Trump’s previous stint in power (2017 to 2021) marked a series of firsts and saw several conventions upended, including some that have become a staple of American democracy. In 2020, Trump insisted he won the election, not Joe Biden. He skipped Biden’s inauguration ceremony, which marks the formal transfer of power, and became the first ex-president to have done so in 150 years.

Inauguration ceremonies in the US have historically been based on a few rules and have largely evolved through tradition. Following a 1933 amendment to the Constitution, they have been held on January 20 (or January 21 if the 20th is a Sunday), with the official oath administered at noon. The fact that it is held more than two months after the presidential election allows the incoming and outgoing administration to ensure a smooth transition.

Why is there a gap between elections and inauguration?

Elections are held in November and the results are known soon after voting day. Within a few days, the president invites the president-elect to the White House to congratulate the leader and discuss the transition process.

US President Joe Biden (right) greets President-elect Donald Trump on November 13, 2024, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Cameron Smith)However, it is not just the American voters but members of a body known as the Electoral College who determine the results. Each US state gets a share of “electors”, who must convey their state voters’ choice at an official vote in December. Of the total 538 electoral votes up for grabs, a candidate needs 270 to win. The US Congress certifies this vote in January next year and the inauguration is held in the same month.

This wasn’t always the case, though. George Washington took the first oath to office on April 30, 1789. Subsequent presidents were sworn in on March 4 — until 1933. The US Library of Congress notes, “To minimize the transition period between Election Day and Inauguration Day, and curtail “Lame Duck” Congresses in which members defeated in November served until March, legislators introduced the Twentieth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”

The transition period also sees a flurry of activity, where the president-elect begins the process of making political appointments for his upcoming administration. According to The Washington Post, Trump has picked 102 nominees to fill key roles as of January 16. Many of these, such as Defence Secretary pick Pete Hegseth, have already generated controversy. He was grilled by Democratic members of the Senate last week and will soon face a vote for his confirmation to the post. On the other hand, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is said to have played an important role in securing the Israel-Hamas peace deal signed recently.

Additionally, the president-elect receives intelligence briefings throughout the transition period.

What happens on the day of the US President’s inauguration?

Apart from senior leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties and former presidents, more than 200,000 people are expected to be present in Washington DC. Billionaire American businessmen Elon Musk (who will be a part of the Trump administration), Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos may attend as well.

Foreign dignitaries, including Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, will also attend. It is uncommon for foreign leaders to be invited to the event, as happened at Biden and former President Barack Obama’s ceremonies, and some of Trump’s invitees are seen as aligning with his support for right-wing and populist governments and leaders globally. Invitations have been extended to former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, right-wing party Reform UK’s leader Nigel Farage and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), formed every four years, hosts the event. The United States Secret Service is designated as the primary federal entity responsible for security. This time, the ceremony has been moved from the steps of the US Capitol to the Rotunda – a large, domed, circular room in the centre of the building – in view of the cold temperature forecast for the day going as low as -11C. The last time this happened was in 1985 at Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration, also because of the weather.

The day will begin with a service at the historic St John’s Church, followed by tea at the White House with Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosting Trump and incoming First Lady Melania Trump. Musical performances and opening remarks will follow.

Vice president-elect JD Vance will be sworn in. He will be followed by Trump, who will then give his inaugural address. Later, in the President’s Room, Trump will gather with aides and Members of Congress to sign nominations and sometimes memorandums, proclamations, or executive orders.

A formal luncheon is also organised. Finally, a parade is held from the Capitol building down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, featuring ceremonial military regiments, citizens’ groups, and marching bands. This time, due to the event being shifted indoors, the parade will be at the 20,000-seat Capital One Arena.

What does the oath say?

The most crucial part of the inauguration ceremony is the president-elect’s oath-taking and it is the only portion of the day mentioned in the US Constitution. All other events have evolved through tradition.

The text of the oath has remained the same since 1884: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Both Trump and Vance will place their hands on the Bible, a ritual that has become an integral part of the oath. The White House Historical Association notes, “George Washington took the oath with his hand on a Bible, and almost all other presidents have followed suit. Most use a special family Bible, leaving it open to a passage that has particular meaning for them. Traditionally, the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court administers the oath.”

According to the BBC, Trump will use one given to him by his mother in 1955 and the Lincoln Bible, a velvet-bound volume used at Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration in 1861.