Inauguration Day 2025: Why is Inauguration Day on MLK Day?

WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration will be held on January 20, 2025. But why this day, and why does it share the day with Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Inauguration Day and the 20th Amendment

January 20 is observed as Inauguration Day because of the 20th Amendment. 

"The 20th amendment to the Constitution specifies that the term of each elected President of the United States begins at noon on January 20 of the year following the election," according to the Architect of the Capitol. "Each president must take the oath of office before assuming the duties of the position."

At one time, according to History.com, a four-month gap pushed Inauguration Day to March of the year following the election. This lengthy lame-duck period often caused problems between the outgoing administration and the incoming administration. In 1933, the time was shortened to January of the year after the election, finally allowing the president-elect to address issues sooner.

If January 20 happens to fall on a Sunday, the oath is still taken on Inauguration Day—just privately—before a public inaugural ceremony on January 21.

President-elect Donald Trump walks to take his seat for the inaugural swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Friday, January 20, 2017. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)

Are Inauguration Day and MLK Day connected?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King's birthday, which is on January 15.

"We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example—the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility, and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership," according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office. "On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness, and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit."

Occasionally, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Inauguration Day. However, the two dates are not directly related.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris observe a moment of reflection, Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)