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Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration ceremony will take place on Monday, January 20th. This marks the commencement of his second, non-consecutive term as President, making him the first individual to hold the office twice in separate terms. Due to a predicted severe cold snap in Washington, D.C., the Inauguration has been relocated to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Over 220,000 tickets were distributed for the ceremony, which was originally scheduled for outside the Capitol building. Following the 2020 transition of power, which was marked by significant tension, including the January 6th, 2021, Capitol riot and Trump's refusal to concede, this year's transition has proceeded more peacefully. President Biden and Vice President Harris are both expected to attend. The Inauguration Day will feature several ceremonies, events, and performances. Read below for TIME’s continuous coverage throughout the day. Why was the inauguration date changed from March to January 20? Originally set for March 4, 1789, George Washington's inauguration was delayed until April 30th due to harsh winter conditions. The March date stemmed from the time needed for vote counting and travel, hampered by poor infrastructure. However, the four-month gap between Election Day and Inauguration Day presented administrative challenges. With advancements in technology and infrastructure, the date was moved earlier. The 20th Amendment, ratified in 1933, shifted Inauguration Day to January 20th. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first President inaugurated in January, in 1937. Who performed at Trump’s 2017 Inauguration? The 2017 Inauguration faced challenges securing performers, with many declining to participate. The event ultimately featured Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the Rockettes. Who is performing at the 2025 Inauguration Day? The following musical acts were scheduled to perform at this year’s Inauguration Day events, before schedule changes due to freezing weather: The swearing-in ceremony Carrie Underwood (“America the Beautiful”) Christopher Macchio (National Anthem) Lee Greenwood The Make America Great Again victory rally Kid Rock The Village People Billy Ray Cyrus Lee Greenwood Liberty University’s Praise Choir The Liberty Ball Jason Aldean The Village People A surprise musical guest The Commander-in-Chief Ball Rascal Flatts Parker McCollum The Starlight Ball Gavin DeGraw

WASHINGTON — Bitcoin's value soared past $109,000 early Monday, shortly before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, fueled by cryptocurrency industry optimism regarding his impending pro-crypto policies. Once a bitcoin skeptic, Trump has become a fervent supporter of digital currencies. He's launched a cryptocurrency venture and pledged to swiftly transform the U.S. into a global crypto hub. His plans include establishing a U.S. crypto reserve, enacting favorable regulations, and appointing a crypto “czar.” “You’re going to be very happy with me,” Trump told crypto enthusiasts at a bitcoin conference last summer. Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency launched in 2009 as decentralized electronic cash, has transitioned from niche to mainstream status. However, its volatility and use in illicit activities have drawn criticism, with some labeling it a Ponzi scheme. Despite this, bitcoin has withstood multiple price crashes. Wealthy crypto industry players, feeling unfairly targeted by the Biden administration, heavily supported Trump's election campaign. Since his victory, bitcoin's value has surged, exceeding $100,000 last month before briefly dropping to around $90,000. It increased approximately 5% on Friday and jumped over $9,000 early Monday, according to CoinDesk. Two years prior, bitcoin traded at roughly $20,000. Trump's cabinet and regulatory appointments include numerous crypto supporters, notably his selections to head the Treasury and Commerce departments and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Key industry figures celebrated the first "crypto president" at a sold-out "Crypto Ball" on Friday, with tickets costing thousands of dollars. Here’s a look at potential early actions by the Trump administration: Crypto council Trump promised a special advisory council to guide the creation of clear crypto regulations within his first 100 days in office. While specifics remain unclear, Trump appointed a tech executive and venture capitalist as the administration’s crypto “czar” post-election. He also announced in late December that former North Carolina congressional candidate Bo Hines will be the