what time does trump inauguration start

Smons

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15-04-2025

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What Time Did Trump's Inauguration Start? A Look Back at January 20, 2017

Donald Trump's inauguration as the 45th President of the United States took place on Friday, January 20, 2017. While the exact start time of the ceremony itself is often cited, it's important to understand the full schedule of events surrounding the inauguration.

The Main Inaugural Ceremony: The swearing-in ceremony, the central event of the inauguration, officially began at noon EST (17:00 GMT). This is the standard time for presidential inaugurations, as mandated by the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to President Trump at this time.

Events Leading Up to Noon: However, the day's events began much earlier. The morning included various inaugural parades and ceremonies, religious services attended by the President-elect and other dignitaries, and a luncheon for invited guests. These events started several hours before the main ceremony.

Post-Inauguration Events: Following the swearing-in ceremony, a luncheon was held at the Capitol, followed by the inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue. These events extended well into the afternoon.

Why the Precision Around Noon? The precise noon start time for the inauguration ceremony is rooted in the 20th Amendment, which dictates the commencement of a new presidential term. This amendment was enacted to clarify the transition of power and prevent any potential power vacuum.

Key Takeaways:

• Swearing-in Ceremony: 12:00 PM EST (17:00 GMT) on January 20, 2017.
• Full Day of Events: While the main ceremony began at noon, the day included numerous other related events spanning several hours.
• Constitutional Significance: The noon start time is a crucial aspect of the presidential transition process, ensuring a timely and legally sound transfer of power.

While many focus solely on the noon start time, understanding the broader context of the inauguration day schedule provides a more complete picture of this significant historical event. If you're interested in learning more about specific aspects of that day, I encourage you to explore reputable historical archives and news sources for detailed accounts.