Inauguration Day is tomorrow – Here’s a complete guide to Fox News Channel’s coverage and what to expect
Fox News Channel and Fox News Digital will be your home for wall-to-wall coverage of the 60th Presidential Inauguration – the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Start your day with “Fox & Friends First” at 5AM ET when hosts Todd Piro and Carley Shimkus will preview the events of the day, including the latest updates since Trump ordered most inaugural events be held indoors due to the Arctic chill forecasted to overtake the District of Columbia on Monday. Follow up with “Fox & Friends” at 6 AM ET. Hosts Steve Doocy, Brian Kilmeade, Lawrence Jones and Ainsley Earhardt will have up-to-the-minute coverage of the lead-up to Trump’s inauguration. DUFFY CONFIRMATION HEARING MARKED BY BIPARTISANSHIP Dana Perino and Bill Hemmer take the reins at 9 AM ET for “America’s Newsroom.” Hemmer will broadcast live from Capitol Hill and Perino will co-host from elsewhere in the District. Fox News Channel’s Washington, DC-based coverage will continue at 11 AM ET when Harris Faulkner hosts “The Faulkner Focus” – with last-minute news and updates ahead of the constitutionally prescribed 12 NOON ET inauguration. At 11:30 AM ET, Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier and anchor Martha MacCallum will begin Fox News Channel’s main inauguration coverage. They will be joined by Faulkner and Hemmer as well as Sandra Smith and former Rep. Harold Ford Jr., D-Tenn. Trump will be inaugurated from inside the Capitol, a rare occurrence over the past few decades. ZELDIN GRILLED BY DEMOCRATS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AT CONFIRMATION HEARING Only Presidents Ronald Reagan – for his second inaugural – and John F. Kennedy had their oath of office administered indoors in the contemporary era. Ford and his regular colleagues will host “The Five” at 5PM ET with the latest reaction to the historic events of the day. Baier anchors “Special Report” from Washington at 6 PM ET and hands off to Laura Ingraham at 7PM ET. Ingraham’s “The Ingraham Angle” will broadcast live from the Commander-in-Chief Ball, as will “Jesse Watters Primetime,” and its eponymous host, at 8PM ET. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP At 9PM, Sean Hannity will take over Fox News Channel coverage and offer both his own and his guests’ reaction and analysis from inside the Liberty Ball. Greg Gutfeld will host “Gutfeld!” at 10PM ET from the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall just southwest of the White House at 10PM ET. Anchor Trace Gallagher wraps up Fox News Channel’s live coverage of Trump’s Second Inauguration at 11PM ET – broadcasting from Washington instead of Los Angeles.
Trump inauguration: Who is expected to attend, and who is boycotting?
Former presidents, politicians, tech giants, world leaders and others will convene in Washington, D.C., on Monday for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration – while a few key figures will skip the event altogether. Traditionally, most departing presidents do attend the inauguration of those taking over the White House. Outgoing President Biden told MeidasTouch network last month he would attend Trump’s second inauguration – even though Trump didn’t show up to Biden’s inauguration four years ago. Additionally, the White House confirmed first lady Jill Biden will attend. Likewise, all three living former presidents, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, confirmed they will partake in the inauguration festivities, the Associated Press reports. Former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton will also join their spouses for Trump’s second inauguration. But some prominent Democrats will not appear at the inauguration. Former first lady Michelle Obama and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced this week that they will skip the event. MICHELLE OBAMA SKIPPING TRUMP INAUGURATION TO AVOID HAVING TO ‘PRETEND FOR PROTOCOL’S SAKE:’ REPORTS A spokesperson for the Obamas did not provide additional information to the AP regarding Michelle Obama’s absence, although the former first lady also did not attend former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral earlier this month. Likewise, tech giants including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and TikTok CEO Shou Chew will attend and sit up front on the dais alongside other VIP guests. A source familiar with the plans told Fox News Digital Chew received an invitation from the Inaugural Committee. The New York Times broke the news that Chew would attend. CARRIE UNDERWOOD TO PERFORM ‘AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL’ AT TRUMP INAUGURATION Trump also extended invites to several world leaders – including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told “Fox & Friends” in December that Xi had received an invitation after Trump said that he would “love to have” the Chinese leader there at the inauguration. “This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and our competitors, too. We saw this in the first term, before,” Leavitt said. “He is willing to talk to anyone, and he will always put America’s interests first.” Although Jinping will not attend, China’s Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that Chinese Vice President Han Zheng would visit Washington for the occasion. The AP also reported that Trump had invited Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, and Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador. Likewise, CBS first reported that Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was invited to the inauguration, but Hungarian media reported he would not make the trip, according to Politico. However, Milei is expected to attend, as is Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Politico reports. TRUMP SWEARING-IN TO MOVE INDOORS DUE TO COLD WEATHER, SOURCE TELLS FOX NEWS Such appearances are unique. The AP previously reported that no foreign leaders have attended any U.S. inaugurations, according to State Department historical records. Musical performances by Carrie Underwood, the Village People and Lee Greenwood are also scheduled for the inauguration. Underwood is slated to perform “America the Beautiful” during the swearing-in ceremony for Trump and President-elect JD Vance, a Trump Transition spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Trump and former first lady Melania Trump skipped Biden’s inauguration in 2021. Other presidents have also missed their successors’ inaugurations. Six other former presidents, dating back to John Adams, also skipped inaugurations for the incoming president, according to the White House Historical Association. Fox News’ Michael Dorgan, Brooke Singman, and Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.
Washington governor orders flags at full-staff for Trump inauguration despite mourning period for Jimmy Carter
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, has ordered flags to fly at full-staff on Monday for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. “I hereby direct that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be raised to full-staff on Monday, January 20, 2025, in honor of Inauguration Day,” Ferguson said. This, despite the official order by President Biden after the death of former President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29 that flags at all government and public buildings and grounds across the country fly at half-staff for a 30-day mourning period, which just happens to include Inauguration Day. It is a tradition when a former president dies to order a 30-day mourning period and order flags at half-staff. GOV. NEWSOM JOINS HANDFUL OF GOP GOVERNORS RAISING FLAGS TO FULL HEIGHT FOR TRUMP INAUGURATION Biden said the U.S. flag “should be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions.” Flags will return to half-staff in Washington state on Tuesday to continue the mourning period for Carter. “Flags should return to half-staff at sunrise on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, and should remain at half-staff until the close of business or sunset on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in continuance of honoring former President Jimmy Carter for 30 days following his death,” Ferguson said. DESANTIS ORDERS FLAGS AT FULL-STAFF FOR TRUMP’S INAUGURATION DESPITE 30-DAY MOURNING PERIOD FOR JIMMY CARTER Ferguson joins California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis as the Democrats who have broken tradition and ordered flags to be raised for Trump’s inauguration before the mourning period ends Jan. 28. The orders from the Democratic governors follow several Republicans who have directed flags to be raised on Monday, including Idaho Gov. Brad Little, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. House Speaker Mike Johnson also ordered flags at the U.S. Capitol to be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day. Trump has criticized the possibility of flags being displayed at half-staff for his inauguration following Carter’s death. “The Democrats are all ‘giddy’ about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at ‘half mast’ during my Inauguration,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Jan. 3. “They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves.” “Look at what they’ve done to our once GREAT America over the past four years – It’s a total mess! In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast,” he continued. “Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Flags were flown at half-staff when former President Nixon was sworn-in for his second term in 1973 after Nixon ordered the flags to be lowered following the death of former President Truman.
Trump wants to visit China again after he takes office: report
President-elect Trump is discussing the possibility of visiting China again as president with aides, according to a report. The incoming president, who takes office on Monday, visited Beijing during his first term in 2017, and spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping over the phone on Friday. Trump has been threatening China with tariffs but has told advisers that he wants to strengthen ties with the communist country with the visit, possibly even traveling there within his first 100 days in office, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. “I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A.,” Trump wrote on Friday on Truth Social. “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!” HOUSE DEMS THREATEN TO BLOCK TRUMP’S BIG TARIFF PLANS: ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ He didn’t say if they had spoken about a visit. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment. It is also possible Xi could come to the White House for a visit, the Journal reported. TRUMP LEAVES CHINA GUESSING WHAT HIS NEXT MOVE IS WITH UNUSUAL INAUGURATION INVITATION Xi also met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida in 2017. Xi was invited to Trump’s Monday inauguration – no senior Chinese official has ever attended a U.S. presidential inauguration – but Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will be attending instead, in a first. Trump and Xi plan to establish a strategic communication channel, China said of their Friday phone call, adding that Trump said he was “looking forward to meeting with President Xi as soon as possible.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Trump has also mentioned the possibility of going to India to aides, the Journal reported.
