Trump to Take Historic Second Oath of Office on MLK Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office for the second time on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, becoming only the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms. The inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, marking a rare overlap of the two events.

The ceremony will begin at noon ET at the U.S. Capitol, as mandated by the 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This year’s inauguration is particularly notable as it falls on the same day as MLK Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader’s legacy. The dual observance has occurred only once before, during former President Bill Clinton‘s second inauguration in 1997.

Inauguration Day is technically recognized as a federal holiday, but only federal employees in Washington, D.C., are granted the day off. However, many government-run organizations, including banks, will close in observance of MLK Day.

The day’s events will follow a traditional schedule, beginning with a church service at St. John's Church and tea at the White House. The swearing-in ceremony will be followed by an inaugural address, a document signing event, a luncheon, a Pass in Review military tribute, and a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue. The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee has also planned three inaugural balls to cap off the celebrations.

Country star Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” shortly before Trump takes the oath of office. Other performers include The Village People, country singer Lee Greenwood, and opera singer Christopher Macchio.

Flags will be flown at half-staff on Inauguration Day in accordance with a proclamation by President Joe Biden following the death of former President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29, 2024. This practice signifies national mourning.

Tickets to attend the inauguration in person are free but highly sought after. Each member of Congress is allotted a certain number of tickets to distribute to constituents. Most Senators and Representatives begin accepting ticket requests several weeks before the event.

Inauguration Day proceedings will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, with pre-ceremony coverage beginning early in the morning.