executive director of the “Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets.” At last year’s bitcoin conference, Trump assured crypto supporters that new regulations “will be written by people who love your industry, not hate your industry.” Trump's SEC appointee, Paul Atkins, is a strong crypto advocate. Crypto investors and businesses felt stifled by what they perceived as the Biden administration’s overly aggressive enforcement and accounting policies, hindering innovation, particularly under outgoing SEC Chairman Gary Gensler. “Regarding expectations from the Trump Administration, a shift in tone at the SEC is a safe bet,” said Peter Van Valkenburgh, executive director of Coin Center. Gensler, departing with Trump’s inauguration, stated in a Bloomberg interview that he’s proud of his office’s efforts to regulate the crypto industry, which he described as rife with bad actors. Strategic bitcoin reserve Trump pledged to build a U.S. government bitcoin stockpile, similar to its gold reserves. He stated at a bitcoin conference that the government would retain, rather than auction, the billions of dollars in bitcoin seized through law enforcement. Crypto advocates have proposed a draft executive order establishing a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” as a national asset, managed by the Treasury Department via its Exchange Stabilization Fund, aiming for at least $21 billion in bitcoin. Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming has introduced legislation to mandate government bitcoin stockpiling, arguing it diversifies holdings and mitigates financial risks. Critics cite bitcoin’s volatility as a drawback. Creating such a reserve would significantly normalize and legitimize bitcoin, according to Zack Shapiro, head of policy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. Ross Ulbricht Trump received enthusiastic support at a bitcoin conference for his commitment to commuting Ross Ulbricht's life sentence. Ulbricht is the convicted founder of Silk Road, a drug marketplace using crypto payments. Ulbricht’s case resonates with some crypto advocates and Libertarians who believe investigators overstepped in their prosecution of Silk Road.

In Washington, D.C., on the eve of President Trump's inauguration, China's Vice President Han Zheng met with the U.S. vice president-elect and prominent American business leaders. These discussions addressed ongoing trade and technological tensions between the two nations. According to Trump's transition team, Han Zheng, serving as an envoy for President Xi Jinping at the inauguration, held talks with J.D. Vance, covering topics such as fentanyl, trade balance, and regional stability. A statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday noted that Han emphasized the extensive shared interests and significant potential for cooperation between the U.S. and China in economic and trade matters, despite existing disagreements and friction. President Trump has indicated plans for additional tariffs and other measures in his second term, while also suggesting potential areas of cooperation with China on issues such as regional conflicts and curbing fentanyl exports. In an unprecedented move, President Trump invited President Xi Jinping to his inauguration. State Department records indicate that no other head of state has previously made an official visit for a U.S. presidential inauguration. While President Xi will not attend, he and President Trump spoke by phone on Friday, discussing trade, fentanyl, and TikTok. Service for the Chinese social media app, TikTok, was restored in the U.S. on Sunday, shortly after being suspended in response to executive actions; President Trump stated he would pause these actions via executive order on Monday. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also reported that Han Zheng met with Elon Musk and other leading U.S. business executives, including representatives from the U.S.-China Business Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chinese vice president reaffirmed China's commitment to improving the business environment for foreign companies and expressed hope for continued U.S. investment in China. Following the meeting, Musk, whose Tesla company operates a factory in Shanghai, stated his long-standing opposition to the TikTok ban, citing free speech concerns. He further commented that the current situation, where TikTok operates in the U.S. while X (formerly Twitter) is blocked in China, is unbalanced, requiring adjustments. X, along with other major U.S. social media and news platforms including YouTube, Google, Facebook, and numerous prominent U.S. media outlets, remains inaccessible in China.