Trump family returns to nation’s capital ahead of Inauguration Day: ‘This time, America won’
President-elect Trump boarded a special Air Force plane Saturday afternoon for his historic return to Washington, D.C. Trump, his wife, Melania, and youngest son, Barron, embarked on their trip from West Palm Beach, Florida, to the nation’s capital, waving to crowds before ascending the steps. A few hours later, they landed in Sterling, Virginia, where Trump will host an evening reception and fireworks show at Trump National Golf Club. Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, joined them on the Air Force Special Air Mission plane. HIGHLIGHTS FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP’S 1ST INAUGURATION DAY; WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MONDAY Trump’s middle son, Eric, and daughter-in-law, Lara, departed Florida separately, on the president-elect’s private plane. During the plane ride, Eric Trump took to X, sharing his “renewed hope and spirit for [the] country.” “The past 10 years have been a constant fight — countless rallies, TV appearances, subpoenas, depositions, and weeks in cold courtrooms,” Eric Trump wrote in the post. “Through endless attacks on my family, the company I run, and the employees I care for, we faced slander, fake news, home raids, and countless games designed to break us.” WHO IS SEAN CURRAN? HEAD OF TRUMP’S PERSONAL DETAIL TO BE NOMINATED FOR SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR His immediate family – including wife, Lara, and children, Luke and Carolina – joined him on the trip to D.C. Eric Trump wrote that “every ounce of [his] fight” has been for his children and the future of their generation. “This time, America won,” he added. “Against all odds, we did it—together, with the incredible people of this nation and the greatest political movement in history,” Eric Trump wrote. “I’ve never been prouder of anyone than I am of [Donald Trump]. He stood unwavering, truly having the courage of steel. Our country is in great hands. The madness is over. America is in an age of renewal.” On Sunday, Trump will attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and a “Make America Great Again” rally, followed by a candlelit dinner. The inauguration will take place at noon Monday in the Capitol Rotunda, due to frigid temperatures in the area. Then Trump, just the second president in history to win non-consecutive terms, will give his inaugural address. Hours before the Trump family boarded the plane, thousands of protesters on Saturday descended on the streets of Washington, D.C., to protest. The “People’s March,” originally referred to as the “Women’s March,” had three meeting locations, each championing a different cause. Some topics included “gender justice,” democracy and immigration, and local Washington issues. Demonstrators carried posters that read “Feminists v. Fascists” and “People over politics,” Fox News Digital reported. Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this story.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to what snowball fights have to do with moving the inauguration inside
Fox News has learned that House and Senate offices are growing increasingly frustrated about who may be allowed to attend President-elect Trump’s inauguration inside the Capitol Rotunda Monday. Fox is told that member offices were asked to “resubmit” paperwork about whether a lawmaker wants to attend and if the lawmaker’s spouse wants to attend. However, there are no “plus-ones.” And Fox was told the attendance of spouses could be “iffy.” One lawmaker said members were trying to get governors or other state officials into the Capitol Rotunda. But it was far from clear if officials could accommodate those requests. THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO CONFIRMING TRUMP CABINET NOMINEES — PERHAPS EVEN DURING INAUGURAL BALLS There is an effort to get a small group of people into the Capitol Rotunda who were slated to be seated down in front but were not House and Senate members. One official refused to identify to Fox who those with “special status” could be. This likely means very few dignitaries or others are allowed inside for the inauguration. One Trump-supporting lawmaker was “happy” it was moving inside so the lawmaker didn’t have to sit outside in the cold “for an hour-and-a-half.” The lawmaker also noted that House members would likely have had the most uncomfortable experience had the inauguration been outside. That’s because of the way the wind blows across the platform and where House members were to be seated on the West Front. One lawmaker told Fox about having 700 people traveling to Washington for the inauguration, and now none of them would be seated anywhere. But the lawmaker had “not heard one complaint” from people traveling to see the inauguration in person who now can’t. President Reagan’s 1985 inauguration, moved inside because of extreme cold and a temperature of 7 degrees, accommodated a crowd of 1,000 in the Capitol Rotunda. Fox