Trump to Arrive in Washington for Inaugural Celebrations Marking His Return to Power

Donald Trump will return to Washington, D.C., on Saturday to mark the beginning of his second inauguration, four years after departing the city following the attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. This event will initiate a series of celebrations and ceremonies to mark his return to power as president.

Inaugural Celebrations and Events

The ceremonial changing of power will begin with Washington’s traditional events, combined with Trump’s more extravagant celebrations. Fireworks displays at one of his luxury golf properties will be part of the celebrations, with a guest list that includes tech industry leaders, business friends, conservative media figures, and thousands of Trump supporters traveling from across the country.

Cold Temperatures Expected for Inauguration Day

Despite the excitement, organizers are bracing for frigid temperatures expected on Inauguration Day, prompting plans to move most of Monday's outdoor events indoors, including the traditional swearing-in ceremony. The cold weather is predicted to make this inauguration one of the coldest in the past 40 years.

Trump’s Departure in 2021 and Biden’s Role

Trump left office in 2021 as a controversial figure following the Capitol riots and his refusal to accept his election loss. In contrast, President Joe Biden, the Democrat who succeeded him, will embrace the peaceful transfer of power by welcoming Trump at the White House and accompanying him to the Capitol for the inauguration.

Celebrity-Infused Inaugural Celebrations

This time, the inaugural events will be more star-studded than before. Trump’s second inauguration will feature performances from well-known country music stars like Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, and others. Celebrities such as actor Jon Voight and wrestler Hulk Hogan are also expected to attend. In addition, tech executives like Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, and TikTok’s Shou Zi Chew will make appearances at the events.

Key Events Leading Up to Inauguration Day

The festivities will kick off with Trump’s departure from his Florida residence to Washington on Saturday. The day’s first public event will be an evening reception and fireworks at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, outside Washington, D.C. On Sunday, Trump is scheduled to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery before heading to a rally at Capital One Arena and attending a private dinner.

Inauguration Day Ceremonies

On Inauguration Day itself, Trump will begin the day with a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. He will then proceed to the White House for a customary tea with the outgoing President and First Lady before heading to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony. Due to the extreme cold, the ceremony will take place indoors, likely in the Capitol Rotunda, with a limited number of attendees.

Trump’s First Term and Its Impact on Protests

During Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, large protests and clashes took place across Washington, D.C., marking a highly contentious moment in U.S. politics. This time, the protests are expected to be far smaller, with the focus more on the celebratory nature of the event. However, protests related to issues such as abortion, immigration, and the Israel-Hamas war are expected to take place, albeit on a smaller scale than before.

Changes in Resistance to Trump’s Presidency

Compared to his first inauguration, public resistance to Trump has diminished, with some former political figures, such as former First Lady Michelle Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, opting to skip the ceremony. This marks a shift from the widespread opposition seen in 2017 when many Democratic leaders chose not to attend.

The Inaugural Address and Post-Swearing-In Events

After taking the oath of office, Trump will deliver his inaugural address and participate in a ceremonial farewell to outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. He will then proceed to a signing ceremony at the Capitol to approve his first acts as president, followed by a congressional luncheon and a review of U.S. military forces.

The Parade and the Changing Nature of Protests

Unlike the traditional outdoor parade, this year’s parade will be held indoors due to the cold weather. Trump is expected to speak to his supporters at the event before heading to the White House for an Oval Office signing ceremony. In the evening, Trump will attend three lavish balls with musical performances, rounding off the day’s festivities.

The Return of the Women's March

The Women’s March, originally sparked by opposition to Trump’s 2017 win, will return on Saturday but with a rebranded focus. Now called the People’s March, it will emphasize broader issues such as women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, immigration, and climate change. Organizers expect the march to draw fewer participants, with about 50,000 people, compared to the 500,000 who gathered in 2017.