the White House. Grandstand seats can be reserved through the 60th Presidential Inaugural Committee.

Inauguration Day parade route

The official route of the Inauguration Day parade covers all of DC. The full route is pictured below:

The parade begins at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Inauguration Day.

According to Metro, Bus routes are expected to be rerouted due to the presidential inauguration in 2025. Travelers are advised to allow additional travel time and consider alternative routes. The nearest station is Union Station.

Driving is not recommended.

Donald J. TrumpWashington, DC Holidays