So, you're looking for the exact date and time for Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Honestly, with everything going on in the news cycles, it’s easy to get the specifics mixed up.
Basically, the second inauguration of Donald Trump took place on Monday, January 20, 2025.
If you were expecting a massive outdoor spectacle on the West Front of the Capitol, things didn't exactly go as planned. Mother Nature had other ideas. Freezing temperatures and biting winds forced the whole ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. It was a rare move, kinda like what happened with Ronald Reagan back in '85.
The Official 2025 Inauguration Schedule
Most people think the President just shows up and says a few words. It's actually a massive, multi-day production. Because 2026 is already here, we’re looking back at how it all went down, but if you’re trying to verify the timeline of when he officially became the 47th President, noon was the magic hour.
Here is how the day actually flowed:
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- Morning Service: Trump and his wife, Melania, started the morning at St. John’s Episcopal Church. It's that "Church of the Presidents" right across from the White House.
- The Tea Meeting: They headed to the White House for tea with Joe and Jill Biden. It’s a bit of a weird tradition given the political climate, but it happened.
- The Big Moment: At roughly 12:00 PM ET, Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office.
- The Address: Trump delivered his inaugural address immediately after. Some were short, some were long—this one was definitely aimed at his base.
- The Move to Capital One Arena: Since it was too cold for a traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, the "parade" basically turned into a massive rally at the Capital One Arena.
Why January 20th?
You might wonder why it’s always this specific day. It wasn't always like this. Way back in the day, presidents weren't sworn in until March. Imagine that—four months of a "lame duck" period.
The 20th Amendment changed everything in 1933. It legally mandated that the terms of the President and Vice President end at noon on January 20. If that day falls on a Sunday, they usually do a private swearing-in and then the public party on Monday. In 2025, it fell on a Monday, which also happened to be Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Who Performed at the 2025 Inauguration?
The lineup was pretty much what you’d expect if you’ve followed Trump’s rallies over the last few years. It wasn't exactly Hollywood’s A-list, but it had some heavy hitters from the country and rock world.
Carrie Underwood was the standout name. She sang "America the Beautiful" inside the Rotunda. People were surprised she took the gig, honestly. There was a lot of chatter online about it, but she played it neutral, saying she was honored to serve the country.
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Other performers included:
- Kid Rock: A staple at the MAGA Victory Rally the night before.
- Lee Greenwood: You can’t have a Trump event without "God Bless the U.S.A."
- The Village People: Yes, they were there, despite all the legal back-and-forth about "Y.M.C.A."
- Jason Aldean: He performed at the Liberty Inaugural Ball.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Day
There’s a lot of myth-making around these events. One big misconception is that you need a ticket just to be in D.C.
That’s not true. While the seats near the Capitol are strictly ticketed—usually distributed by members of Congress via a lottery—the National Mall is open to everyone. Thousands of people stood out in the cold (or huddled in the "heating stations" the Park Service set up) just to watch the jumbo screens.
Another weird detail? The "Pass in Review." After the lunch, the President usually stands on the East Front steps to watch the military troops. Because of the 2025 freeze, this was shortened significantly. The security was also intense. We're talking thousands of National Guard members and a massive "bus perimeter" that made getting an Uber basically impossible for three blocks.
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Moving Forward: What to Know Now
Since we are now in 2026, the administration is well underway. If you are looking for information on the next inauguration, you'll be waiting until January 20, 2029.
If you're researching this for a project or just settled a bet with a friend, remember that the 12:00 PM cutoff is the only thing that actually matters for the transfer of power. The rest—the parade, the balls, the concerts—is just the icing on the cake.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the National Archives: If you want to read the full transcript of the 2025 Inaugural Address, the National Archives keeps the official record.
- Verify Travel for Future Events: If you're planning on attending in 2029, hotels usually start booking out 18 months in advance. Seriously.
- Review Road Closures: If you're ever in D.C. during an inauguration week, download the "DCINAUG" alert app. It's the only way to navigate the gridlock.