A New Administration Takes the White House

Today, Donald J. Trump officially becomes the 45th president of the United States. There are many things happening in the nation’s capital city today–much ceremony and important speeches given. Even if you are in class–and your social studies teacher has decided NOT to watch the event–you can catch up with social media, online videos, and lots of highlights.

You should take a moment to see what happens today–and reflect on the fact that even despite our political differences and voices of protest, the United States has a tradition of willingly and peacefully hand over power from one person to the next.

Inauguration Day

While the official inauguration events began on Thursday and will run until Saturday morning, today is (probably) the most memorable day. At 11:30 this morning, Donald Trump will take the oath of office and take over the job of chief executive of the federal government. Following his first Inaugural Address, there will be a parade in Washington D.C. and then a long afternoon and evening of celebratory dinners and parties.

By tradition, (at least since the Capitol was built during the Lincoln administration) the swearing in ceremony and the inaugural address takes place at the U.S. Capitol Building (where the House of Representatives and the Senate meet). The parade route takes the new president and first lady, as well as new Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, down Pennsylvania Avenue.

On Saturday morning, (then) President Trump may join the National Prayer Service which is always held on the day after the Inauguration swearing in. This prayer service will take place at the Washington National Cathedral.

Other Voices

It is not all cheers and parties as President Trump replaces Barack Obama. Protesters from around the country are also planning to make their voices heard–especially on Saturday. At 10 am on Saturday morning, the Women’s March on Washington will take place. These protesters are gathering to speak out against President Trump and his statements against women during the presidential campaign.

It is not women, however, as other anti-Trump supporters will also protest the man they believe is not truly qualified to be the next president. Even though Donald Trump clearly defeated Hillary Clinton in the Electoral College vote and earned the election win, people are angry with Mr. Trump on a host of issues–his lack of political or military experience, his personality, his stated political agenda, or many other reasons.

Today, however, the Trump administration begins. Criticism is certainly part of the job (as any past president can attest), so this may be something that the new president has to get used to.

Related Links: Read this story from NPR to get a better sense of some of the historic moments in U.S. Inauguration Day history.

White House YouTube: The Inaugural Parade: Click here to watch video.

Dig Deeper Do you have a favorite presidential Inaugural Address? Visit the Avalon Project Web site’s collection of all of the nation’s Inaugural Addresses and see which one you like the most.