Donald Trump's second inauguration promises to be a glamorous affair, including a traditional luncheon where acclaimed guests will dine with the newly installed president.
After the newly elected president takes the oath of office and delivers his inaugural address, he will be escorted to Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol for the traditional inaugural luncheon.
The Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) organizes the traditional Inaugural Luncheon. It takes place in the Statutory Hall, packed with tables and people toasting the new president.
It dates back to 1897, when the Senate Arrangements Committee gave a luncheon to President McKinley.
However, the modern lunch as we know it today began in 1953 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower dined in the now restored Old Senate Chamber with cream of chicken, fried ham and potato puffs.
It is organized by legislators who plan the meal and seating arrangements. For Trump's luncheon in January 2017, they served Maine lobster, Gulf shrimp and Seven Hills Angus beef.
Although the official 2025 menu has not yet been released, experts think they have a good idea of ​​what will be served because it often includes dishes that reflect the home countries of the new president and vice president – meaning guests from this year, you can expect dishes sourced from Florida and Ohio – as well as the inauguration theme.
Trump's theme for this year's ceremonies is “Out Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.”
Donald Trump will attend the traditional luncheon where acclaimed guests will dine with the newly installed president after his swearing-in (Photo: Trump's 2017 Inaugural Luncheon)
The menu often features dishes that reflect the home state of the new president and vice president (Photo: Employees prepare Trump's 2017 inaugural luncheon)
The lunch also includes speeches, toasts and gifts. The JCCIC canceled President Joe Biden's 2021 luncheon due to the coronavirus pandemic.
President Barack Obama's 2013 lunch included steamed lobster, grilled bison and apple pie.
Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will not attend Trump's traditional inaugural luncheon, sources told NBC News.
Obama received an invitation but declined, and Bush's office said it did not follow up on an invitation to the luncheon.
Former President Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have reportedly received invitations but will not attend.
Trump will be sworn in as America's 47th president at noon Washington DC time on Monday in the Capitol Rotunda – rather than outside on the steps of the building – due to bitterly cold weather and snow showers.
Temperatures are expected to reach a low of 12F and a high of 23F. When wind chill is taken into account, forecasters say temperatures will feel significantly colder.
This means most of the million fans who flocked to the capital from across America to celebrate will now be told to watch the ceremony on TV.
Trump will be sworn in as America's 47th president at noon Washington DC time on Monday in the Capitol Rotunda – rather than outside on the steps of the building
To accommodate the MAGA crowds, the Capital One Arena will host a viewing party with Big Mac burgers and commemorative bottles of Diet Coke that Trump plans to attend
Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr and RFK Jr pose with McDonald's meals aboard Trump Force One as speaker Mike Johnson smiles behind them
To accommodate the MAGA crowds, the Capital One Arena — where Trump will hold his pre-inauguration rally on Sunday — will open for a viewing party.
Big Mac burgers and commemorative bottles of Diet Coke will be given away at the Capital One sports arena, where Trump plans to visit.
The president has repeatedly expressed his love for McDonald's hamburger and is regularly seen eating the combo meal, including with his gang aboard Trump Force One after his election in November.
DailyMail.com has contacted the Joint Congress Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for comment.
