Emancipation Hall used as official inaugural venue for first time; JCC hosts luncheon and first-honors ceremony

Due to inclement weather on Jan. 20, 2025, officials said the 60th inaugural ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol included the first official use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center to host an overflow audience of roughly 1,300 guests.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies presented customary gifts to President Trump and Vice President Vance, including hand-cut Lenox crystal vases, flags flown over the Capitol and portraits taken at the oath. Chair Senator Amy Klobuchar introduced the official painting of the 60th inaugural ceremonies, American Horizon by Jane Wilson, noting it was the first time a woman artist’s work was featured at the inaugural luncheon.

In the President’s Room adjacent to the Senate Chamber, President Trump signed the first official actions of his second term. The JCC then hosted an inaugural luncheon in Statuary Hall where congressional leaders offered toasts. Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune gave remarks praising Vice President Vance’s life story and pledging support.

A First Honors Ceremony and troop inspection convened in Emancipation Hall, led by Major General Braden Camp with an escort for the President by Colonel Thomas Kilbride, commander of the Old Guard. Officials said the indoor troop formation and musical components replaced the traditional outdoor passing review because of weather.

Why it matters: The first official use of Emancipation Hall for an inaugural venue and the indoor First Honors Ceremony are procedural departures from the usual outdoor passing review; the President’s on-the-record signing in the President’s Room initiates actions that will proceed through administrative and legal channels.

Attribution: Details in this article come from the ceremony script and remarks introduced by the JCC during the program.