President-elect Donald Trump has dominated headlines since his decisive victory in the Nov. 5 presidential election.
Like the country’s other swing states, Arizona voters picked Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, helping Republicans secure near-total control over the federal government starting in 2025.
Trump is transitioning into his presidential duties, 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 won’t officially take office until Jan. 20.
Trump’s inauguration will take place in the nation’s capital, though Arizonans can follow the festivities from afar.
Here’s what to know about his swearing-in.
When is Inauguration Day 2025?
Inauguration Day falls on Jan. 20, 2025.
The proceedings will begin around noon Eastern time, or 10 a.m. in Arizona, on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will take an Oath of Office — a pledge to faithfully carry out the offices’ duties and defend the Constitution — then Trump will deliver an Inaugural Address.
What happens before Inauguration Day?
The country’s newly elected members of Congress will be sworn in on Jan. 3. The House is expected to elect a speaker at this time, which will allow the lower chamber to begin business. Trump has endorsed the current House Speaker, U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to remain in the job.
On Jan. 6, Congress will count the Electoral College votes from the 2024 election. As the sitting vice president, Harris will preside over the proceedings.
What should I expect to see at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20?
Thousands of visitors pack the nation’s capital yearly to witness the inauguration ceremony in person. The proceedings will be broadcast on massive video screens and audio systems throughout the National Mall, according to D.C.’s leading tourism office.
In the weeks leading up to the event, an official architect sets up the “inaugural platform” on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. American flags and red, white, and blue curtains are draped on the building’s walls.
Where can I watch the inauguration?
The Inauguration Day proceedings will air live on most major television networks and will be livestreamed on azcentral.com.
What other events happen on Inauguration Day?
The swearing-in ceremony is followed by a traditional inaugural luncheon, according to the National Park Service.
Afterward, 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, D.C. power players and other organizations will host glamorous inaugural balls at the city’s top venues. The president typically makes an appearance at “official” balls, which are planned in coordination with the inauguration team, but plenty of other groups host unofficial parties as well.
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 Jan. 20 or on Jan. 21 if the 20th falls on a Sunday. Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday in January, which is around King’s actual birthday on Jan. 15.
Since MLK Day became a federal holiday, nine presidential inaugurations have occurred. Eight of the occasions have been on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, according to HistoryinPieces.
USA TODAY’s Cheryl McCloud contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When will Trump take office? What to know about Inauguration Day 2025?
