Trump's inauguration arrangements

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 03:05

Trump's inauguration arrangements

Estimated cost per minute: $37,000

On January 20th, Eastern Time, US President-elect Trump will officially take office as the 47th President of the United States. On Monday (January 13th) Eastern Time, Trump’s presidential transition team announced its schedule of activities before and after the inauguration, including official parties, MAGA rallies, large-scale fireworks displays, and other event arrangements.

It was revealed that Trump's inaugural committee has raised more than $170 million and is expected to eventually raise $200 million.

According to calculations by OpenSecrets, a non-profit organization that tracks U.S. political funding, Trump's inauguration event spending will be equivalent to an average of about $37,000 per minute, more than four times the $8,600 per minute spent at Obama's first inauguration.

Trump will hold inauguration events at his home stadium.

The four-day inauguration schedule announced by the Trump team includes a fireworks show and VIP events at Trump's golf course outside Washington, D.C., as well as a celebratory rally on the eve of his swearing-in ceremony, and three dances after that.

In terms of location selection, several of Trump's inauguration celebrations will be held at his golf course in Virginia, which is different from the recent inaugurations that were mainly held in Washington, DC.

For example, President Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration fireworks show was held on the National Mall in Washington, while Trump's inauguration fireworks will be set off at the Trump Golf Club 20 miles from Capitol Hill, where most of the public would not be able to watch.

Average cost per minute is $37,000.

By the standards of recent presidential inaugurations, there are only three inaugural balls scheduled this time, a relatively small number - a number that seems even more significant less considering the record-breaking amount of money at the disposal of Trump's inaugural committee: According to US media reports, the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee has raised more than $170 million and is expected to eventually raise more than $200 million for inauguration activities and operations.

According to calculations by OpenSecrets, Trump’s four-day inauguration activities will cost an average of about $37,000 per minute.

By comparison, former U.S. President Obama's 2009 inauguration included 10 official balls and dozens of other unofficial events. His inaugural committee raised more than $53 million, a record at the time.

In 1997, when former US President Bill Clinton held a record 14 official balls during his second inauguration, his inaugural committee raised less than $24 million.

In 2021, President Biden did not hold any balls when he took office due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump's massive fundraising and relatively sparse schedule is similar to when he first took office in 2017: When Trump first took office in 2017, his inaugural committee held events in just two days $107 million raised and more than $97 million spent.

Many companies actively donate

Since Trump has predicted in advance that he will launch several large-scale economic policies once he takes office - including the possibility of comprehensive tariffs and cuts of various other taxes and regulations. Many American giants have actively contacted his team, donate money and seem eager to ease the relationship with him.

That influence also extends to Trump’s inaugural committee, which has received millions of dollars in donations from companies. Last week, outgoing Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan suggested that Amazon and Meta may be working on a "sweetheart deal" with the Trump administration.

According to reports, perhaps in response to a growing interest in currying favor with Trump, the Trump Inauguration Committee has reportedly asked top donors to give at least $1 million (double the 2017 request) in order to gain access to opportunity for Trump or Vance to meet directly.

Trump’s specific schedule of inauguration events:

Saturday, January 18th, 2025, Eastern Time

Presidential Reception and Fireworks Display

Cabinet Reception and Vice President’s Dinner

Sunday, January 19th, 2025, Eastern Time

Arlington National Cemetery Ceremony: Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

'Make America Great Again (MAGA)' rally: Trump speaks

Candlelight dinner: Trump delivers speech

Monday, January 20th, 2025, Eastern Time

St. John's Church Liturgy

White House Tea Party

Swearing-in Ceremony (U.S. Capitol)