Donald Trump will officially begin his second term as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, 20 January 2025, in Washington DC.
Donald Trump inauguration: Here’s what to expect
The ceremony will be held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to the severe cold weather forecasted for the day, a rare change from the traditional outdoor inauguration on the Capitol steps.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies confirmed that this adjustment aligns with security and safety protocols, as temperatures are expected to dip to 18°F (-8°C) with wind chills making it feel between 5°F and 10°F (-15°C to -12°C).
Guests and dignitaries will witness Trump’s swearing-in inside, with live viewing and celebrations hosted at Capital One Arena, where Trump will address attendees following the ceremony.
According to reports, Trump’s inaugural speech is expected to focus on unity and optimism, departing from the darker tone of his 2017 address.
However, significant policy moves are expected to follow shortly after the ceremony, including executive orders targeting immigration reforms and economic policies aligned with his “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) agenda.
Cyril Ramaphosa didn’t get the invite
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will not attend Trump’s inauguration, a precedent consistent with previous US inaugurations.
According to South African officials, no president from the nation has historically been invited to attend such ceremonies.
Instead, Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s Ambassador to the US, will represent the country.
Reports suggest that Trump has limited invitations to leaders aligned with his ideological platform, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentine President Javier Milei, both of whom are expected to attend.
Ahead of the inauguration, South Africa’s economy experienced a mild boost, with the rand strengthening to R18.71 against the US dollar. Analysts attribute this to expectations surrounding Trump’s economic policies and their potential impact on global markets.
How to watch Donald Trump inauguration live in South Africa
South African viewers can follow the inauguration through these platforms:
- CNN International, BBC World News, and other global news channels will provide live broadcasts of the ceremony.
- YouTube will stream the event live, beginning at approximately 19:00 SAST.
- Local news platforms are also expected to provide live updates and coverage throughout the day.