Donald Trump inauguration 2025: what time is the ceremony in the UK and how can I watch live?

DONALD Trump is set to take the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States on January 20. 

The ceremony symbolises the peaceful transfer of power from Joe Biden to Trump, marking his return to the White House for a non-consecutive second term. Here’s how to watch the inauguration.

What time is the 2025 Donald Trump inauguration ceremony in the UK?

The inauguration ceremony will happen at the US Capitol building. 

First up, Vice President-elect JD Vance will take his oath of office on January 20, 2025 followed by Trump. 

This usually takes place around midday local time, which is about 5pm in the UK. 

As is tradition, Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court is expected to administer the oath to the new president. 

Trump will raise his right hand and place his left on a Bible, which is typically held by the incoming First Lady – in this case, Melania Trump.

After that, Trump will recite these words: “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.”

Following the oath, he’ll deliver his first presidential address of his second term.

The length of these speeches can vary. Back in 2017, Trump’s inaugural speech ran about 17 minutes, while Biden’s in 2021 was just over 20 minutes.

After the signing ceremony and the inaugural luncheon, which tends to showcase dishes from the president and vice president’s home states, Trump will lead the inaugural procession down Pennsylvania Avenue.

The parade, which travels from the US Capitol to the White House, is a beloved tradition and a highlight for millions of Americans. 

The procession is set to kick off around 3pm local time, which is about 8pm in the UK. 

The day will wrap up with a series of inaugural balls held across Washington D.C. bringing the celebrations to a close.

And just one day before he’s sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, the president-elect announced a massive rally in Washington, D.C. set for January 19th. 

In an email to his supporters, Trump described the event as: “This is President Trump’s VICTORY RALLY the DAY before being sworn in as the 47th President – the crowd needs to be HUGE!”

Due to restrictions following an attempt on his life, this rally will be held indoors instead of in the usual outdoor setting.

However, that did not stop an excited fake Trump, Melania and even a stand-in JD Vance from taking a mock-up oath before the seismic event.

Where to watch the inauguration ceremony in the UK?

If you’re excited to watch the inauguration, you’ve got plenty of options. 

In the UK, you can catch live coverage on BBC One starting at 3:30pm GMT, or tune into Sky News. 

I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.

Carrie Underwood

ITV News and Channel 4 will also be covering the event, and if you prefer streaming online, The White House will have a live stream available too.

You’ll also be able to catch the event live on all major US broadcast networks, including NBC, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, CSPAN, Fox News, and PBS.

Who is performing at Trump’s inauguration ceremony?

Country music star Carrie Underwood will perform America the Beautiful at Trump’s inauguration, while the 1970s hitmakers Village People are set to perform at two inaugural events.

In a statement, Underwood said: “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.

“I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

The Village People, known for their chant-along disco hits and colourful stage personas, became famous in the late ’70s with tracks including Y.M.C.A. widely considered a gay anthem. 

The song became a staple at Trump’s rallies during the last election.

Vocalist Christopher Macchio will perform the National Anthem at the inauguration. 

The United States Marine Band, famously known as The President’s Own, is the only band featured on Monday’s inaugural programme.

In Trump’s previous inauguration in 2017, the billionaire businessman was left with thin-pickings after a number of high-profile snubs from artists ahead of his big day.