On Monday, Donald Trump will complete a stunning comeback as he is sworn in for a second term as president of the United States.
Following his loss in the 2020 election, many believed Trump’s political future was over. Critics also questioned whether scandal would overshadow his legacy.
After all, his false allegations of election fraud prompted a mob to violently storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Then, he faced four criminal indictments: one for allegedly withholding classified documents, one for falsifying business records, and two for accusations of election interference.
What is an inauguration?
In the United States, a presidential inauguration is when a president-elect takes the oath of office and formally begins their four-year term. To swear in, the president-elect usually places their hand on a bible, although some have opted for another book of spiritual or political significance.
After reciting the oath of office, the new president offers inaugural remarks to a gathered crowd of supporters, government officials and foreign dignitaries.
What does the oath of office say?
The oath comes from Article II in Section I of the US Constitution.
It reads: “I do solemnly swear 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.”
Which book will Trump be sworn in on?
During his first inauguration in 2017, Trump was sworn in on the same bible used by Abraham Lincoln in 1861. He also used a second bible, gifted by his late mother Mary Anne MacLeod Trump.
Media reports indicate Trump is likely to use a similar combination of books this year: the Lincoln bible, plus one from his mother. Trump has also used the occasion to promote sales of a special edition “Inauguration Day” bible, currently priced at $69.99.
When and where will the inauguration take place?
The inauguration will be held at 12pm Eastern Time (17:00 GMT) on January 20, 2025.
The ceremony was originally supposed to take place outdoors, on the west front of the US Capitol, facing a park called the National Mall, in Washington, DC.
But icy temperatures forced Trump to reconsider. On Friday, citing safety concerns, he announced that the ceremony would be moved indoors to the Capitol’s rotunda, under its 88-metre-high (288-foot) dome.
That enclosed space, however, will limit the number of attendees.
Nearly 250,000 guests have tickets to the original outdoor event, but Trump has encouraged his supporters to instead watch a live broadcast at the Capitol One Arena, where he will appear later in the day.
How cold will it be?
Early estimates indicated Trump’s second inauguration could be one of the coldest in recent decades, as a polar vortex sweeps across the US. As of Friday, the National Weather Service projected temperatures on Monday at noon to hover around -6 degrees Celsius, or 22 degrees Fahrenheit.
Has any other president held their inauguration in the Capitol Rotunda?
Just one. In 1985, Ronald Reagan was also taking office for a second time — and he too faced icy weather. The temperature hit -14 degrees Celsius, or just 7 degrees Fahrenheit, even lower than what’s forecast for Monday.
So, like Trump, Reagan made the decision to move his inauguration indoors, to the Capitol Rotunda.
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