Earlier this morning, former President Donald Trump exited the White House to a traditional 21-gun salute, paving the way for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to be sworn in as the country’s 46th President and Vice President later today in an event-filled day that will culminate with performances by some of the hip-hop industry’s biggest names.
Biden and Harris began their day at St. Matthews Cathedral, where they attended mass. The rest of the tentative schedule is as follows (there may be slight delays or changes due to weather or logistics). All times are EST:
10 am: Ceremony officially begins with virtual broadcasts as Biden and Harris arrive at the Capitol.
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11:15 am: The inauguration program begins with the following notable performances, speeches, and prayers:
Invocation – Father Leo J. O’Donovan
Pledge of Allegiance – Andrea Hall
National Anthem – Lady Gaga
Poetry Reading – Amanda Gorman
Musical Performance – Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks
11:30 am: Kamala Harris is sworn in as Vice President
12 pm: Biden is sworn in as 46th president.
2:30 pm: Biden will lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush, Laura Bush, President Bill Clinton, and Secretary Hillary Clinton are expected to be in attendance for the event. President Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn Carter will not be attending due to COVID-19.)
3:15 pm: The Bidens receive a presidential military escort to the White House. Each branch of the military will be represented as per tradition.
3:30 pm: The virtual “Parade Across America” begins once the Bidens enter the White House. Unlike years past where there was an actual parade, the virtual event will feature performances from communities around the country.
8:30 pm: Actor Tom Hanks will host a 90-minute “Celebrating America” primetime special event featuring remarks by Biden and Harris and performances by Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Ant Clemons, Jon Bon Jovi and others.
9:30 pm: The day will conclude with fireworks over Washington DC.