Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States is scheduled for January 20th, 2025, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. The entertainment line-up for the event, previously kept under wraps, has now been revealed.
The inauguration festivities will commence next weekend with a fireworks display at Trump’s golf club in Sterling, Virginia, followed by a campaign-style rally in D.C., a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, and various dinners leading up to Trump’s second swearing-in ceremony.
Joe Biden is expected to attend the inauguration. In a statement, Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler, co-chairs of the inaugural committee, emphasized Trump’s commitment to uniting the country through his America First agenda. Witkoff, Trump’s choice for Middle East envoy, and Loeffler, the former Georgia senator nominated to lead the Small Business Administration, wrote, “The 2025 inaugural celebrations will reflect President-elect Trump’s historic return to the White House and the American people’s decisive vote to Make America Great Again.”
On Saturday, Trump will attend the fireworks at Trump National Golf Club, while Vice President-elect JD Vance will participate in a reception for incoming Cabinet members. Sunday’s schedule includes a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and a “MAGA Victory” rally at Capital One Arena in Washington.
The musical performances feature country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio, both favorites of Trump. Country superstar Carrie Underwood will also perform “America the Beautiful” just before Trump takes the oath of office.
Underwood, who rose to fame on American Idol in 2005, expressed her honor in a statement, saying, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.” She added, “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
However, Underwood’s participation drew criticism from some online. One person remarked, “Shame on Carrie Underwood. She has been removed from my playlists. Is it so hard to stand up with moral principles? Money is truly the root of all evil.”
Another commented, “Carrie Underwood, you are most famous for singing about keying the car of a man who cheated!!!! And you’re now performing for a man who has cheated on every wife he’s had and has cheated the country out of peace and common sense governing!!!! Girl gfy.”
A third lamented, “Carrie Underwood Jesus is about to take the wheel and drive your career right into the toilet.”
Trump’s first full day in office on Tuesday will begin with a National Prayer Service. Christopher Macchio will perform the National Anthem to close the inauguration program, while Franklin Graham, son of the late Billy Graham, and New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan will deliver the invocation.
What are your thoughts on the line-up for Trump’s inauguration?