colleague Aishah Hasnie reports the grand total allowed inside the Capitol Rotunda for this inauguration will likely be 600. In addition, Fox is told that “600 is pushing it” due to fire concerns. One source says the figure may be closer to 500 before all is said and done. TRUMP TO BE INAUGURATED INSIDE: LAST CEREMONY HELD INDOORS WAS REAGAN’S IN 1985 Fox is told that there were concrete plans for inaugurations in 2017 and 2021 to move ceremonies indoors. Officials even rehearsed those scenarios. In addition, Fox is told there was serious discussion about moving the 2017 inauguration inside because of rain and concern about umbrellas. While the weather is the primary reason for moving the inauguration indoors, multiple sources close to the planning of the event have expressed concerns about security. “My Spidey senses are up,” said one lawmaker who asked not to be identified and is steeped in the planning of this event. But when Fox pressed various lawmakers and other sources, no one could identify a specific threat. That said, more than one lawmaker contacted by Fox noted there were multiple outdoor events with the President-elect prior to the July assassination attempt, and every other event since has been indoors. Fox is told that security officials will erect what was described as a “geo-fence” around the Capitol to interfere and jam nefarious communications and/or drones. At one point, there was talk of shutting off all cell communications during the time period when President-elect Trump was on the platform. TRUMP DETAILS STRATEGY TO GET NECESSARY VOTES WITH ONE-BILL APPROACH TO BORDER, TAXES That said, a forecast of about four inches of snow in Washington Sunday night began to change thinking around this year’s inauguration. There is genuine concern about thousands of people on the National Mall standing in cold, fresh snow for hours. There was worry about emergency personnel being able to reach those who may have medical emergencies while on the National Mall because of the inclement weather. Another issue is how snow that melted today could refreeze, creating significantly slick surfaces around the Capitol. And then there is another factor: snowball fights. One senior source tells Fox there was actual discussion about snowball fights interfering with the event if Washington got a fresh coating of snow. One source said planners worried it could “get out of hand” and could contribute to injuries. Inside or out, this could be the snowiest inauguration since the swearing-in day was moved to Jan. 20 in 1937. The previous record for snow on inauguration day came in 1961, for the swearing-in of President John F. Kennedy. Washington received seven-tenths of an inch of snow that day. And considering the weather, perhaps it was only appropriate that the poet Robert Frost spoke at JFK’s inauguration.
LA mayor’s office silent on deputy who was in charge of fire dept., placed on leave for alleged bomb threat
As wildfires wreaked devastation across Los Angeles, the city official in charge of the fire department was out of the picture – placed on administrative leave in December while he remains under investigation for an alleged bomb threat against City Hall earlier this year. LA Deputy Mayor Brian Williams’ Pasadena, California home was raided by the FBI last month in connection to the investigation of a bomb threat which was made against City Hall in September. The Los Angeles Police Department referred the case to the FBI after it determined Williams was likely the “source of the threat,” FOX 11 Los Angeles reported. “Due to the department’s working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI,” the LAPD said in a statement at the time. “The FBI remains the investigating agency.” Embattled Mayor Karen Bass’ office said Williams was placed on administrative leave immediately after the FBI notified the mayor of the search. That happened three weeks before the fires erupted in Los Angeles County, scorching nearly four square miles of urban area, according to the Associated Press. LA DEPUTY MAYOR PLACED ON LEAVE AFTER FBI RAIDS HOME FOR ALLEGEDLY MAKING BOMB THREAT The Palisades and Eaton Fires are still burning, though heroic efforts by firefighters and calming winds have greatly reduced the rate of spread. At least 27 people have been killed and more than 12,000 buildings and homes destroyed in the blazes. The fires are likely to be among the most destructive in California history, the state fire agency CalFire said. When the first flames ignited, Bass, 71, was overseas on a diplomatic mission to Ghana. She was part of a delegation President Biden sent to the African nation for the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. She hurried home on a military plane soon after news of the fire emergency reached her, but she did not return to Los Angeles for a full 24 hours after disaster struck. LA MAYOR KAREN BASS POSED FOR PHOTOS AT A COCKTAIL PARTY AS PALISADES FIRE EXPLODED Her initial absence has prompted harsh criticism from LA