Donald Trump's inauguration set for MLK Day - Nashville PRIDE, Inc.
Donald Trump will officially become the 47th president of the United States on Monday, January 20, on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Held on the third Monday of January, the inauguration will occur on the same day as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which marks the second time an inauguration has occurred on the same date as the holiday following the second inauguration of Bill Clinton in 1997.
Tech Companies' Contributions
The leaders of various tech companies have pledged donations and services for the inauguration. Open AI CEO Sam Altman said through a spokesperson that he will be making a $1 million personal donation. Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta and the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, sent $1 million. It is also reported in the Wall Street Journal that Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos, has offered to stream the ceremony on Amazon Prime, amounting to a $1 million in-kind donation.
Other Contributors
Other contributors include Uber Technologies and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors, who announced donations of $1 million each and will provide a fleet of vehicles for the inauguration.
Weekend Celebrations
Activities begin on Saturday with a reception and fireworks display at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. The day also includes a Cabinet reception and a vice president’s dinner, setting the tone for a weekend of high-profile celebrations. The events highlight Trump’s flair for grandeur, with some observers noting the focus on his personal brand.
Sunday’s events include a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, honoring those who have served the nation. The day’s centerpiece, Trump’s ‘MAGA Victory Rally’ at Capital One Arena, has drawn mixed reactions.
Inauguration Day
On Monday, Inauguration Day, Trump’s schedule includes a service at St. John’s Church and tea at the White House. At noon, Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will be sworn in, marking the transfer of power from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Following the ceremony, Trump will participate in a traditional signing of nominations and attend a luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Later, he will lead the presidential parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, with a review of the troops.
Inaugural Balls
The evening will feature three inaugural balls: the ‘Commander in Chief Ball,’ the ‘Liberty Inaugural Ball,’ and the ‘Starlight Ball.’ Trump is expected to address attendees at each, highlighting his plans for the nation as he steps into the presidency.
National Prayer Service
The weekend concludes with the National Prayer Service, a tradition intended to bring the nation together in reflection and hope.
Several members of the Democratic Party in the 119th Congress have decided to boycott the inauguration, citing various reasons and concerns.
