Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the President of the United States for a second term on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The highly anticipated event coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, making it a national holiday and ensuring a day full of grandeur and celebration. Spectators can expect a spectacular display of pomp, pageantry, and entertainment, as has been the tradition for presidential inaugurations.
This year’s ceremony promises to blend traditional patriotic themes with a distinctly country-inspired lineup, reflecting the president’s strong connection with his supporters and cultural influences.
The Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee has been remarkably secretive about the event’s plans, revealing details only a few days before the inauguration. Musical performances, a staple of these ceremonies, will include a marching band and various galas throughout the evening.
Stars like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and John Legend have graced past inaugurations. However, this year’s lineup leans heavily on country music, featuring high-profile acts such as Billy Ray Cyrus and Kid Rock, both of whom endorsed Trump during his 2024 campaign. Their presence underscores the close relationship between Trump and his country music supporters.
Kid Rock, a long-time Trump ally, has been an outspoken supporter of the Republican Party and its policies. The 53-year-old, whose real name is Robert James Richie, performed ahead of Trump’s speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention and even accompanied him to a UFC event in November.
Speaking about his involvement, Rock said, “It’s an honor to celebrate with the president and his supporters. Music has always been a unifying force.” Rock will share the stage with country legend Billy Ray Cyrus, who, despite being the father of vocal Trump critic Miley Cyrus, has maintained his own political stance. Cyrus is set to perform at the Make America Great Again Rally alongside a choir from Liberty University, a private evangelical Christian institution.
In addition to Cyrus and Rock, the inauguration will feature performances from Jason Aldean, Lee Greenwood, and The Village People. Jason Aldean, known for his controversial hit Try That In A Small Town, has dedicated the song to Trump following an assassination attempt on the president in July.
Meanwhile, Lee Greenwood, a long-time supporter of Trump, will perform his iconic God Bless the USA, as he did eight years ago. The Village People, led by Victor Willis, will also be part of the celebrations, performing at multiple events. “We believe music transcends politics,” Willis said in a Facebook post, adding that their performance aims to unite the country after a divisive campaign.
Country group Rascal Flatts and Texas singer-songwriter Parker McCollum will headline the Commander-in-Chief Ball, an event dedicated to honoring military service members.
Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox expressed his excitement on Instagram, calling the opportunity “humbling and unforgettable.” LeVox, who performed at Trump’s first inauguration, promised a night filled with heartfelt performances, adding,
“It’s a privilege to stand with those who serve our nation.” At the Starlight Ball, which caters to high-value donors, singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw is set to perform. Known for his hit I Don’t Want To Be, DeGraw’s appearance adds a touch of pop to the largely country-themed lineup.
The day’s main ceremony will include a moving rendition of America the Beautiful by eight-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood, accompanied by the Armed Forces Choir and the US Naval Academy Glee Club. Underwood, who has largely kept her political views private, stated, “I love our country and am honored to be part of such a historic event.”
Classical singer Christopher Macchio will also take the stage, performing Oh, America! before Vice President-elect JD Vance’s oath of office and concluding the ceremony with the national anthem. Reflecting on his participation, Macchio said, “Music has the power to bring us together, especially during pivotal moments in history.”
Other notable figures expected to attend or perform include actor Jon Voight, who spoke at Trump’s first inauguration and has been an outspoken advocate for his presidency. Voight, recently appointed as a special envoy to Hollywood, could deliver another memorable speech.
Meanwhile, Mary Millben, who sang at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally and the Republican National Convention, is rumored to return for the 2025 inauguration.
Another potential surprise guest is Kanye West, a vocal Trump supporter in the past. When asked about his political allegiance earlier this year, West emphatically declared, “It’s Trump all day.”
Reflecting on past inaugurations, this year’s event contrasts with the more diverse and pop-heavy lineup of Joe Biden’s 2021 ceremony, which featured Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry, and Justin Timberlake.
While it remains unclear if a prime-time televised event akin to Celebrating America will follow Trump’s inauguration, the focus this time appears to be on live, in-person performances steeped in patriotic and country music traditions.
With such a robust and varied lineup, the 2025 inauguration promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating both Trump’s return to office and the enduring spirit of American democracy.
