WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into the Oval Office on Monday for his second term, and the First State will be part of the festivities.
It’s bound to be a historic day, as the incoming commander in chief is only the second — along with Grover Cleveland — to serve nonconsecutive terms.
Plus, it’s just the third time a presidential inauguration has fallen on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal observance. This also occurred for Barack Obama’s second term in 2013 and Bill Clinton’s second in 1997.
For Monday’s ceremony, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., gave away almost 400 tickets to Delawareans via a lottery system.
“The inauguration of a president and the peaceful transition of power is one of the most solemn moments in American democracy, and I’m proud to represent my state and ensure as many Delawareans as possible can take part in this historic day, no matter what party they’re a part of,” he said.
“I’m appreciative of the work my staff has done to conduct a smooth ticketing process that will allow hundreds of Delawareans to see the inauguration in person.”
The Coons office received 1,340 requests for tickets and was able to give out 392 — 27 for seats and 365 for standing, according to D.J. McAneny, the senator’s press secretary.
Sens. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, and Eric Buckson, R-Camden, are among the ticketholders, he added.
Inauguration events will begin Sunday, with President-elect Trump’s “Make America Great Again” Victory Rally at 3 p.m. at Capital One Arena.
Then, on Monday, the 60th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony starts at noon, to be overseen by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
Following a procession to the U.S. Capitol, Vice President-elect JD Vance will be sworn in, then President-elect Trump.
The new leader’s inaugural address will be next, after which outgoing President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will take part in an honorary departure.
A signing ceremony, a luncheon and a review of military troops will conclude the day’s activities, which will be punctuated by musical performances from Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Gavin DeGraw and more.
Inauguration Day events will be broadcast on all major news networks, beginning at noon.