Donald Trump Departs Prayer Service Before Momentous Inauguration | US News

Donald Trump has stepped out of St John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC, following a prayer service in preparation for his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States.

The 78-year-old’s visit to the historic church, positioned across from the White House, marked his first public appearance on Monday as he geared up to return to the White House.

It promises to be a significant day with millions globally tuning in.

Mr. Trump attended the prayer service, a customary event for president-elects on inauguration day, with his wife Melania at approximately 8:45 AM local time (1:45 PM UK time).

Sitting in the front row were their son Barron, 18, to their left, and incoming vice president JD Vance alongside his wife Usha to their right.

Notable attendees in the same row included former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The service lasted for approximately 30 minutes.

Following the service, Mr. Trump returned to Blair House, commonly known as the “President’s Guest House,” where he stayed over the weekend.

The Republican politician is just hours away from being inaugurated as president for a second term after defeating Democratic candidate and vice president Kamala Harris in the US presidential election last November.

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Mr. Trump will also make history as the first convicted criminal to be president when he takes the oath for the second time, eight years after his first inauguration in January 2017.

Before the ceremony inside the Capitol Rotunda, he is scheduled for tea with outgoing President Joe Biden and his wife Jill at the White House around 9:45 AM local time (2:45 PM UK time).

Joining him will be incoming First Lady Melania for the traditional welcome on inauguration day.

This meeting presents a sharp contrast to four years ago when Mr. Trump did not recognize Mr. Biden’s election win nor attend the inauguration.

This time, both the incoming and outgoing presidents will travel together in the same vehicle as part of the motorcade heading to the Capitol at approximately 10:25 AM local time (3:25 PM UK time).

Mr. Trump, who will be only the second president to serve two non-consecutive terms, is expected to arrive at the Capitol roughly five minutes later.

Mr. Vance is anticipated to be sworn in at 11:25 AM local time (4:25 PM UK time).

The 40-year-old will take the oath administered by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh using a Bible gifted by his great-grandmother.

Mr. Trump is expected to take the oath around 11:40 AM local time (4:40 PM UK time).

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He will swear the oath on both a family Bible and the one used by President Abraham Lincoln during his 1861 inauguration, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.

Following this, Mr. Trump is slated to give an inaugural address anticipated to last just over 30 minutes, likely viewed by millions globally.

The ceremony will be held inside the Capitol Rotunda after being relocated indoors due to forecasts predicting the coldest inauguration day in four decades.

Details about how the ceremony will be adapted for the new venue remain unclear, with only a portion of the expected audience allowed entry.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush will be present, adhering to the tradition of former White House occupants attending inauguration day.

However, two notable absences will be felt: former First Lady Michelle Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Neither provided reasons for their absence from the ceremony.

A group of billionaires and tech moguls who have endeavored to win Mr. Trump’s favor through generous donations to his inaugural celebrations, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, are also expected to attend.

After Mr. Trump’s inaugural address, a ceremonial farewell to Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris is planned for 12:40 PM local time (5:40 PM UK time).

Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance will proceed to the President’s Room, adjacent to the Senate Chamber in the US Capitol, for a signing ceremony viewed by Congress members around 12:50 PM local time (5:50 PM UK time).

An hour later, the new president and vice president will partake in a luncheon at Statuary Hall in the US Capitol, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Former Presidents Obama, Clinton, and Bush have declined the luncheon invite, as reported by NBC News, who are partnered with Sky News in the US.

Around 3:50 PM local time (8:50 PM UK time), Mr. Trump and the new first lady will make their way to the Capitol One Arena to commence the parade celebrations.

Due to the frigid temperatures, the originally planned parade along Pennsylvania Avenue has been transformed into an indoor event.

Mr. Trump will address the assembled supporters at the arena, where many who intended to witness the swearing-in ceremony outside will view a live broadcast of the inauguration instead.

This event is expected to feature speeches from Mr. Trump along with performances from marching bands.

Later, the new president will head to the White House for an Oval Office signing ceremony at 5 PM local time (10 PM UK time).

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During his speech on Sunday, Mr. Trump committed to signing nearly 100 executive orders on his first day, including the repeal of all “radical and foolish” executive actions from the Biden administration.

A trio of extravagant balls will follow in the evening, highlighted by musical performances and remarks from Mr. Trump.

The Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball, aimed at honoring military service members, will feature the country music band Rascal Flatts and country singer Parker McCollum.

Additionally, the US rapper Nelly and disco band The Village People are slated to perform at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, aimed at Mr. Trump’s supporters.

Singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw will entertain guests at the Starlight Ball, where in attendance will be significant donors to the new president.

Mr. Trump’s return to the White House represents a remarkable comeback after facing criminal indictments and surviving two assassination attempts to reclaim the presidency.

This moment follows his defeat in the 2020 election, during which he denied the results and sought to hold onto power.

He incited his supporters to march on the Capitol while Congress was certifying the election results, leading to a riot disrupting the conventional peaceful transfer of power.