Addressing a large and enthusiastic crowd at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena on Sunday, Donald Trump exuded confidence, declaring “We won!” He promised significant policy changes within his first few hours as President. Trump reiterated his campaign pledges, including intensified deportations and increased oil drilling. He indicated his intention to implement these and other measures. “You’re going to see something tomorrow,” Trump stated. “You’re going to see executive orders that are going to make you extremely happy—lots of them.” Trump outlined plans for immediate action upon inauguration, including repealing what he termed President Biden’s “radical” policies. This involves rescinding protections for transgender athletes, empowering immigration officers to accelerate deportations, and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the government. “By the time the sun sets tomorrow evening, the invasion of our borders will have come to a halt and all the illegal border trespassers will, in some form or another, be on their way back home,” he asserted. Trump alluded to potential pardons for those charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, stating, “Everyone will be very very happy with my decision on the J6 hostages.” He also promised the swift release of federal records concerning the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Regarding TikTok, he proposed a joint venture where the U.S. would own 50 percent of the company, a condition for allowing its continued operation. It promises to be a significant start. Trump’s final rally before his return to the White House featured performances by Kid Rock and the Village People, and speeches from Dana White, Don Jr., Lara Trump, and Stephen Miller. On the eve of Inauguration Day, Trump's supporters felt vindicated by the election results, demonstrating that years of investigations and scandals had not diminished his appeal. “MAGA is stronger and more united and more determined than ever before,” declared Miller, who will serve as Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy. He highlighted Trump’s plans to strengthen border security, increase deportations, and roll back protections for transgender athletes, adding, “It’s not up to you if you are a man or a woman. That decision is a decision that is made by God and it can’t be changed.” During the rally, Trump brought Elon Musk onstage to great applause. Musk, appearing somewhat surprised, joined him on stage with his son X. Musk was tasked with implementing trillions of dollars in federal spending cuts. “We’re looking forward to making a lot of changes. This victory is the start,” Musk commented. The cost of Trump's proposed initiatives is considerable. Deporting millions of undocumented individuals would be expensive, time-consuming, and require a significant increase in federal personnel. Trump also mentioned developing a “great iron dome of defense,” a project that would likely benefit defense contractors significantly.

Economic anxieties have fueled widespread resentment—a key finding of our research. We've observed a significant shift in public opinion, moving beyond political division to assertive self-interest advocacy. Recent elections globally saw citizens protesting against businesses, governments, and the wealthy. Incumbent governments in several Western democracies, including the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, and Canada, were ousted. Businesses faced backlash over their involvement in social issues, from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to sustainability. This discontent stems from a belief that the system is unfair, that businesses and governments worsen things, and that the rich continue to prosper. A growing sense of alienation is so pervasive that almost two-thirds of respondents now fear discrimination, a 10-point increase from the previous year. Even high-income earners show increased worry about victimization—an 11-point jump to 62%. Three-quarters of respondents are concerned about wages failing to keep pace with inflation. There's also deep concern about job losses due to automation (58% of employees) and globalization (62% worry about international trade impacting their livelihoods). Four factors, developing over the past decade, have intensified these grievances. First is a widespread lack of faith in a better future. Only one-third of respondents believe the next generation will be better off. This is consistent across Western democracies, with Germany at 14% and France at just 9%. Trust has also become increasingly disparate across income levels. Low-income respondents exhibit significantly lower trust in institutions than high-income respondents. For example, 48% of low-income respondents trust institutions (business, government, media, and NGOs), compared to 61% of high-income respondents. The disparity is most pronounced with businesses, showing a 16-point trust gap. Institutional leaders may also bear responsibility. Globally, two-thirds of respondents worry about intentional dishonesty from journalists, government officials, and CEOs. Furthermore, there's a decline in shared facts. Almost two-thirds of respondents struggle to distinguish reliable news from misinformation. Social media's decisions regarding information will further complicate this already complex media landscape. Our collective grievances are widespread, encompassing economic, electoral, and societal aspects. Most people harbor resentment towards elites and institutions. Sixty-one percent of respondents feel a moderate (41%) or high (20%) level of grievance, defined as believing that businesses and governments hinder their lives, serve narrow interests, and