Today’s the day: the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. As the world waits with bated breath for the most unlikely President to take office, what does the day have in store?
When?
The Inauguration will begin at 12pm (5pm GMT) on Friday 20th January, with the official swearing-in ceremony taking place on the steps of the Capitol in Washington.
The event will be followed by a number of Inaugural Balls.
How?
The event will be in the hands of Republican senator Roy Blunt, who will lead the ceremony, alongside the chairman of Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Activities.
Trump has opted to use the Lincoln Bible, which has been used in the ceremonies of both Abraham Lincoln, in 1861, and Barack Obama in both 2009 and 2013.
The oath is expected to sound like this:
I Donald J Trump, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.
Vice president-elect Mike Pence will also take the oath.
It will be followed by an Inaugural speech, which Mr Trump has written himself.
Writing my inaugural address at the Winter White House, Mar-a-Lago, three weeks ago. Looking forward to Friday. #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/S701FdTCQu
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2017
Who will perform at the Inaugural Ball?
The event of the day will no doubt be the Inaugural Ball, a traditionally well-attended event at which headline stars perform. However, it is said that Trump had difficulty finding performers for the event, with his friend Andrea Boticelli – the famous Italian singer – declining the invitation to sing.
Those that have confirmed include The Radio City Rockettes, Jackie Evancho and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
…And who won’t be there?
A large proportion of House Democrats have opted to skip the inauguration ceremony, with the total number being almost one-third at the last count. According to the Telegraph, there is no modern precedent for a planned political boycott of this scale.
Traditionally the outgoing President also attends the ceremony and it is expected that President Obama will be there. However, the pair have a strained relationship after Trump called into question his nationality and hinted that he was the ‘founder of ISIS’, and if Obama snubs the event he will be the first president in 96 years to do so.
Several celebrities have also turned down invitations to perform at the ball, making the line-up far less exciting than either of Barack Obama’s Inaugurations.
However, Boris Epshteyn, director of communications for the Inaugural Committee, dismissed concerns in an interview on CNN in December, saying:
“This is not Woodstock,” Epshteyn said. “It’s not summer jam. It’s not a concert.”
Those who are said to have turned down an offer include Elton John, Moby and R Kelly.