As people on both sides of the aisle offer their opinions, one fact is clear: billionaire businessman Donald Trump will become our 45th President today. And while tensions are high in the Capitol based on what transpired last night, it’s a safe bet that national and local law enforcement will be on guard as nearly 900-thousand flood into Washington for the day's events.
Either way, President-elect Trump says he's ready for his inauguration. In a welcome event at the Lincoln Memorial, Trump remarked that he and his supporters are going to unify the country. He said the "forgotten man" and "forgotten woman" aren't forgotten any more. Trump promised that change is on the horizon. He finished by saying that he will not only make America great again, but greater than it has ever been.
Earlier in the day, Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. If you’re planning to watch the ceremonies, consult your local listings. Below is a tentative schedule for the day’s events:
Tentative Schedule of Events
- 8:30a ET – President-Elect Trump and party arrive at St. John's Church for service.
- 9:30 – President-elect Trump and party depart for White House
- 9:30 – President and Mrs. Obama welcome President Elect and Mrs. Trump to the White House for coffee.
- 10:30 – Parties depart the White House for the Capitol via motorcade.
- 10:40 – President Obama and President Elect Trump arrive at the Capitol carriage entrance
- 10:45 – VIP arrivals are announced at the Capitol.
- 11:15 – Program begins
- 11:33 – P. Elect Pence is sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas
- 11:45 – President Elect Trump is sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts
- Noon – President Trump delivers inaugural address.
- 12:18p – National Anthem is sung by Jackie Evancho
- 12:19 – Former President Obama and Former V.P. Biden depart.
- 1p ET – Former President Obama and family arrive at Joint Base Andrews for departure to Palm Springs. Comments expected.
- 1:08 – President Trump is announced to the luncheon at Statuary Hall.
- 1:15 – Cameras at the Capitol go dark for lunch
- 1:58 – Cameras turned back on for luncheon program at the Capitol.
- 2:12 – President Trump to East Front lobby of the Capitol
- 2:40 – President Trump reviews troops
- 2:45 – Parties move to parade vehicles
- 3p – Parade rolls from Capitol Grounds
Source: NPR