The newly-elected US President Donald Trump makes a return to the White House Monday as the 47th president after a four-year break.
The swearing-in ceremony will take place inside the US Capitol Rotunda building after plans to hold it outdoors were abandoned due to the cold weather forecast for Washington DC.
This marks the first time in 40 years the ceremony is being held indoors.
Trump’s bid to defend the seat was dealt a blow after he was defeated by outgoing president Joe Biden in an election held on November 3, 2020.
The presidential inauguration is one of the most iconic events in American democracy, representing the peaceful transition of power from one leader to the next.
It is not just a ceremonial event but a crucial moment in the American political system.
Here is a look at why the inauguration takes place on January 20, its historical roots, and the significance of this day.
Why January 20?
Historically, US presidents were inaugurated on March 4, following Election Day in November.
US elections are held every four years.
Several stages follow after the election and include election results and certification where each state certifies it before the Electoral College casts its votes in December.
The period between the election and the inauguration often stretched for about four months.
This long gap between the election and inauguration was due to the time it took to count votes, certify results, and organize the transition of power, especially in the 19th century when transportation and communication were slower.
However, this long delay caused several issues hence the need for some amendments.
Presidents-elect were often in office for months before taking power, and the outgoing president's term could feel like a "lame-duck" period, during which little action could be taken.
There were also logistical challenges, especially in terms of governing effectively during that transition.
The 20th amendment
Responding to the inefficiencies and challenges of such a long transition, the 20th Amendment to the US Constitution was passed and ratified in 1933.
The primary goal was to reduce the time between the election and the new president taking office.
The amendment set the inauguration date to January 20, changing it from March 4.
This allowed for a quicker transition of power, ensuring that the new president could start their term promptly and reduce the "lame-duck" period.
The amendment also moved the beginning of the congressional term to January 3, so that Congress could meet sooner after elections to begin addressing key issues and avoid unnecessary delays in the legislative process.
Inauguration ceremony
On January 20th, a series of important events take place as the incoming president is sworn in, symbolising the official transfer of power.
While the specifics can vary from year to year, the general structure includes the oath of office, inaugural address, parade and celebrations, performances and celebrations, and inaugural balls and celebrations.
On years when January 20, falls on a Sunday, the incoming President still takes the oath of office privately on that day, but the public inauguration occurs on January 21.
Vice President-elect JD Vance will be the first to take his oath of office followed by Trump.
This typically happens at around midday local time.
As per tradition, the oath is administered by the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, currently John Roberts.
This is the formal pledge to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States".
Trump will recite the words: "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."
The oath is one of the most significant moments, signifying that the new president is now fully authorized to begin their term.
He will hold up his right hand and place his left on a Bible.
The Bible is usually held by the incoming president's spouse.
Inaugural address After taking the oath, the new president delivers their inaugural address.
This speech typically serves as a platform to outline the president’s vision, values, and goals for their term.
It is a key moment to unite the country and set the tone for their leadership.
The length of the speech varies from president to president, with Trump's last inaugural speech in 2017 lasting around 17 minutes, while that of Biden in 2021 took just over 20 minutes.
The Inaugural procession
Following a signing ceremony and an inaugural luncheon, which often features cuisine from the president and vice president's home states, Trump will lead the inaugural procession.
This has also been moved indoors, to the Capitol One Arena, which will be open for the viewing of the ceremony.
The parade normally goes from the US Capitol to the White House and is a celebrated and much-anticipated event for millions of Americans across the country.
This parade is a public display of support and unity, featuring marching bands, military units, and groups representing different sectors of society.
Inaugural balls and celebrations After the official events, the newly inaugurated president and vice president attend various inaugural balls and celebrations, where they engage with guests, public figures, and dignitaries.
