Trump’s second act in the White House: Expect the unexpected on inauguration day

Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on Monday (Jan 21, Tuesday morning, Singapore time) – more than two months after his surprising victory in the Nov 5 election, where he defeated Kamala Harris. 

His running mate, JD Vance, will be sworn in as vice-president. This year’s ceremony will take place inside the Capitol Rotunda, a departure from the traditional location on the West Front of the US Capitol, which has hosted presidential inaugurations since 1789. The last-minute change was ordered by Trump due to concerns about the extreme weather forecast on the day with temperatures ranging from minus 11 to minus 5 degree Celsius.

With fewer than a thousand people actually present in the Rotunda, millions more in the US and around the world will tune in via TV or digital platforms. Despite the change in venue, the event will still feature familiar traditions, though the move to the Rotunda marks a significant break from outdoor celebrations.