On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his second, non-consecutive term in office. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), with the official swearing-in taking place at approximately noon. Due to anticipated cold weather, the event has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, departing from the traditional outdoor setting on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.

Inauguration Day Schedule:

Morning Worship Service: The day will commence with a private service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, often referred to as the "Church of the Presidents," located near the White House. This tradition allows the incoming president and vice president to seek guidance and reflection before assuming office.

Procession to the Capitol: Following the service, President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will proceed to the White House for a meeting with outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Together, they will travel to the Capitol, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power.

Swearing-In Ceremony: At approximately 11:30 a.m. ET, the ceremony will begin with musical performances. Carrie Underwood is slated to sing "America the Beautiful," adding a patriotic touch to the proceedings. Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the presidential oath to Trump, while Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh will swear in Vice President-elect Vance.

Inaugural Address: Following the oath, President Trump will deliver his inaugural address, expected to focus on themes of unity and national renewal. In a recent interview, he emphasized his desire to bring the country together and look forward to the future.

Departure of Outgoing Officials: After the ceremony, former President Biden and former Vice President Harris will depart the Capitol, officially concluding their terms. This departure is a customary part of the day's events, underscoring the continuity of governance.

Signing Ceremony: President Trump will then participate in a signing ceremony in the President's Room at the Capitol, where he is expected to sign executive orders and nominations for his Cabinet. This act signifies the immediate commencement of his administration's agenda.

Inaugural Luncheon: A traditional luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will follow, featuring speeches and toasts to the new administration. This event provides an opportunity for bipartisan interaction and celebration.

Presidential Parade: In a break from tradition, the inaugural parade will be held indoors at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., due to the cold weather. The parade will showcase performances from various military and civilian groups, celebrating the nation's rich cultural diversity.

Inaugural Balls: The day's events will conclude with several inaugural balls held across the city, where the President and First Lady are expected to make appearances. These gatherings offer a festive atmosphere for supporters and dignitaries to celebrate the new administration.


Broadcast and Viewing Information:

Major television networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and C-SPAN, will provide live coverage of the inauguration. Additionally, the event will be streamed online via the White House's official website, ensuring accessibility for viewers nationwide and around the globe.

Security Measures:

In light of recent events and to ensure the safety of all participants, extensive security measures have been implemented. The National Guard has been deployed, and several streets around the Capitol and downtown Washington, D.C., have been closed to maintain a secure environment.

Historical Significance:

This inauguration is particularly notable as it coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader's legacy. The convergence of these events serves as a reminder of the nation's ongoing journey toward equality and justice.

As the nation prepares to witness this significant event, the themes of unity and continuity are at the forefront. The inauguration not only marks the beginning of a new administration but also reaffirms the democratic principles upon which the United States was founded.

. Monica Quartermaine on the ABC daytime soap opera "General Hospital." Born on February 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, she embarked on her acting journey in the mid-1960s and remained active in the industry for over six decades.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Leslie Charleson began her acting career in 1964 on the short-lived ABC daytime soap opera "A Flame in the Wind." Two years later, she joined the cast of "As the World Turns," another popular daytime drama. From 1967 to 1970, she portrayed Iris Donnelly Garrison on the CBS soap opera "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing." Her character was central to a widely followed love triangle, sharing the screen with actors David Birney and Donna Mills.

Transition to Primetime Television and Film

In the 1970s, Charleson expanded her repertoire by guest-starring in numerous primetime television series. Her appearances included roles in "Adam-12," "Emergency!," "Ironside," "Mannix," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Happy Days," "Cannon," "The Streets of San Francisco," and "The Rockford Files." She also ventured into film, securing a supporting role in the 1973 science fiction movie "The Day of the Dolphin." Additionally, she co-starred with Shelley Winters in the 1971 television thriller "Revenge!" Despite her involvement in several television pilots, including the 1975 sitcom pilot "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," these projects did not progress to series.

Iconic Role on "General Hospital"

On August 16, 1977, Charleson took on the role that would define her career: Dr. Monica Quartermaine on "General Hospital." At that time, the show was struggling with low ratings and faced potential cancellation. Fred Silverman, then president of ABC, personally invited her to join the cast, hoping to revitalize the series. Charleson's portrayal of Monica, a complex character involved in numerous dramatic storylines, resonated with audiences. Her performance earned her four Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1980, 1982, 1983, and 1995.

Later Career and Guest Appearances

Throughout her tenure on "General Hospital," Charleson continued to explore other acting opportunities. In 1993, she starred alongside Deidre Hall and Colleen Zenk in the made-for-television movie "Woman on the Ledge." She also made guest appearances on popular sitcoms, including "Dharma & Greg" in 2001 and "Friends" in 2004. On August 24, 2010, it was announced that Charleson would transition to a recurring role on "General Hospital." Despite this change, she remained the longest-serving cast member of the show, demonstrating her enduring connection to the series and its fans.

Personal Life and Legacy

Leslie Charleson was married to George William Demms from April 1, 1989, until their divorce in 1991. She was actively involved in charitable work, serving as a celebrity spokesperson for organizations supporting breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, and AIDS-related causes. Her commitment to these causes highlighted her dedication to making a positive impact beyond her acting career.

Passing

Leslie Charleson passed away on January 12, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 79. According to Variety, she had experienced several falls, which affected her mobility, and had been hospitalized due to one of these incidents the week before her death. Her passing marked the end of an era for "General Hospital" and left a lasting legacy in the world of daytime television.

Conclusion

Leslie Charleson's career spanned over six decades, during which she became a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her portrayal of Dr. Monica Quartermaine on "General Hospital" not only revitalized the show during a critical period but also left an indelible mark on its history. Beyond her on-screen achievements, her dedication to charitable causes and her resilience in the face of personal challenges serve as an inspiration. Leslie Charleson will be remembered for her talent, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her craft.