GUWAHATI: Donald Trump is poised to return to the White House on Monday, commencing his tenure as the 47th President of the United States. Despite facing numerous hurdles, including criminal charges and assassination attempts, Trump has emerged unscathed, though frigid winter conditions have prompted a change of venue for his inauguration ceremony. Initially planned for the west front of the US Capitol, the event will now take place indoors in the Capitol Rotunda.
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The nation’s capital has ramped up preparations to ensure the safety of the event. Unlike the chaos of 2021, when a mob stormed the Capitol after Trump’s election loss to Joe Biden, officials are not anticipating significant protests or violence this time. Instead, Washington, DC, is bracing for celebratory crowds marking Trump’s return to power and the dominance of the Republican Party under the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) banner.
The inauguration, organised by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), will include the traditional oath-taking, inaugural address, and parade. Trump will recite the presidential oath, pledging to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." Vice President-elect Vance will also be sworn in during the ceremony.
Following the swearing-in, an inaugural parade will make its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. Other scheduled events include a signing ceremony, an inaugural luncheon featuring regional cuisine, and a series of grand inaugural balls across Washington, DC.
The Capitol Rotunda will host the scaled-down ceremony, accommodating around 600 guests. Among those expected to attend are Trump’s wife, Melania, his children, and grandchildren, with Donald Jr. and Lara Trump playing notable roles. Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and other family members will also be present.
Prominent figures such as Supreme Court justices, military leaders, former presidents, and Cabinet nominees will join members of Congress and visiting dignitaries. Tech luminaries, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Shou Zi Chew, and Sam Altman, have also received invitations.