Washington: Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, marking his return to the White House. The long-established ceremony and pageantry of Inauguration Day will reflect traditional practices, infused with Trump’s characteristic personal touches.  

The US Constitution mandates the president's term to begin at noon on January 20 (or the following day if it falls on a Sunday). Trump will take the oath of office on the Capitol's West Lawn, overlooking the National Mall, in a ceremony administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. This will be Roberts’s second time officiating for Trump.  

Incoming Vice President JD Vance will also be sworn in during the event.  

The new president will deliver an inaugural address, outlining his plans for the next four years. Trump’s first address in 2017 was noted for its stark tone, referencing "American carnage."  

VIP guests and tech titans  

A unique aspect of this inauguration is the inclusion of several tech moguls as VIP guests. Billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg will attend, along with Shou Chew, the head of Chinese social media giant TikTok. These tech leaders will sit alongside Trump’s cabinet nominees and other prominent figures.  

Trump has often courted tech leaders and benefited from social media platforms like TikTok, Musk's X, and Zuckerberg's Facebook and Instagram during his campaign.  

Outgoing President Joe Biden will attend the ceremony, despite Trump’s absence at Biden’s inauguration in 2021. All living former presidents—Bill Clinton, George W Bush, and Barack Obama—will also attend, accompanied by their spouses, except Michelle Obama.  

International presence  

Although heads of state are traditionally not invited to US inaugurations, Trump has extended invitations to certain leaders, including Italy's Giorgia Meloni, Hungary's Viktor Orbán, Argentina's Javier Milei, and China's Xi Jinping. Their attendance has not been confirmed.  

Musical performances  

The inauguration will feature a lineup of performances. Country singer Carrie Underwood will sing "America the Beautiful" during the swearing-in ceremony. Lee Greenwood, known for his patriotic anthem "God Bless the USA," will also perform.  

Pre-inauguration events include a rally on Sunday night featuring performances by The Village People, Kid Rock, and Billy Ray Cyrus. The 1970s anthem "Y.M.C.A.," a Trump rally staple, will be part of the lineup.  

Country artists Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Gavin DeGraw will join The Village People in performing at Trump’s three official inaugural balls on Monday night.

Public participation and parade  

Over 220,000 tickets have been distributed to the public through lawmakers’ offices. Spectators without tickets can watch the ceremony from the National Mall on large video screens.  

Following the ceremony, Trump will participate in a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.  

First-day plans  

Trump has signalled that he will take swift action upon entering office. He plans to sign multiple executive orders aimed at reversing key Biden administration policies. These include launching a mass deportation programme and expanding oil drilling. He has also indicated that he might begin pardoning individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.    

Inaugural balls and rally  

Trump is scheduled to attend all three of his official inaugural galas on Monday evening. In addition, a “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” will take place on Sunday night at Washington’s Capital One Arena.

AFP