Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day takes place on Monday (16:30 SAST) and includes a formal swearing-in ceremony as well as musical performances and several formal balls.
However, freezing temperatures this year have moved the events indoors, with Trump and Vice-President-elect JD Vance taking the oath of office in the United States Capitol Rotunda building. The traditional inaugural parade has been cancelled due to the weather.
WHO’S ON THE GUEST LIST?
According to BBC News, about 200,000 people are expected to show up for Donald Trump’s inauguration, which could include Trump supporters and protesters.
Many US senators, House members, and guests of the new administration will attend the event.
After Trump, Vance, and their families, the next key attendees will be outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with their spouses, Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff.
Former first lady, Michelle Obama will not attend this year’s inauguration, but her husband, Barack Obama, is expected to be there, along with former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, will not attend.
Tech billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are reportedly attending. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is also expected to be there. China’s Vice President, Han Zheng, will also be present.
According to Aljazeera, there will be other leaders at the inauguration, including, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieck,and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is a maybe.
Other stars expected to be at the event, according to TMZ, are Theo Von, a podcaster and standup comic, Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and influencer, Logan Paul,and his boxer brother, Jake.
WHO DIDN’T CRACK THE NOD?
According to iol.co.za, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa was not been invited to Trump’s inauguration. This is not uncommon as no SA president has ever received an invite to a US president’s inauguration.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s President Olaf Scholz were also not invited.
Who Will Perform?
Country singer and former American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood will perform America the Beautiful. She told the BBC she loved her country and felt honoured to participate in the historic event.
Lee Greenwood, a close friend of Trump, and opera singer Christopher Macchio will also perform.
The Village People performed at Trump’s victory rally on Sunday and will be at an inaugural ball on Monday. Trump often played their songs YMCA and Macho Man at his rallies. The band stated on Facebook, “We believe music is for everyone, regardless of politics. YMCA is a global anthem that can help bring the country together after a divided campaign.”
Other performers at Trump’s rally and evening balls include country stars Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, and Rascal Flatts, as well as singer Gavin DeGraw and rapper Nelly.
DO YOU THINK PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SHOULD’VE BEEN INVITED TO THE INAUGURATION?
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