Donald Trump's 2025 Inauguration: Which US President's Swearing Ceremony Was Costliest? Check List Since 1993

Donald Trump is all set to take over the White House for the second time, becoming the 47th US President. The inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump on Monday, January 20, 2025, will become the costliest swearing-in ceremony of the US President since 1993. In the top 3 costliest inauguration days in the largest economy, the USA, Trump holds the first two ranks. Here is the list of the costs of the inauguration day of US Presidents in over three decades.

1. Donald Trump 2.0 (2025-2028): His second tenure as US President which will come into effect from January 20, 2025, will be the costliest inaugurating event at a staggering $200 million, as per reports.

2. Donald Trump 1.0 (2017 - 2021): His first inauguration took place on January 20, 2017, and his inaugurating committee managed to raise to $106 million for the event. This will become the second costliest inauguration day in US history.

3. Joe Biden (2021 - 2024): The 82-year-old American politician was the 46th US President, and his inauguration day cost about $62 million, making it the third costliest swearing-in ceremony since 1993. Trump is taking over from Biden as the 47th US President, after outrunning Biden's successor Kamala Harris with a landslide victory during the US election 2024 which was held in November last year.

4. Barack Obama (2009-2013): Becoming the first African-American, Obama created history as the 44th US President and the inaugural day of his first tenure as leader of the White House cost about $53 million.

5. Barack Obama (2013-2017): Obama won their second consecutive tenure as US President in the 2013 election, and that inauguration day cost about $43 million.

6 and 7th. George W Bush (2001-2009): George Bush also served two consecutive tenures from 2001 to 2009 as the 43rd US President. His second inauguration day in 2005 was the sixth costliest swearing-in ceremony with $42.3 million, just slightly shy of Obama's last tenure. He also holds the record for seventh costliest inauguration day with $40 million during the 2001 election victory.

8 and 9th: Holding the title of 42nd US President, Bill Clinton's 1997 election inauguration day cost about $33 million. His first inauguration day was in 1993 which cost about approximately $19.5 million.

What Is Inauguration Day?

Inauguration Day occurs every four years on January 20 (or January 21 if January 20 falls on a Sunday). The inauguration ceremony occurs at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC. The next presidential inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025, as per the US government official statement. Inauguration Day is the day when the president-elect and vice-president-elect are sworn in and take office.

In his note, Michael Beckley, the Director of the Asia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Tufts University said, Donald Trump's return to the presidency ushers in a new era for U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific, with policies likely to reshape regional dynamics and redefine America's strategic priorities. His administration's approach will center on countering China's growing influence, strengthening military capabilities, and pushing allies to take on greater responsibility. These changes will have far-reaching implications, not only for the balance of power in Asia but also for the future of U.S. alliances and partnerships.