It’s a weekend of parties and galas in the nation’s capital as President Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office once again on Monday, Jan. 20, just as he did back in 2016, only a few degrees colder and a few years wiser to the world of politics in the swamp.
Weather has become a factor this weekend with a cold front moving in, but it is not clear if the reason that the swearing in ceremony has been moved to the Capitol Rotunda is because of weather or because of some undisclosed threat.
In any case, only family, procedural officers, security, certain dignitaries, and members of the U.S. Senate and House will be in the Rotunda as Trump is sworn in. Everyone else who had a “seated” ticket will be at the Capital Arena, a domed arena where they can watch the event on the big screen.
Some events this weekend include Saturday’s Cabinet dinner with JD Vance and the black-tie Best of the West gala, which is co-sponsored by Bernadette Wilson at Denali Disposal.
Spotted in D.C. who had traveled from Alaska for the parties and the inauguration are:
Bernadette Wilson, Art Hackney, Ashley Reed, Anchorage Assemblyman Scott Myers, Stephen Romanelli, Wade Erickson, Alaska Republican Party Chair Carmela and Jason Warfield, Attorney General Treg and Jodi Taylor, Clark Penney, ASRC’s Crawford Patkotak, Truman Reed, Steve Straight, Teresa Hall, Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Congressman Nick Begich, Sen. Dan Sullivan (who flew back to Alaska to attend an event for the Covenant House and then right back to D.C. for the inauguration), Sen. Lisa Murkowski, C.J and Eric Koan, Larry Baker, Keith Manternach, Ryan McKee, Judy Eledge, Stacey Stone, Sarah Erkmann Ward Ryan Sheldon, and others (add your name in comments if you are here in D.C. We don’t want to miss any names!)
Also, Craig Campbell, Patty and John Wisel, Dennis and Anita Merkes.
Here’s look at the current lineup of official inaugural events (there are many other unofficial parties) for the next four days surrounding Trump’s second inauguration as president.
Trump has a Saturday evening reception and a fireworks show at his golf club in Sterling, Virginia.
Sunday:
Arlington National Cemetery Ceremony, wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Make America Great Again Victory Rally, President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks.
The rally has performances by Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Village People, Lee Greenwood and the Liberty University choir.
In addition to Trump speaking, others at the podium microphone will be Vice President-elect JD Vance, Elon Musk, former wrestling star Hulk Hogan, actor Jon Voight, UFC President Dana White, Puerto Rican reggae star Anuel AA, Turning Point U.S.A. founder Charlie Kirk and conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly.
The big Alaska party is in the afternoon, with formal attire. Honorary cohosts include Sen. Dan Sullivan, Congressman Nick Begich, and Alaska Republican Party Chairwoman Carmela Warfield — but not Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
Candlelight Dinner, President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks
Texas “Boots and Black Tie Gala” is an event many Alaskans will attend in the evening. It is sponsored by the Texas State Society.
Monday
St. John’s Church Service, near Lafayette Park from the White House, a traditional service for presidents-elect that Trump will attend.
White House tea. Trump and incoming first lady Melania Trump will meet outgoing President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the White House for a short tea, another tradition.
Swearing-In Ceremony, U.S. Capitol, 1 p.m.
- Musical Prelude by The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Combined Choirs
- Prelude: “The President’s Own,” by the United States Marine Band
- Call to order by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota
- Invocation by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, and the Rev. Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse and The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
- “Oh, America!” by opera tenor Christopher D. Macchio
- The vice presidential oath of office administered by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh
- “America the Beautiful,” sung by Carrie Underwood, the Armed Forced Chorus, and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club
- The presidential oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Roberts
- “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” performed by the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club
- Trump inaugural address
- Benediction from Yeshiva University’s President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, Imam Husham Al-Husainy of the Karbalaa Islamic Center, Senior Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church Detroit and the Rev. Fr. Frank Mann of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn
- “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Christopher Macchio
Farewell to the Former President and Vice President, as they depart the capital
The President’s Signing Room Ceremony, where members of Congress will witness the newly sworn in president signing nominations, memorandums, and executive orders
JCCIC Congressional Luncheon (Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies) to be held by tradition in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol
The President’s Review of the Troops at the East Front steps of the Capitol
Presidential Parade – moved to Capital Arena, featuring Trump and marching bands
Oval Office Signing Ceremony at The White House
Commander in Chief Ball with country music band Rascal Flatts and country singer Parker McCollum for a gala with military service members. Trump will speak.
Liberty Inaugural Ball with rapper Nelly, country singer Jason Aldean, and disco band The Village People performing at the ball with Trump’s biggest supporters. Trump will speak.
Starlight Ball with singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw at a ball for some of the campaign’s biggest donors. Trump will speak.
Tuesday
National Prayer Service. Trump attends the traditional prayer service held at the Washington National Cathedral.
Sponsored by “Denali Disposal”…..isn’t that a garbage company? So what is the subliminal message here?
It’s a sanitation company.
Keep it clean? 😉
Perfect symbolism for taking out the trash out of the White House. Garbage companies apparently are not good enough for you. Because your trash doesn’t stink, or something like that.
Nothing to do with the weather and everything to do with poor turnout. An aerial photo of a few thousand would have broke the old man. Hotels in DC are not even close to full.
Surely has nothing to do with you guys shooting at the president at every available moment…
Patty and John Wisel, and Dennis and Anita Merkes are in Washington DC for the Inaugural.
Thank you! -sd
Lisa won’t be attending? I guess Democrats don’t attend these types of events.
Are there going to be any watch parties or celebrations here in Anchorage?
What an awesome development. The most recent four years of executive rot and deceit can now become a record and a sober lesson of history. America is already feeling great again!
Awesome events. Thank you for sharing.