On January 20, 2025, the country witnessed the historic appointment of Donald J. Trump’s second term as the 47th President of the United States of America. This marks a significant change in the direction of the country. As a part of the Republican Party, certain changes will need to be anticipated before the former president takes office. 

      While the country celebrated the turning of the new year, White House officials were all but getting ready for January 6. On January 6, the electoral college held their crucial vote as they ensure that Trump had won the election. This precedes a process that took place on December 17 where elections cast ballots for states. Because there were no “Faithless electors”, or electors that vote against the majority vote of their state, Trump received 312 electoral votes with Kamala Harris at 226. 

Harris will preside over this casting of ballots making sure all goes smoothly, a process vivid in our country—marking the 3rd anniversary of the capitol insurrection. She will hand over the ballot with each state’s votes to a teller from the House or Senate, where they will read aloud and record how many votes each side has. It is at this point where the votes can be objected to. But for it to be properly heard, the objection must be in writing, and signed by ⅕ of the House and Senate respectively. After all objections have been heard and resolved Harris can accept or reject the outcome of the vote.

 As of January 7, 2025, Kamala Harris accepted the outcome that Donald J. Trump will be the 47th president of the United States. 

How will Inauguration Day work?

      The first inauguration festivity that will take place will be the swearing-in ceremony, taking place at 12 pm ET on January 20, 2025. At the 60th inauguration ceremony JD Vance will be sworn in first, followed by Trump. Both of them will place their right hand on the Bible, swearing to “Preserve, protect, and Defend the constitution of the United States of America.” 

Then the leader of the Supreme Court will swear an oath to the presidential elect Donald Trump. Then shortly after, Donald Trump will deliver his inaugural address. Every president since George Washington has issued an inaugural address. 

Finally, after the signing ceremony, with the members of their cabinet, the Vice President and President will make their way to the East steps of the capitol, where they will be greeted by military troops. These troops will parade both of them down Pennsylvania Avenue, making their way to the White House. This parade consists of military groups, civilians, music, floats, and more. As the car pulls up to the White House and both JD Vance and Donald Trump step out and walk inside the White House, the Presidency of the 47th President will officially begin.