January 20, 2017

Today, the United States observes one of its most fundamental traditions—the peaceful transition of power—at the inauguration of its 45th president at 12 noon Eastern Standard Time in Washington, D.C. At the West Front of the U.S. Capitol—facing the National Mall—Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the presidential oath of office to Donald Trump.

Vice president-elect Mike Pence, right, watches as President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an election night rally on Nov. 9, 2016, in New York City. Credit: © Evan Vucci, AP Photo

Observers can expect to witness Trump, with his right hand raised and his left hand on the Bible, declare: “I, Donald Trump, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

The Bible to be used in the ceremony is one of both spiritual and historic significance: it was the same Bible used to swear in both Presidents Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and Barack Obama in 2009. Trump also plans to have a cherished family Bible on hand, one given to him by his mother upon finishing primary school in 1955. Following the swearing-in, Trump is scheduled to deliver his inaugural address.

The peaceful transition of power this year is expected to be a little noisier than usual, however, as many thousands of protesters plan to demonstrate against the incoming administration. Among numerous protest events, the largest is expected to be the “Women’s March on Washington” scheduled for Saturday, January 21. Counter-protests backing Trump are expected as well, which will only add to the noise.