After a great performance in the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump emerged victorious, and his inauguration takes place on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. The ceremony will be held at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. 

Some common questions that students may have about Inauguration Day include what happens during the event, what the presidential oath of office entails and what controversies are surrounding the inauguration. 

According to msn.com, “The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies plans events including the swearing-in, inaugural address, and the pass in review.” In addition to these formal proceedings, other traditional events will take place, such as the Inaugural Parade and Inaugural Balls. 

During the Inauguration, the U.S. President takes an oath before officially assuming office.  

According to constitution.congress.gov, “Before he enters on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” 

While these events occur at every presidential inauguration, there is ongoing debate about one particular detail of this inauguration: whether the American flags should be flown at half-mast. President Joe Biden ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast for 30 days following the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29, which follows the standard tradition for the passing of a former president. However, Donald Trump has argued that flags should not be flown at half-mast during his inauguration.  

According to msn.com, “Offended by the decision, Trump accused his rivals of being ‘giddy’ about the flags being lowered, saying ‘no American can be happy about it.’” 

These events surrounding the inauguration are significant to U.S. tradition. While the decision about the flags remains under debate, this inauguration will undoubtedly be a unique and important moment in the nation’s history. 

These events around the inauguration are very important and special parts of the political traditions of the United States. While it is still being debated whether or not to have the flags at half-mast or full mast during Trump’s inauguration, this is still going to be a very special and memorable date in the United States history.