The day has come: after a transition that lasted more than three months, as per tradition, and an infinite number of farewell occasions for outgoing President Barack Obama, Donald Trump's time has finally come in the White House. The president-elect, who records the lowest popular approval rating among the last American presidents, today takes possession of his new home, which he will occupy barring unforeseen events for at least four years: the long installation program actually started yesterday, Thursday 19 January, with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of veterans, and a concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
Today at 15,30 Italian time (9,30 local time) the inauguration ceremony begins with musical performances. Singing the national anthem is former 'America's got talent' contestant Jackie Evancho. Then Mike Pence is sworn in as vice president and the highlight, Trump's oath is expected at 18 pm in Italy (12 local time). Trump takes the oath of office before Chief Justice John Roberts, and then there will be the highly anticipated inaugural address. Finally, the Marine band will perform the presidential anthem 'Hail to the Chief', after which the program includes the explosion of the traditional 21-gun cannon. In the Italian evening, the parade along the 2,4 kilometers of Pennsylvania Avenue, between the Capitol and the White House.
Among the guests also the Italians Flavio Briatore, Trump's personal friend, the former economy minister Giulio Tremonti (the only Italian politician formally invited) and then the ambassador Antonio Varricchio who, in the liturgy of last Wednesday's diplomatic dinner, was reserved, together with his English colleague, the seat closest to the presidential table where the president spoke intensively throughout the evening with his Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson.