residents, who are questioning Bass’ leadership amid the crisis. In that context, her decision to put Williams on administrative leave is also under fresh scrutiny. The Los Angeles mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment. Bass appointed Williams to be deputy mayor in February 2023 and charged him with overseeing public safety in the city. EX-OBAMA STAFFER AND LIBERAL PODCASTER SLAMS LA MAYOR FOR BEING OVERSEAS DURING WILDFIRES Williams was placed in charge of the city’s police department, fire department, the Port of Los Angeles Police, the Los Angeles World Airport Police and the city’s Emergency Management Department, local news station KABC reported. Williams previously served seven years as the executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. He also served as deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn, during which time he oversaw the Department of Transportation, Public Works and Information Technology Agency. Williams’ attorney Dmitry Gorin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Gorin previously released a statement denying that his client had anything to do with the bomb threat made against City Hall. “Mr. Williams strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations. Importantly, he has not been arrested, nor charged, and will continue cooperating with the investigation through attorneys. He has a lengthy career of public service and is presumed innocent of these allegations. We urge the public to allow the investigation process to play out and not to prejudge the facts of this case before they are known,” Gorin said last month. The FBI did not respond to a request for comment.
Trump nominates Penny Schwinn for deputy secretary of US Department of Education
President-elect Trump announced on Saturday he has picked Penny Schwinn, the former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education, as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. While in Tennessee, Schwinn oversaw the department’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, implemented Gov. Bill Lee‘s school voucher program and overhauled the state’s school funding formula, the Associated Press reported. DEM SENATOR WHO BASHED HEGSETH’S QUALIFICATIONS STANDS BY DOD SEC WHO OVERSAW BOTCHED AFGHAN WITHDRAWAL Schwinn previously worked at the Texas Education Agency as the deputy commissioner of standards and engagement, deputy commissioner of special populations and monitoring, and chief deputy commissioner of academics. She was also the assistant secretary of education in Delaware. BONDI SPARS WITH SCHIFF AT TESTY CONFIRMATION HEARING: ‘YOU WERE CENSURED’ Trump congratulated Schwinn on Saturday in a post on Truth Social. “A former teacher herself, Penny became the founding principal of a charter school, because she believes in the power of School Choice, and is committed to delivering the American Dream to the next Generation by returning Education BACK TO THE STATES,” Trump wrote. “Congratulations to Penny and her wonderful family!” Schwinn holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins, and a Ph.D. from Claremont.
Thousands of left-wing demonstrators descend on Washington to protest Trump inauguration
Thousands of mainly female protesters descended on Washington, D.C. to protest President–elect Trump’s inauguration on Monday. However, the crowd is only a tenth of the half a million who turned out for the “Women’s March” in 2017. Saturday’s march, rebranded as the “People’s March,” is taking place at three different locations with demonstrators advocating for a wide range of left-wing causes and showcasing a united front to the new administration. This morning, a kickoff event took place in Franklin Park for “gender justice” and bodily autonomy, and then demonstrators walked downtown before making their way towards the Lincoln Memorial for the day’s main event. HIGHLIGHTS FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP’S 1ST INAUGURATION DAY; WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MONDAY “It’s really healing to be here with all of you today in solidarity and togetherness, in the face of what’s going to be some really horrible extremism,” Mini Timmaraju, the head of advocacy group Reproductive Freedom for All, told the crowd as events kicked off. Other protesters gathered at two other parks also near the White House, with one group focused on democracy and immigration and another on local Washington issues, Vendors hawked buttons that said #MeToo and “Love trumps hate,” and sold People’s March flags for $10. Demonstrators carried posters that read “Feminists v. Fascists” and “People over politics.” Lillian Fenske, 31, drove six hours from Greensboro, North Carolina, to participate. Her signs expressed concern over oligarchs and the disunity. “America is not for sale,” said one, while another said simply, “Divided We Fall.” WHO IS SEAN CURRAN? HEAD OF TRUMP’S PERSONAL DETAIL TO BE NOMINATED FOR SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR There is a heavy