Preparations for the Inauguration Day 2021 (Ansa)
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January 19, 2021
Donald Trump leaves Washington as president.
The farewell is scheduled in the early hours of Wednesday 20 January, the day of the oath of Joe Biden who, between the covid and fears of protests, is armored and downsized.
If more than a million people attended the inauguration ceremony of Barack Obama and that of Trump more than 300,000, no crowd is scheduled for the president-elect: in fact, only 1,000 people are expected, all strictly by invitation.
2 pm (Italian time)
Trump officially takes leave of Washington.
For the last time he boarded the presidential helicopter bound for the White House at Andrews, Maryland.
This is where a small farewell ceremony is expected, complete with a military band and 21 cannon volleys.
Trump chooses to leave Washington early in the morning in order to do so while he is still president and above all to avoid having to borrow Air Force One from his successor to reach Florida.
14.05
At the White House six hours of fire begin, those of cleaning for the transition from one administration to another.
A thorough cleaning that this year, for the first time, also involves specialized external companies in addition to the employees of Pennsylvania Avenue.
5.30 pm
The ceremonies for the inauguration start with the national anthem.
6pm
Joe Biden swears in as president before Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.
Shortly after it is the turn of Kamala Harris who swears as vice president before Supreme Court judge Sonia Sotomayor, officially entering history: the first African American vice president who swears with the first African American woman of the Supreme Court.
After the oath Biden speaks to the Americans: his "inaugural address" is an opportunity to outline his agenda and launch a new appeal for the unity of the country.
7.30 pm
Biden moves from the West Front of Capitol Hill to the East Front, in accordance with the tradition that sees the movement walk as a way for the president to examine the troops deployed for the occasion.
Soon after, Biden and First Lady Jill - along with former presidents Barack Obama, George Bush and Bill Clinton - travel to Arlington Cemetery to pay homage to the grave of the unknown soldier.
2.30 am on January 21 (20.30 in Washington)
After giving up the traditional parade, which becomes virtual and is a tribute to the heroes of the pandemic, Biden and his wife Jill also give up the dance.
There is no "inaugural ball" scheduled.
In its place there is a virtual dance through an hour and a half TV special hosted by Tom Hanks and which sees the participation of many stars, from Jennifer Lopez to Lady Gaga.