Trump Is Arriving in D.C. for Inaugural Celebrations/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON? J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Donald Trump returns to Washington this weekend to begin days of celebrations marking his second inauguration as president. Events include a fireworks display, performances by high-profile musicians, and a private rally ahead of Monday’s swearing-in ceremony. While protests are expected, they will be significantly smaller than those during Trump’s first inauguration.
Trump Returns to Power: Quick Looks
- Star-Studded Festivities: Performers include Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Kid Rock.
- Arctic Blast: Freezing temperatures force inaugural events indoors, including the ceremony.
- Sunday Rally: Trump will hold a rally at Capital One Arena.
- Protests: Demonstrations expected on issues like abortion and immigration, though smaller than in 2017.
- Inauguration Day Plans: Traditional prayer service, Capitol swearing-in, and ceremonial parade moved indoors.
Trump Is Arriving in D.C. for Inaugural Celebrations
Deep Look
A Grand Return to Washington
Donald Trump’s return to Washington, D.C., this weekend marks the beginning of days-long inaugural celebrations as he prepares to assume the presidency for a second term. The president-elect, whose political comeback defied predictions, will arrive Saturday evening and host a fireworks reception at his Virginia golf club.
Star Power and Lavish Celebrations
The inaugural events will be more celebrity-packed than during Trump’s first term. Performances by country stars like Carrie Underwood, disco legends the Village People, and rapper Nelly highlight the lineup. Business and tech leaders such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg will also attend, further underscoring the high-profile nature of Trump’s inauguration.
A Chilling Forecast
With subfreezing temperatures expected on Monday, organizers are moving most outdoor events indoors. The swearing-in ceremony, initially planned for the Capitol steps, will now be held in the Capitol Rotunda, which accommodates only 600 guests. The traditional parade along Pennsylvania Avenue will also shift to an indoor venue.
Sunday’s Schedule
On Sunday, Trump will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a rally at Capital One Arena. The evening concludes with a private dinner. Vice President-elect JD Vance will host a separate reception for Cabinet members and staff.
Inauguration Day Plans
Monday begins with a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, after which Trump will join President Joe Biden for a ride to the Capitol—a marked departure from Trump skipping Biden’s 2021 inauguration. The day’s events include the swearing-in, Biden and Kamala Harris’s farewell, and Trump’s first official acts as president.
Protests and Demonstrations
Though protests are planned on issues like immigration and the Israel-Hamas war, they are expected to be far smaller than those in 2017. The rebranded “People’s March” aims to focus on broader issues rather than solely opposing Trump.
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