In the United States, Election Day occurs on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, and presidential elections occur every four years. This past year, 2024, was a presidential election year, in which Republican Party candidate Donald J. Trump was elected to a second term, becoming the 47th president, with State Senator JD Vance as his vice-president-elect. Whether a sitting president is staying in office for a consecutive term or a new president is taking power, an inauguration ceremony will always be held on January 20 (unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case it will be held the following day). The ceremony will begin at 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time.
The primary purpose of the presidential inauguration ceremony is for the president-elect to swear the presidential oath of office, in which they affirm that they will “faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of [their] ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The vice-president-elect will also swear their own oath of office, which is the same oath sworn by Senators, Representatives, and other federal employees, affirming that they will “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic
Because of the recent death of 39th President Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024, President Joseph Biden declared that for 30 days, all flags at federal buildings must be flown at half-staff in a demonstration of respect and mourning. It has been pointed out that this means the 2025 presidential inauguration ceremony, which takes place in front of the U.S. Capitol building, could be required to have its flags half-staff, creating an atmosphere of grief in what is typically a celebratory occasion.
Reported reactions have been mixed: Trump claims that this is an unpatriotic move by the Democratic Party (it should be noted that a period of flying flags half-staff to mourn the death of a president has been American tradition since 1954). White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre initially stated that an exception will not be made for the flags seen at the ceremony, but current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (perhaps understanding how shaky his position in the Republican Party is and trying to stay on Trump’s good side) has ordered that the flags be flown at full staff just for the ceremony and then lowered back down.
For those who wish to attend a presidential inauguration ceremony, tickets are limited, so visitors must act quickly before supplies run out, but they are free and obtainable from members of Congress (Senators and Representatives). See here for ways to get in contact with your Congress members and other elected officials.
Because the ceremony shares its date with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday, expect businesses, schools, banks, and government buildings to be closed or operating on limited hours.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us anytime at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy!
