Focus on the BIG picture.
Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026
Outside the box.
Donald Trump's Inauguration Draws Global Audience and Australian Attendees
As Donald Trump is sworn in as President once more, prominent Australians and world leaders gather in Washington, D.C. for the ceremonies.
In an event attracting attention from around the globe, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as President of the United States in Washington, D.C. This ceremony, occurring on Monday, coincides with early Tuesday morning for Australian viewers.
The inauguration marks a pivotal moment in American politics as the presidency officially transitions into its next phase.
The day is expected to feature a formal swearing-in ceremony, a parade, and several balls, with tickets released for more than 220,000 attendees according to the Joint Congressional Committee.
This traditional event symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power, with the President-elect reciting the oath of office.
Alongside Donald Trump, JD Vance will assume the vice presidency through a similar oath.
Australia holds a prominent presence at the inauguration.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, alongside Australia's ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd, has confirmed her attendance.
Other eminent Australians include mining mogul Gina Rinehart, businessman Anthony Pratt, and PR strategist James Radford.
Among the international guests confirmed by Reuters, those in attendance are Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Hungary’s President Viktor Orbán, and El Salvador President Nayib Bukele.
Though invited, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend, sending an envoy instead.
The ceremonial events span over several days across Washington, culminating in Trump’s swearing-in on Monday, with performances and remarks leading up to the inaugural address.
Among those performing, country music superstar Carrie Underwood will deliver a rendition of 'America the Beautiful'.
The weekend festivities include at least 18 galas, with official events where Trump will appear.
Notable American billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, will have prominent seats.
On the eve of the inauguration, Trump is expected to host a 'Make America Great Again Victory Rally'.
Other gatherings include a reception for Republican donors co-hosted by Zuckerberg and business magnates like casino mogul Miriam Adelson and Tilman Fertitta.
Trump's committee claims to have raised over US$170 million for this series of events, surpassing fundraising efforts from his prior inauguration.
For Australian audiences, SBS On Demand will offer a livestream of the PBS exclusive inauguration ceremony, starting at 2.30am on Tuesday, Eastern Daylight Time.
This event offers an opportunity for Australian viewers and others worldwide to witness the transition of one of the most powerful political offices in the world.
The inauguration marks a pivotal moment in American politics as the presidency officially transitions into its next phase.
The day is expected to feature a formal swearing-in ceremony, a parade, and several balls, with tickets released for more than 220,000 attendees according to the Joint Congressional Committee.
This traditional event symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power, with the President-elect reciting the oath of office.
Alongside Donald Trump, JD Vance will assume the vice presidency through a similar oath.
Australia holds a prominent presence at the inauguration.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, alongside Australia's ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd, has confirmed her attendance.
Other eminent Australians include mining mogul Gina Rinehart, businessman Anthony Pratt, and PR strategist James Radford.
Among the international guests confirmed by Reuters, those in attendance are Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Hungary’s President Viktor Orbán, and El Salvador President Nayib Bukele.
Though invited, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend, sending an envoy instead.
The ceremonial events span over several days across Washington, culminating in Trump’s swearing-in on Monday, with performances and remarks leading up to the inaugural address.
Among those performing, country music superstar Carrie Underwood will deliver a rendition of 'America the Beautiful'.
The weekend festivities include at least 18 galas, with official events where Trump will appear.
Notable American billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, will have prominent seats.
On the eve of the inauguration, Trump is expected to host a 'Make America Great Again Victory Rally'.
Other gatherings include a reception for Republican donors co-hosted by Zuckerberg and business magnates like casino mogul Miriam Adelson and Tilman Fertitta.
Trump's committee claims to have raised over US$170 million for this series of events, surpassing fundraising efforts from his prior inauguration.
For Australian audiences, SBS On Demand will offer a livestream of the PBS exclusive inauguration ceremony, starting at 2.30am on Tuesday, Eastern Daylight Time.
This event offers an opportunity for Australian viewers and others worldwide to witness the transition of one of the most powerful political offices in the world.