that the system favors the wealthy while ordinary people struggle. This belief is more common among those on the Left (69%) than the Right (57%), and among older people (66% aged 55+) compared to younger people (58% aged 18-34). Many high-grievance individuals adopt a zero-sum perspective: any political gain for one party is perceived as a loss for another. The wealthy are viewed negatively. Two-thirds of respondents believe the wealthy avoid paying their fair share of taxes and that laws benefit the wealthy at the expense of "people like me." These grievances contribute to widespread belief in capitalism's failure. Over half of respondents believe capitalism does more harm than good—53% overall, including 55% of 18 to 34-year-olds. Many also feel political systems are broken. Only one-third of respondents believe those with opposing views "play by the rules," and less than half (44%) trust those with different political beliefs. Government is distrusted in 17 of the 28 countries surveyed. For many, violence may seem necessary. Over half of young people approve of at least one hostile activism method to effect change: online attacks, intentional misinformation, or threatening or committing violence against people or property. Low-trust nations exhibit higher grievance levels, while trust restoration fosters belief in a brighter future. In Germany, average institutional trust is 41%, and 69% feel moderate or high grievance. In Singapore, institutional trust is 65%, and grievance is only 39%. This highlights a strong inverse relationship: higher institutional trust correlates with lower societal grievance. Businesses have become the default solution for societal problems, as many believe they are more competent (+48 points) and ethical (+29 points) than governments. However, business lacks the sole authority to lead, as perceptions of business ethics decline with rising grievance. Businesses have the potential, and considerable public support, to address social issues. The other three major institutions also have roles to play in addressing societal grievances. NGOs have an opportunity to lead ethically, being seen as a unifying force among those with high grievance, and enjoying the highest trust within that group. Governments must demonstrate competence and deliver results that benefit citizens. Media outlets must provide reliable information to enable informed decision-making. We need to avert a grievance-based society where violence is seen as a viable option. All four major institutions must contribute. Businesses will have opportunities to collaborate with new governments in major democracies on key issues like trade, energy, and reskilling. These issues will be debated in a more chaotic media environment, prioritizing speed and accuracy. Our aim should be to empower individuals and drive positive change, rather than threats to society.

The tradition of U.S. presidents taking the oath of office with a hand on a Bible continues. This practice stems from the inaugural ceremony of the first President. The reason for this is simply long-standing custom. According to the White House Historical Association, George Washington, the nation's first president, established this practice in 1789. Numerous presidents followed suit, including [list of presidents]. Washington also initiated the custom of kissing the Bible after taking the oath, a tradition that persisted until 1853 when Franklin Pierce broke with it. Many presidents have used family Bibles. President Biden, for instance, utilized a family Bible dating back to the 19th century. At his first inauguration, Donald Trump used two Bibles: one from his mother and the Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his first inauguration. However, not all presidents have used a Bible. Theodore Roosevelt used no object during his 1901 swearing-in, while John Quincy Adams opted for a law book in 1825 to represent his commitment to upholding the Constitution.

When Russia invaded Ukraine almost three years ago, President Biden established three U.S. response objectives. A Ukrainian victory wasn't among them. The White House's "supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes" statement was deliberately ambiguous, leaving the duration's purpose unclear. “We intentionally avoided specifying territorial boundaries,” explains Eric Green, a former Biden National Security Council member overseeing Russia policy. The U.S. didn't promise helping Ukraine reclaim all occupied lands, especially territories seized since 2014. Green clarifies that the White House believed this was unattainable for Ukraine, even with Western support. “That wouldn't be a successful outcome. The priority was Ukraine's survival as a sovereign, democratic nation, free to pursue Western integration.”  This was one of Biden's three objectives. He also sought allied unity and prevented direct NATO-Russia conflict. Reflecting on his Ukraine leadership—crucial to his legacy—Biden achieved these goals. However, even close allies and advisors find this limited success unsatisfying. “It’s a success that doesn’t feel good,” Green told TIME. “Because of Ukraine's immense suffering and the future's uncertainty.”  Ukrainian disappointment with Biden grew throughout the invasion, escalating after Trump's presidential win. In an early January podcast, President Zelensky criticized insufficient U.S. sanctions on Russia and inadequate weapons/security guarantees. “With all due respect,” Zelensky told Lex Fridman, “I don’t want a repeat of the Biden situation. I urge immediate sanctions and weapons.” This criticism is striking, given significant U.S. support: $66 billion in military aid since February 2022 (according to ). Including all Congressional aid, the total reached roughly $183 billion by September 2023 (according to , a 2023 U.S. government watchdog).  