Trump Inauguration Lineup Revealed Amid Political Shifts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump–Vance inaugural committee has unveiled a star-studded lineup of performers for the 2025 inauguration events, featuring country music icons, pop stars, and a surprise guest. The festivities, set to begin this weekend, will include performances by Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, and others, as the nation prepares for a new administration.

The swearing-in ceremony will feature Christopher Maccio, Lee Greenwood, and Carrie Underwood, while Sunday’s rally at Capital One Arena will include Kid Rock, the Village People, and Liberty University‘s Praise Choir. The Liberty Ball will host Jason Aldean and a surprise musical guest, while Rascal Flatts and Parker McCollum will perform at the Commander-in-Chief Ball. Gavin DeGraw is slated to headline The Starlight Ball.

Despite the celebratory tone, the inauguration comes amid significant political shifts. House Speaker Mike Johnson removed Representative Michael R. Turner, a vocal advocate for Ukraine funding, from the intelligence oversight committee. Margaret Brennan Johnson cited “concerns from Mar a Lago” as the reason for the decision.

Meanwhile, Trump’s advisers have reportedly tempered expectations about ending the war in Ukraine quickly. The incoming administration is also focusing on surrounding RFK Jr. with conservative policymakers to bolster his lack of government experience and MAGA credentials.

In other news, more than 400 Washington Post journalists delivered a petition to owner Jeff Bezos, urging him to intervene in the paper’s operations. The petition, signed by rank-and-file staff, star journalists, and non-union editors, highlights growing tensions within the organization.

As the city prepares for the inauguration, residents are also grappling with local issues. A $50,000 playground in D.C. has been deemed too slippery for children, while a Maryland woman was mistakenly declared dead. The region’s economy, however, shows signs of improvement.

For those looking to avoid inauguration activities, local events like a themed skate night at the Wharf and a performance by Lucy Dacus at the Anthem offer alternatives. The city’s cultural scene remains vibrant, with Bruce Norris‘s provocative play “Downstate” drawing attention at Studio Theatre.

As the nation watches the inauguration unfold, the blend of celebration and political maneuvering underscores the complexities of this historic moment.