With people not just in America but around the globe eager to follow Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony, here is how the most waited for event will unfold.
Donald J. Trump will take the oath of office outside the Capitol on Friday to become the 45th president of the United States. Expect plenty of pomp and a good deal of protest, too, as hundreds of thousands of people descend on Washington to mark the occasion.
The Schedule:
The official inaugural festivities commenced Thursday afternoon and will not wrap up until Saturday morning. Below are some of the highlights; and here is an expanded schedule.
The swearing-in ceremony starts at 11:30 a.m. on Friday with officials and other dignitaries gathered on the West Front of the Capitol. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. will administer the oath of office to Trump, who will then deliver his inaugural address.
Later in the afternoon, after reviewing the American armed forces, President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will lead the inaugural parade from the Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue, with thousands of military personnel representing each branch participating.
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The Inaugural balls will kick off around 7 p.m. There will be two official inaugural balls on separate floors of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and the Armed Services Ball, which will be at the National Building Museum. Trump is expected to make remarks and take to the dance floor at all three.
On Saturday morning the Washington National Cathedral will host the traditional prayer service for Trump and Pence to begin their terms in prayer and reflection. The service marks the end of the official inaugural schedule.
Also, expected Saturday morning is the Women's March on Washington, which would be the week's largest protest action against Trump. The march begins with a rally at the base of Capitol Hill.