Where & When to Watch Donald Trump's Second Inauguration - Details
In addition to disclosing where and what time President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration will take place, news reports have also shared the events that will take place on Inauguration Day.
Today (January 20, 2025) Donald Trump's second inauguration as the President of the United States will take place. Those who plan to view from home can do so via an array of broadcast channels such as CBS, NBC, Fox, and CNN, who have all shared details concerning the events of the day.
Donald Trump speaking at his victory rally at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC on January 19, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has made it convenient for viewers to watch the 60th Presidential Inauguration live online.
A dedicated livestream of the historic event is already available on their official website, allowing anyone to tune in just as the ceremony begins.
Donald Trump speaking at his victory rally. | Source: Getty Images
For those opting for traditional or streaming platforms, CBS News offers an array of coverage options. Live broadcasts of the day's events will air across CBS's platforms, including its cable network and streaming services.
Coverage kicks off at 9 a.m. ET and continues through 5 p.m., featuring the inauguration festivities and ceremony in their entirety. CBS will also provide an inauguration primetime special at 10 p.m. ET for a recap of the day's highlights.
Gayle King, Margaret Brennan, Norah O'Donnell, John Dickerson, Cecilia Vega, and Ed O'Keefe from CBS News covering the election in New York City on November 5, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
For cable-free viewing, CBS News 24/7 is accessible for streaming on CBSNews.com, the CBS News app, and Paramount+.
NBC News will also deliver comprehensive coverage. Special live programming begins at 9 a.m. CT and extends through the swearing-in ceremony, slated to start at 11 a.m. CT (12 p.m. ET). The day's itinerary traditionally includes music and opening remarks, with security screening gates opening as early as 5 a.m. CT.
NBC Chicago and NBC News will broadcast the event live, along with a 24/7 streaming channel and a special livestream available on NBC Chicago's YouTube channel. ABC News will also deliver extensive coverage of Trump's second inauguration, ensuring viewers don't miss a moment of this historic day. PIC
The network's programming begins with a special edition of "Good Morning America" at 7 a.m. EST, transitioning into a day-long special report starting at 9 a.m. EST, led by "World News Tonight" anchor and managing editor David Muir, live from Washington.
A photo of a person holding a phone with the ABC Daytime logo on it in front of a Disney sign taken in Ukraine on February 1, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
ABC's detailed reporting will cover key events, including Trump's visit to the Capitol, the noon swearing-in ceremony, his inaugural address, the signing of executive orders in the Oval Office, and the inaugural parade at Capital One Arena.
A picture of Donald Trump presidential pins taken in Washington, DC on January 16, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
For those opting to stream, ABC News Live will provide continuous coverage, accessible on platforms such as Samsung TV+, The Roku Channel, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube, and Tubi. Additionally, viewers can stream on Disney+, Hulu, and ABCNews.com and connected devices.
Fox News Channel and FoxNews.com are also broadcasting the inauguration live. Coverage will include the swearing-in ceremonies for both Donald Trump and his Vice President, J. D. Vance.
Meanwhile, CNN is providing extensive live coverage throughout the day, starting as early as 7 a.m. ET. The network will follow the event through the ceremony, the official oath of office, and the inaugural balls in the evening. CNN's coverage is accessible across its cable channels, connected TV apps, mobile apps, and CNN.com.
The CNN logo on a TV screen with a person's hand holding a remote in Poland on August 7, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, Max subscribers can stream the event live, while CNN reporters and anchors will engage in a live chat during the swearing-in. A customized livestream, featuring in-depth reporting and analysis, will also be available on the CNN app.
A reporter holding a CNN microphone in Paris, France on July 8, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
As dictated by the 20th Amendment, the formal transfer of power occurs at noon on January 20, officially marking the end of President Joe Biden's term and the beginning of Trump's administration.
This seamless transition is at the heart of America's democratic values, a sentiment echoed by the theme of this year's events, which is "Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise."
President Joe Biden delivering his farewell speech to the nation in Washington, DC on January 15, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
The ceremony, meticulously planned by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies under the leadership of Senator Amy Klobuchar, includes eight key events.
First is the Procession to the Capitol, then the Vice Presidential Swearing-In Ceremony; Presidential Swearing-In Ceremony; Inaugural Address; Honorary Departure of the Outgoing Leaders; Signing Ceremony; Inaugural Luncheon; Pass in Review, and the Presidential Parade, which will be hosted at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington.
Donald Trump at his victory rally. | Source: Getty Images
According to a message shared by Trump on Truth Social, due to the weather conditions forecasted for Washington, the Inauguration Address will take place in the United States Capitol Rotunda. This is to ensure the safety of civilians, first responders, police k9s, and law enforcement.
Donald Trump speaking at a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida on January 7, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
"We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In. All other events will remain the same, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena, on Sunday at 3 P.M," penned Trump, who also implored attendees to dress warmly.
Donald Trump addressing the media. | Source: Getty Images
The festivities will open with a musical prelude, performed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Combined Choirs and "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band, followed by an invocation delivered by religious leaders, including Timothy Cardinal Dolan and Reverend Franklin Graham.
The Quantico United States Marine Corps Band performs during half-time of the match between Old Glory DC and Rugby United New York in Leesburg, VA on May 30, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Opera singer Christopher Macchio, known as "America's Tenor," will take the stage with a stirring rendition of "Oh, America!"
According to reports, country music icon Carrie Underwood, accompanied by the Armed Forces Chorus and the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club, will perform a moving rendition of "America the Beautiful."
Addressing her upcoming performance in a statement, Underwood expressed, "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."
According to news outlet AP News, country singer Lee Greenwood, who happens to be a favorite artist of Trump's, will also perform at his second inauguration.
Carrie Underwood performing at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve event in New York on December 31, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
As the ceremony progresses, the Naval Academy Glee Club will return to deliver "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," after which Trump will take to the podium to deliver his inaugural address.
Donald Trump walking on stage during his victory rally. | Source: Getty Images
To close the event, a benediction will feature a diverse array of faith leaders, including Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, Imam Husham Al-Husainy, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, and Father Frank Mann. The day's events will conclude with a stirring performance of the National Anthem by Macchio.
It should be noted that at the time this article was written and published, the inauguration had not yet begun and live streaming was still upcoming.