When will Trump take office? What do you need to know about Inauguration Day 2025?

On By Littum

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President-elect Donald Trump has dominated the headlines since his decisive victory in the November 5 presidential election.

Like the nation’s other swing states, Arizona voters chose Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, helping Republicans secure near-total control of the federal government starting in 2025.

Trump is transitioning to his presidency, assembling a team of top advisers and staff, steering his party’s decision-making in Congress and even appearing to negotiate with other world leaders. But he will not officially take office until January 20.

Trump’s inauguration will take place in the nation’s capital, although Arizonans can follow the festivities from a distance.

Here’s what you need to know about his oath.

When is Inauguration Day 2025?

The inauguration day falls on January 20, 2025.

Court hearings begin around noon Eastern time, or 10 in Arizona, on the West Lawn of the US Capitol in Washington, DC

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will take the oath of office—a pledge to faithfully carry out the duties of office and defend the Constitution—after which Trump will deliver an inaugural address.

What happens before Inauguration Day?

The country’s newly elected members of Congress will be sworn in on January 3. The House is expected to elect a speaker at this time, which will allow the lower chamber to begin business. Trump has joined the current Speaker of the House, U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to remain in the job.

On January 6, Congress will count the Electoral College votes from the 2024 election. As the incumbent vice president, Harris will lead the negotiations.

What should I expect to see at the US Capitol on January 20?

Thousands of visitors pack the nation’s capital annually to witness the dedication ceremony in person. The proceedings will be broadcast on massive video screens and sound systems throughout the National Mall, according to DC’s premier tourist office.

In the weeks leading up to the event, an official architect sets up the “inauguration platform” on the steps of the US capitol. American flags and red, white and blue curtains are draped on the walls of the building.

Where can I watch the inauguration?

Inauguration Day will be broadcast live on most major television networks and will be streamed live on azcentral.com.

What other events happen on Inauguration Day?

The dedication ceremony is followed by a traditional inauguration lunch, according to National Park Service.

Afterwards, a presidential procession, replete with marching bands and ceremonial military regiments, will head down Pennsylvania Avenue, carrying Trump and Vance from the Capitol to the White House.

In the evening, DC power players and other organizations will host glamorous inaugural balls at the city’s best venues. The president typically appears at “official” balls, which are planned in coordination with the inauguration team, but plenty of other groups also hold unofficial parties.

What federal holiday occurs on Inauguration Day?

Inauguration Day is always a federal holiday. This year it will coincide with Martin Luther King Day.

The two holidays overlap more often than you might think. Newly elected presidents are sworn in on January 20 or January 21 if the 20th falls on a Sunday. Martin Luther King Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January, which is around King’s actual birthday on January 15th.

Since MLK Day became a federal holiday, nine presidential inaugurations has happened. Eight of the apartments have been at Martin Luther King Jr. Day, according to HistoryinPieces.

USA TODAY’s Cheryl McCloud contributed to this article.