Where to Catch the Live Inauguration Coverage: JD Vance Sworn in as U.S. Vice President
In an exciting moment for Cincinnati and the nation, JD Vance is set to be sworn in as the Vice President of the United States today, marking a historic milestone. The Enquirer is ready to bring live updates, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action as the inauguration takes place. The ceremony kicks off promptly at noon, featuring the high-stakes Swearing-In Ceremony where the new vice president will take his oath of office.
The Enquirer has dispatched a team of dedicated reporters and a photographer to Washington D.C., including Victoria Moorwood, Haley BeMiller, and Sam Greene, to provide on-the-ground coverage of the monumental event. For even more details, be sure to follow along with USA Today’s live inauguration coverage, which also includes a detailed schedule of today’s key events.
Trump Supporters Brave the Cold in Washington, D.C.
As Inauguration Day approaches, some supporters of President-elect Donald Trump began gathering outside the Capitol One Arena long before dawn. Fans of the new administration lined up as early as 6 a.m., determined to be a part of the historic swearing-in ceremony—despite bone-chilling temperatures gripping Washington, D.C. For those braving the cold, temperatures dropped to a frigid 21°F with wind gusts that made it feel even colder, as low as 14°F. The forecasts predict that wind chills will dip even further into the negative territory, potentially reaching 5°F below zero through the morning.
Because of the extreme cold, several inaugural events, including the swearing-in ceremony, were relocated indoors. This change in plans ultimately led to the cancellation of thousands of tickets previously issued for the inauguration. Originally, around 250,000 ticketed guests were expected to be present at the Capitol and the National Mall. However, given the smaller indoor venues like the Capitol Rotunda, which can only hold 600 people, and the Capitol One Arena with a seating capacity of 20,000, the capacity is significantly reduced.
Despite the drastic drop in temperatures, people like Imani Torres, a native of Middletown who traveled all the way from New York, remained excited about the day ahead. Standing outside the arena in subzero conditions, Torres messaged The Enquirer, “We are very excited and very cold. Definitely this plan is not saving us from the cold—unless we get in!” The chill in the air will not dampen the spirits of those who’ve traveled far and wide to see history in the making.
What You Need to Know About Inauguration Day
Inauguration Day is here, and President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States at noon ET. His running mate, JD Vance, a former Ohio senator and native of Middletown, will also be sworn in as the 49th Vice President of the United States. This marks a historical moment as Vance becomes the youngest vice president in history at just 40 years old, surpassing even Richard Nixon, who previously held the record for the youngest vice president in the 1950s.
This inauguration also stands out for other reasons. Trump, who is set to begin his second presidency, makes history as the oldest president-elect at 78 years old. Adding another layer of intrigue, Trump is the first president-elect to enter office after being convicted as a felon. The day’s events are sure to be broadcast across major networks such as ABC, CNN, and Fox News, allowing millions to witness the swearing-in ceremony, Trump’s inaugural address, and a series of performances by renowned artists like Carrie Underwood.
JD Vance: From "Hillbilly Elegy" to Vice President
So, who exactly is JD Vance? Born in Middletown, Ohio, Vance gained national attention for his bestselling memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," which told the story of his turbulent upbringing in a working-class family and the struggles he faced growing up in a region ravaged by economic decline. His book resonated with readers across the nation, sparking conversations about the challenges of rural America.
Vance’s early life was shaped by poverty and hardship, and his memoir highlighted the stark realities of those growing up in the Rust Belt. After graduating from Ohio State University, Vance went on to attend Yale Law School, where he earned his law degree. His career journey included stints as a corporate lawyer and venture capitalist before he entered the world of politics.
In 2022, Vance was elected to the U.S. Senate after defeating former Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan, marking a victory for Ohio Republicans. His political career skyrocketed from there, culminating in his role as Vice President-elect of the United States. For a region like Cincinnati, which hasn’t seen such high-level political success in over a century, Vance’s rise represents a profound achievement.
JD Vance’s Ohio Roots and Background
As one of the youngest and most ambitious figures to come out of Ohio, JD Vance has remained deeply connected to his roots in Middletown, a town that has seen both decline and rebirth over the years. Vance's portrayal of Middletown in his memoir stirred some controversy; he painted a rather bleak picture of the town's struggles with poverty and social disintegration. However, recent years have seen significant economic revitalization, with new businesses and developments emerging across the area.
Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, who raised him in Middletown, has been an important figure in his life. Aikins has been sober for over a decade, a milestone that Vance frequently mentions in his speeches as a testament to overcoming adversity. Despite a recent health scare, Aikins is still expected to attend her son’s inauguration, an emotional moment for both her and the Vance family.
A Historic Moment for the Vance Family and the Nation
JD Vance’s inauguration marks another personal milestone for the Vance family. He is married to Usha Chilukuri Vance, a former litigator who recently left her prestigious law firm to support her husband’s campaign. When JD Vance takes the oath of office, Usha will become the first Indian American to serve as the Second Lady of the United States, a groundbreaking moment for both the Vance family and the broader community. She will also make history as the first Hindu to hold the role.
This day of celebration and ceremony will see performances from top artists and a full day of events, including the presidential address, an inaugural luncheon, a review of the troops, and various other traditional inaugural festivities.
For those looking to catch all the action live, there’s no shortage of coverage. Whether you’re watching it on TV or following online updates, Inauguration Day promises to be a day filled with historical significance, political excitement, and a deep sense of American pride. Be sure to tune in as Cincinnati’s very own JD Vance steps into a new chapter of history as Vice President of the United States.
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