Yet, Zelensky and allies believe the U.S. was too cautious against Russia, particularly regarding NATO membership. “Shared vision for Ukraine’s future security in the E.U. and NATO is vital,” Zelensky told the White House in September.   During that visit, Zelensky presented Biden with a "victory plan." Besides NATO membership, it pushed for strengthened Ukrainian war capabilities via a massive weapons influx and permission to strike deep within Russia. Hoping Biden's lame-duck status would encourage bolder decisions (partially for legacy reasons), Ukrainians believed this was their chance. “His legacy is our argument,” a senior Zelensky delegate told TIME. “How will history remember you?”  The response was mixed. Biden remained firm on NATO membership but approved previously rejected actions. In November, Ukraine received U.S. permission to strike deep inside Russia. January saw tough sanctions against Russia's energy sector, including its oil export "shadow fleet."  While short of Zelensky's desires, these decisions aided Biden's final foreign policy speech, claiming U.S. goal achievement in defending Ukraine. He cautiously avoided promises of territorial recovery or war survival. Putin “has failed to subjugate Ukraine,” Biden stated on January 13th. “Ukraine remains a free, independent country, with potential for a bright future.”  Zelensky and many Ukrainians envision a Russia-defeated future. However, Biden's objectives implied defending Ukraine against Russia differs from defeating Russia. Therefore, Zelensky's goal remains distant. ```

Overshadowed by the excitement surrounding Donald J. Trump's second Inauguration—the last-minute venue changes, the celebrations, and the $170 million raised from donors—is the core purpose of the event. In 1787, the Constitutional Convention included a requirement that the President, before assuming office, recite the oath: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) 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.” This wasn't universally supported. Some delegates viewed oaths as pointless. It's the only verbatim pledge in the Constitution, highlighting its fragility and the framers' concerns about its tenuous nature, needing a promise from future leaders to uphold their work. Yet, every President since George Washington has recited these 35 words, committing to the rule of law amidst change. Trump himself is a powerful force for change. Regardless of one's opinion, he has reshaped America in unimaginable ways. A decade ago, the consensus among Republicans and Democrats favored free trade. Presidents respected prosecutorial independence. The U.S. commitment to NATO allies was steadfast. Trump has disregarded these norms, with global consequences. He is arguably the most influential White House resident since Franklin Delano Roosevelt. However, the 47th President is also a product of global change. The challenges he addresses have accumulated over decades and surpass any single leader's or nation's capacity to solve. Transnational issues, from migration to crime to pandemics, have defied solutions since before 9/11. The world today is vastly different from post-World War II America. In China, the U.S. confronts unprecedented economic and military challenges. Trump has pledged aggressive solutions. He promises mass deportations, media suppression through prosecution, and the annexation of [countries/territories]—though the latter may be facetious. Supporters believe his norm-breaking justifies the potential rewards, crediting him for tackling significant problems: cutting government waste, reducing deficits, ending wars, and fixing immigration. He enters office with strong political support—a decisive election victory, high public approval, a unified Republican Congress, and backing from the business community, particularly tech leaders. Many see his return as a chance for institutional renewal. His opponents are evaluating his agenda. Democrats have adopted some previously rejected policies. President Biden retained Trump's China tariffs. Vice President Harris embraced his "no tax on tips" pledge. Many House and Senate Democrats support the Laken Riley Act, mandating federal detention for illegal immigrants arrested for theft. Simultaneously, Democrats prepare to oppose many of Trump's policies. Critical moments will arise when political opposition, advisors, the legal system, or world leaders challenge Trump. He has threatened military action against protesters. His response to judicial rulings and his use of the partial immunity from prosecution granted to Presidents remain uncertain. Trump told TIME, “I’ll only do what the law allows, but I will go up to the maximum level of what the law allows.” Critics note his history of changing positions and discarding allies. He's already replaced his White House counsel before taking office. As the first President to enter office as a felon, convicted of falsifying business records, the oath offers little assurance of constitutional adherence. However, the U.S. governing system has proven resilient. It has survived the Civil War, fascism, pandemics, and legal challenges. It also withstood the disruptions of Trump's first term, including the January 6th events. His second inauguration's oath now seems less a sign of the framers' insecurity, and more a testament to their wisdom. Those concerned about the future can find comfort in the 1787 decision to strengthen the presidential oath, adding the commitment to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." The responsibility now falls to Trump and America to uphold this oath.