Inauguration Day: Security tightens in DC one week before Trump takes office

WASHINGTON – A robust security plan is in place across the nation’s capital ahead of the presidential inauguration, which will take place amid extra tight security. The January 20 swearing-in of Donald Trump has been designated a national special security event. 

What they’re saying:

At a press conference on Monday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser outlined the plan that will include joint efforts by the city and federal partners.

“For residents and businesses, most of the impact of the inauguration will be felt in the area directly around the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, the Convention Center, and around Union Station,” Bowser said. 

Bowser added that a combination of high visibility patrols, fencing, and barriers will continue to be put into place throughout the week. Widespread road closures across downtown D.C. should be expected by those who live and work in the District, she said.

Matt McCool, the U.S. Secret Service special agent in charge of the Washington field office, said hundreds of thousands are expected to be in the nation’s capital to watch the presidential inauguration. Thousands of special guests, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, several former presidents, Supreme Court justices, and other lawmakers, will also be present.

“All attendees will undergo screening. Designated checkpoints will be set up for members of the public interested in attending the inauguration,” McCool said. 

In addition to road closures and parking restrictions, flight restrictions in and around D.C. will also be in place. 

“More than 30 miles of anti-scale fence will be used for the inauguration,” McCool said, adding drones will also be involved in the security plan.

“The biggest threat, I think for all of us, remains the lone actor,” said United States Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger as he discussed preparations. 

Manger also warned the public about ticket scams that are likely to surface.

FBI Washington Field Office Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg said two command posts will be in operation—one at the Washington Field Office and the other at FBI headquarters. 

“We are not currently tracking any specific or credible threats to the inaugural ceremony or to the Capitol complex,” Sundberg said while reminding the public to remain vigilant.

“Our entire police department will be activated for the presidential inauguration,” said D.C. Chief of Police Pamela Smith, adding that an additional 4,000 officers from across the U.S. will be on hand as reinforcement. Smith said 7,800 National Guard members will also be activated across D.C. to assist with inaugural events. 

“We will not tolerate any violence,” Smith said. “We want people to come to the District of Columbia to enjoy our city, but those who break the law will be arrested and will be held accountable for their actions.”

Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke said over 900 uniformed security personnel will be monitoring the transit system during the inaugural events. Clarke said that the transit system will open at 4 a.m. on inauguration day to assist with crowds.

Who is singing at Trump’s inauguration? 

What we know:

Country star Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at Trump’s inauguration, according to the Associated Press. 

Other performers will include country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio. 

Greenwood will perform as Trump walks out to take the oath, according to Trump’s inaugural committee. Macchio is Trump’s choice to perform the National Anthem at the end of the program.

The backstory:

Macchio performed at the Republican National Convention in July, at Trump’s return rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in October after his first rally there was marred by an assassination attempt, and during his Madison Square Garden rally that drew blowback for crude and racist jokes from some speakers.

Trump’s first inauguration in 2017 featured performances from the Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and 16-year-old “America’s Got Talent” singer Jackie Evancho.

Schedule of key inauguration events 

The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee released the timeline Monday of key events related to Trump’s inauguration, starting Saturday with a large fireworks display. 

Timeline:

Saturday, January 18, 2025  

• The President’s Reception and Fireworks at Trump Sterling  
• Cabinet Reception and Vice President’s Dinner 

Sunday, January 19, 2025 

• Arlington National Cemetery CeremonyWreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Make America Great Again Victory RallyPresident Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks
• Candlelight DinnerPresident Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks

Monday, January 20, 2025 

• St. John’s Church Service 
• Tea at the White House 
• Swearing-In CeremonyUS Capitol
• Farewell to the Former President and Vice President  
• US Capitol Departure Ceremony 
• The President’s Signing Room Ceremony 
• JCCIC Congressional Luncheon  
• The President’s Review of the Troops  
• Presidential Parade Pennsylvania Avenue
• Oval Office Signing Ceremony at The White House  
• Commander in Chief BallPresident Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks
• Liberty Inaugural BallPresident Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks
• Starlight BallPresident Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 

• National Prayer Service 

What we don’t know:

Official timing for all events has not been released. But as far as timing goes, at noon on January 20 Trump will take the oath of office – that’s dictated in the U.S. Constitution. 

Melania Trump to live in the White House

What we know:

A week away from the inauguration and the Trumps’ return to the White House, Melania Trump said she is “packed” and has picked out the furniture she wants to bring to the executive mansion. The second time has been easier, she said, because she knows the rooms where the family will be living.

“I already packed. I already selected the, you know, the furniture that needs to go in. So it’s, it’s very different, a transition, this time, second time around,” she said.

Their son, Barron, 18 and a freshman at New York University, will have a room for when he visits.

Melania Trump said she’s still hiring for her team and plans to resurrect and expand her Be Best initiative, which was centered around childhood well-being, social media use and opioid abuse.

The backstory:

There had been speculation in recent months that the First Lady would not live full-time at the White House. CNN reported in November that “multiple sources” said she would spend the majority of her time in New York City and in Palm Beach. 

But when asked on FOX News Monday morning where she’d be spending most of her time, Melania Trump said she’d be “in the White House.” 

“When I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach,” she said.” But my first priority is, you know, to be a mom, to be a first lady, to be a wife.. And once we’re in on January 20, you serve the country.” 

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