The upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20th promises to be a memorable event, despite last-minute logistical adjustments. Originally planned for an outdoor ceremony, the swearing-in has been moved indoors due to inclement weather, restricting attendance but still featuring a host of celebrities and dignitaries. Performances by notable artists like Carrie Underwood, Christopher Macchio, and Lee Greenwood are set to highlight the event within the Capitol building. Additionally, tech moguls Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, and Jeff Bezos were initially expected to attend before the venue change. The evening will see further entertainment at various inaugural balls, with performances from Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Nelly, and more. Celebrities and world leaders alike have confirmed their presence, adding to the anticipation surrounding this significant political occasion.
Celebrity-Laden Inauguration in the Heart of Washington
In the bustling heart of Washington, D.C., as winter's chill sets in, preparations are underway for the second inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Scheduled for January 20th, the event has undergone several changes, most notably moving the swearing-in ceremony indoors to the U.S. Capitol due to unfavorable weather conditions. This shift has naturally limited the number of attendees who can join inside the historic building, yet it has not diminished the star power of those expected to participate.
Among the highlights is the performance by country music sensation Carrie Underwood, who will sing “America the Beautiful.” Opera singer Christopher Macchio will lend his voice to the national anthem, while patriotic tunes from Lee Greenwood will resonate throughout the ceremony. Tech industry titans such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos had plans to attend prior to the venue change. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was also anticipated to address the audience, and X CEO Linda Yaccarino has already made appearances in the capital, collaborating with Uber for a press-related event.
Late Monday evening will see the Inaugural Ball come alive with performances by country group Rascal Flatts, joined by Jason Aldean and Parker McCollum. Other musical acts include rapper Nelly and Gavin DeGraw, ensuring a night filled with entertainment. Actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, now appointed as Special Envoys to Hollywood by Trump, may grace the ceremony given their new roles, with Voight confirmed to speak at a rally on the eve of the inauguration. The Victory Rally at the Capital One Arena will feature performances by the Village People, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Kid Rock, among others.
Beyond performers, the event will welcome speakers like former wrestler Hulk Hogan, UFC President Dana White, talk show host Megyn Kelly, and Puerto Rican musicians Anuel AA and Justin Quiles. Sports figures such as boxer Mike Tyson, UFC fighters Jorge Masvidal and Jon Jones, football player Antonio Brown, and hockey player Evander Kane are also slated to attend. Notable rappers Rod Wave, Kodak Black, and Fivio Foreign add to the star-studded lineup.
International dignitaries will join the festivities, including Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, eight members from a Taiwanese delegation led by parliament speaker Han Kuo-yu, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentinian President Javier Milei, U.K. parliament member Priti Patel, and former U.K. Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Nigel Farage. A crypto-themed ball held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium featured performances by Snoop Dogg, Soulja Boy, and Rick Ross, though it was not officially part of the inaugural events and did not include Trump’s attendance.
From a journalist's perspective, the combination of high-profile celebrities and international leaders underscores the global significance of this inauguration. Despite the logistical challenges posed by changing venues, the event remains a testament to the enduring appeal and influence of American politics on the global stage. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of entertainment, technology, sports, and diplomacy in shaping public perception and engagement with political transitions.