What happens between now and Inauguration Day

American voters have spoken, and in the 2024 election, they decided to rehire Donald Trump as president of the United States. However, while the election result is clear, Trump won’t officially take office until January 20, 2025. In the interim, there are several important events and processes that will unfold as the transition from the Biden administration to the Trump administration takes shape. Here’s a look at what will happen in the months leading up to Inauguration Day.

Trump’s Legal Troubles: Sentencing and Ongoing Court Cases

Before Trump begins his second term, there are still several legal challenges hanging over him. Most notably, Trump was convicted this year on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made during the 2016 election campaign. The conviction stems from efforts to conceal payments made to an adult film star. Sentencing for this case is scheduled for November 26, 2024.

However, the timing of this sentence could be affected by a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. If the Court decides to apply its immunity ruling, it could potentially result in the dismissal of the conviction as early as November 12. While Trump could face prison time, it’s highly unlikely he will be incarcerated before taking office. Instead, the judge could opt for probation or a fine.

Beyond the conviction, Trump faces multiple other legal battles, including federal charges for trying to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandling classified documents. However, many speculate that these cases might be sidelined or dismissed altogether, particularly in light of Trump’s election victory. Additionally, Trump is still on the hook for potential damages in numerous civil lawsuits, including cases stemming from business fraud and defamation. He also faces suits from Capitol Police officers who were injured during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The Electoral College Process

While voters cast their ballots in the general election, the official process of electing a president is more complicated. On November 5, 2024, voters decided who they wanted to lead the country, but this was only the first step in a multi-stage process. States now have until December 11 to finalize the election results through what’s called the Certificates of Ascertainment.

Once state results are certified, the next step is the convening of the Electoral College. On December 17, electors from each state will meet in their respective state capitals to cast their 538 votes for president. While this vote is largely ceremonial, it is constitutionally required to formally elect the president.

Government Funding and the Lame-Duck Session

Before Trump can take office, lawmakers in Washington will face the pressing issue of government funding. A temporary funding bill passed before the election covers government operations only until December 20, 2024. To avoid a government shutdown, Congress must pass a new budget during the “lame-duck” session, the period after the election and before the new Congress convenes. If Congress fails to pass a budget by December 20, it could lead to significant disruptions in government services and operations.

The Start of the New Congress

On January 3, 2025, the new Congress will officially begin. While the Senate will have a Republican majority, the outcome of the House of Representatives is still unclear as this article goes to print. Regardless, new members of Congress will take the oath of office and begin their work in the 119th Congress. This will be an important moment as new laws and policies begin to take shape under a GOP-led Congress that will work closely with President Trump.

The Electoral Votes Are Counted

On January 6, 2025, the newly elected Congress will convene in the House chamber for the formal counting of the Electoral College votes. This event is traditionally ceremonial, but it will be particularly notable as Vice President Kamala Harris presides over the process, marking the first time a sitting vice president has overseen the counting of votes that effectively seal her own defeat.

As the final tally is read, Trump’s victory will be formally confirmed, and the transition to his second term will be well underway.

Inauguration Day

At precisely noon on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in for a second term as president on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. With the conclusion of this ceremony, Trump’s presidency will officially begin, and a new chapter in American politics will unfold.

As Trump assumes office, it will mark the start of a new era in American governance, one that will shape the next four years of U.S. policy and international relations. The process leading to Trump’s inauguration may be complex, but on January 20, the nation will turn its attention to the future under a new, familiar leadership.