View of the US Capitol building. Image source: Official Capitol website
Although unforeseen alterations to the venue for the 47th presidential inauguration may hinder spectators from attending in person, there are multiple ways to follow this significant event as it streams live.
Due to an unexpected frigid weather forecast for Monday, January 20th, the swearing-in ceremony for President-Elect Donald Trump has shifted from its customary outdoor setting at the US Capitol to an indoor location within the building itself. “An Arctic blast is hitting various parts of our nation,” Trump stated regarding this last-minute adjustment, “I want everyone to remain safe and unharmed.”
Viewing Options Online
Different networks will allocate varying time slots dedicated to covering inauguration-related events. For example, USA Today will provide continuous live broadcasts throughout Inauguration Day on their YouTube channel and website.
CNN plans to commence their coverage at midnight Eastern Time on January 20th and persist with live updates until approximately 10 PM Eastern Time that night. Viewers can access CNN’s programming through multiple platforms including CNN.com, connected TV apps, mobile applications, and Max (previously known as HBO Max) if they are subscribers.
PBS intends to start its coverage early at 8 AM Eastern Time on Inauguration Day with a special segment kicking off at 10:30 AM across its network and online via YouTube channels—promising viewers minimal interruptions because of lack of commercial breaks.
Swearing-In Ceremony & Additional Festivities
Alongside the official swearing-in ceremony for President-Elect Trump, there will be various performances and social gatherings linked with inauguration festivities. Performances by country music stars such as Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood have been confirmed.
Besides Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, other notable events include a similar oath-taking event for his vice president; Trump’s inaugural address; signing ceremonies for nominations; proclamations; executive orders; an inaugural luncheon; capped off by an evening gala celebration.
Typically heralded by a public procession towards the Capitol followed by a formal military review before leading down Pennsylvania Avenue towards The White House—these traditional rituals might be omitted given this year’s cold climatic conditions.
In lieu of these customs, President Trump has proposed organizing a modified version of the customary Inaugural Parade inside Washington D.C.’s Capital One Arena—a facility that accommodates roughly 20 thousand individuals—far fewer than originally anticipated visitor counts topping around 250 thousand who planned on witnessing both outdoor ceremonies.
A Unique Presidential Continuity
This occasion marks Donald Trump’s return as president following his defeat in the election held in 2020 against Democrat Joe Biden—the historic aspect lies in him being sworn in again in 2024 thereby holding titles as both the nation’s 45th and now projected future 47th president upon returning into office post-swearing.
The only precedent resembling this unique situation occurred when Grover Cleveland initially won his presidency during his first term (1885), faced defeat against Republican Benjamin Harrison (1888) before reclaiming another victory thereafter (1892)—thus earning recognition amongst history books as both America’s enigmatic 22nd and distinctively numbered among subsequent distinctions residing under ordinal title ’24’ post second oath-giving event due later thereafter!
