The inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, is set to be a star-studded event despite last-minute changes. Initially planned for outdoors, the ceremony moved indoors at the U.S. Capitol due to adverse weather conditions. Despite this change, several high-profile figures from entertainment and tech industries are expected to participate. Performances by notable artists like Carrie Underwood, Christopher Macchio, Lee Greenwood, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, Nelly, and Gavin DeGraw highlight the evening’s festivities. Additionally, world leaders and prominent personalities have confirmed their attendance, making this inauguration an international affair.
In preparation for the indoor inauguration, organizers have made adjustments to accommodate the limited space within the Capitol. The lineup includes performances that promise to captivate the audience. Country music star Carrie Underwood will perform "America the Beautiful," while opera singer Christopher Macchio will sing the national anthem. Patriotic tunes will continue with Lee Greenwood’s rendition of "God Bless the USA." These musical acts underscore the patriotic theme of the day. Moreover, technology moguls such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos were initially expected to attend before the venue shift. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was also anticipated to speak at the podium, reflecting the diverse representation of sectors supporting the event.
Celebrations extend beyond the swearing-in ceremony. On Sunday, the Victory Rally hosted at Capital One Arena features performances by the Village People, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Kid Rock. This event marks Trump’s campaign victory and includes speeches from actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, who have been appointed as Special Envoys. Their roles aim to revitalize Hollywood under the new administration. Additional speakers include Hulk Hogan, UFC President Dana White, and Megyn Kelly, adding to the eclectic mix of voices celebrating the occasion. The rally also welcomes Puerto Rican musicians Anuel AA and Justin Quiles, further diversifying the cultural representation.
The inaugural events have attracted global attention, with world leaders expressing interest in attending. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will represent China, alongside a delegation from Taiwan led by parliament speaker Han Kuo-yu. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentinian President Javier Milei, and British parliament member Priti Patel are among the international guests. Former UK Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Nigel Farage have already arrived in Washington D.C., highlighting the significance of the event on the global stage. Notably, athletes and entertainers such as Mike Tyson, Jorge Masvidal, Jon Jones, Antonio Brown, Evander Kane, Rod Wave, Kodak Black, and Fivio Foreign are expected to join the festivities, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.
While the official inauguration events dominate the schedule, unofficial gatherings also add to the excitement. Friday evening saw the first crypto-themed inauguration ball, featuring performances by Snoop Dogg, Soulja Boy, and Rick Ross. Hosted at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, this event brought together cryptocurrency enthusiasts and celebrities, though it was not officially part of the inauguration program. As the nation prepares for the swearing-in of its next leader, these celebrations promise to be memorable, blending tradition with modern influences and showcasing the unity of diverse communities.