Donald Trump: What happens at the inauguration of the new US president?

Donald Trump will officially become the 47th President of the United States at a ceremony called the inauguration.

Inauguration day will take place on 20 January 2025 and is the day Donald Trump moves into the White House.

Until then President Biden remains in the top job.

It will be the second time that Mr Trump takes on the role - after previously having served as president before Joe Biden in 2017.

In 2025, for the first time in 40 years, the inauguration will take place indoors, due to extremely cold temperatures being forecast on the day.

Here's everything you need to know about the Presidential Inauguration and how it works.

What is Inauguration Day?

Inauguration Day is the day the new US President moves into the White House

The inauguration is the name given to the ceremony where the new president and vice-president are both sworn in and officially take office.

At the ceremony, the new president will make a promise to the American people to do his best to protect the country and do a good job of being their leader.

This is called "taking the oath of office".

When is Inauguration Day 2025?

Inauguration Day occurs every four years on 20 January - or on 21 January if the 20th day falls on a Sunday.

Donald Trump's Inauguration Day is scheduled for Monday 20 January 2025.

Traditionally it begins at - or around - midday in Washington DC, the capital city of the United States.

This is because, according to the 20th Amendment to the US Constitution, a President's term of office begins at 12pm on 20 January, the year following an election.

The UK is five hours ahead of Washington DC, so the time here will be around 5pm when it takes place.

Even if a president is elected for a second term, they are sworn in again for that second term, just like they were for their first.

Where does the ceremony take place?

Donald Trump's Inauguration ceremony will be moved indoors due to freezing temperatures outside

The ceremony traditionally takes place in front of a building called the Capitol.

The Capitol is a building in Washington where part of the US government, called Congress, is based.

Numerous ceremonies are held at the Capitol, but the Presidential Inauguration is perhaps the most widely known.

However, it has been announced that Donald Trump's inaugural address will take place indoors due to dangerously cold weather being forecast on the day in Washington.

Temperatures are expected to be below freezing and could even hit a low of -11C.

So the address, as well as other speeches, will now take place inside the US Capitol's rotunda, rather than outside the building.

The inaugural parade will also be held indoors at Washington's Capitol One Arena.

The last president to be sworn-in indoors was Ronald Reagan in 1985, which was also due to cold weather.

In a statement posted to his Truth Social social media platform, Trump said that he does not "want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way" amid the freezing temperatures.

He added: "It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of law enforcement, first responders, police K9s and even horses" as well as "hundreds of thousands" of supporters.

What happens during the Presidential Inauguration Day ceremony? What events take place?

In 2017, outgoing President Barack Obama (on the right) accompanied Donald Trump for his first inauguration

Traditionally, the president-elect (the person who was elected to be president but who hasn't yet begun the job) and vice-president-elect arrive at the White House and attend a brief meeting.

By tradition, the outgoing president then accompanies the president-elect to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony.

Around or after midday, the new president takes the oath of office, which is usually administered by the Chief Justice (main judge) of the US Supreme Court.

Each president must take the oath of office before they are able to carry out any official duties.

The new president then delivers their first official speech - which is known as the Inaugural Address.

In it, the president announces their big plans and top priorities for when they are leader.

What is the Presidential Oath of Office?

Donald Trump being sworn in as President in January 2017

The wording of the oath, or affirmation is stated in the US constitution.

"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."

Who will be at the Presidential Inauguration?

The Inauguration traditionally takes place outside in front of a building called the Capitol, however it will be moved indoors this year, due to cold weather

In addition to members of public who are allowed to gather on the grounds of the US Capitol, the attendees at the ceremony generally include the vice-president, senior politicians, Supreme Court justices, high-ranking military officers and former presidents.

The president's family members usually get good seats too!

The outgoing president also usually attends the next president's inauguration too, although Donald Trump skipped the last one when his rival Joe Biden became president.

Former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood is set to perform the patriotic song 'America the Beautiful' during the ceremony.

"I love our country and am honoured to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event," Underwood said in a statement. "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."

American disco group The Village People will also perform at one of the inaugural balls.

Donald Trump often used and danced to the group's songs - YMCA and Macho Man - at his rallies while campaigning.