New president takes oath today; has tapped several Alabamians to serve
Published 12:40 am Friday, January 20, 2017
Alabamians are expected to be tuned in today as their choice for president, Donald J. Trump, becomes the 45th president of the United States.
It is an important day for Alabama.
The state’s junior senator, Sen. Jeff Sessions, an early supporter of Trump, is expected to be confirmed as U.S. Attorney General. Sessions’ former chief of staff Rick Dearborn will be Deputy White House Chief of Staff and Sessions’ former communications director, Stephen Miller, will be senior advisor to the president for policy.
Cliff Sims, founder and CEO of Yellowhammer, the state’s conservative news website, will become special assistant to the president and director of White House message strategy. Sims previously served as a communications advisor for the Trump campaign.
Here’s what you need to know to follow the day’s highlights.
FRIDAY, INAUGURATION DAY
9:30 a.m. – Coffee at the White House – As is tradition, the outgoing and incoming presidents will meet at the White House with their wives. The two men will ride together to the Capitol.
11:30 a.m. (10:30 a.m. Central) – Swearing-in ceremony – Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. will administer the oath of office to Trump around noon. Mr. Trump will then deliver his inaugural address.
Afternoon – A luncheon will follow in the Capitol rotunda. After reviewing the American armed forces, President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will lead the inaugural parade from the Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue, with thousands of military personnel representing each branch participating.
7 p.m. (6 p.m. Central) and on – Inaugural balls –
The president is expected to attend three balls, and to make remarks and take to the dance floor at all three.
SATURDAY
10 a.m. (9 a.m. Central) – National Prayer Service
The Washington National Cathedral will host the traditional prayer service for Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence
10 a.m. (9 a.m. Central) – The Women’s March on Washington
Expected to be the week’s largest protest action, the march begins with a rally at the base of Capitol Hill. Several people will speak, and the group will begin moving at 1:15 p.m.
How to Watch
On TV: Coverage of Inauguration Day will be carried live by ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, PBS and Fox News.
On your computer: Many news sites will carry feeds of the festivities.
On your phone: Twitter will be stream the inauguration live at inauguration.twitter.com.