police presence, although law enforcement is not expecting a repeat of the violent scenes seen across the city ahead of Inauguration Day in 2017, where protesters shattered glass storefronts and torched cars, with police arresting more than 200 people in demonstrations that spanned several days. The enthusiasm behind the so-called resistance movement to Trump has waned somewhat, with many progressive voters expressing feelings of exhaustion and disappointment following Trump’s landslide win in November. He dominated both the Electoral College and the popular vote to defeat Vice President Kamala Harris after a historic campaign cycle. The 2017 Women’s March took place on the day after Trump’s inauguration. Celebrities like America Ferrera, Madonna, Ashley Judd, Cher, Katy Perry, Amy Schumer, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Michael Moore, Debra Messing, Patricia Arquette and others attended the march. President-elect Trump is expected to leave Mar-a-Lago later today and head to Washington. Trump’s advisers have not detailed how he will spend the first part of the day, and the only public event on Trump’s schedule is an evening reception and fireworks show at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. On Sunday, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and a “Make America Great Again” rally, at which Trump will deliver remarks, followed by a candlelit dinner. Monday is Inauguration Day when Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will participate in the swearing-in ceremony, which has been moved indoors due to the forecasted frigid temperatures. Fox News’ Brooke Singman, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
State lawmaker has House chamber ban revoked after viral scuffle left him hospitalized
A Georgia state senator has had his ban from entering the state House chamber revoked following an ugly incident on Thursday which saw him flung to the floor, arrested and subsequently hospitalized. State Sen. Colton Moore, a hardline supporter of President-elect Trump who previously tried to have Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis impeached for indicting the former president, was involved in a heated exchange at the entrance to the House chamber where officials refused him entry to attend Gov. Brian Kemp’s State of the State Address. Moore, of Trenton in Dade County, ended up being pushed to the floor by Keith Williams, a lawyer for House Speaker Jon Burns’ office, who was trying to enforce a ban placed on Moore by the speaker. Moore was banned from entering the chamber after he blasted the state Senate’s decision last year to consider a resolution to name a building at the University of North Georgia after the now-deceased former house speaker David Ralston. STATE SENATOR PUSHED TO THE GROUND, ARRESTED WHILE TRYING TO ENTER GEORGIA HOUSE CHAMBER Moore on Thursday made several attempts to brush past House staffers but was pushed back on several occasions. Then, at one point, William sent Moore flying, with the senator falling awkwardly to the floor. After another attempt to enter, Moore was arrested by state troopers and led away. Later in the evening, Moore posted a video of himself sitting on a hospital bed with a blood pressure monitor strapped to one of his arms. His other arm was elevated on the bed’s guard rail. “I did take a bit of a beating; my hand, it’s a bit swollen and purple; we’re waiting to get some X-rays to check it out,” Moore said. “Today they took my freedom and liberty away as I was fighting for your freedom and liberty. But I tell you what, we still have a constitutional duty to do work, and I’ll still be in that legislature tomorrow morning. Thank you all for the support.” Burns initially said that the incident was “incredibly unfortunate and said that Moore had “created a dangerous situation when he chose to use force against our law enforcement officers, dedicated doorkeepers and House staff.” Burns said that the integrity and decorum of this House was “non-negotiable—period.” On Friday, Burns, a Republican from Newington, lifted his ban after state Senate and Republican Party leaders lined up to support Moore. GEORGIA LAWMAKER SAYS WHISTLEBLOWER ALERTED HIM OF SECRET MIGRANT ROOM AT AIRPORT He said that Moore’s desire to “cause a disturbance and gain notoriety in the press broke longstanding rules and precedents of decorum that each member of the General Assembly has a responsibility to uphold.” But he said he’d admit Moore for joint sessions without an apology because Ralston wouldn’t have wanted the legislature’s work to be hindered. “For this reason, the Ralston family has expressed to their family here in the House that they desire for our chamber to resume business as normal — with all members of the General Assembly present — for any future joint sessions with or without the apology they and the House deserve,” Burns said. Moore’s ban had stemmed from a speech he gave last year blasting former speaker Ralston, who was also a Republican. Moore accused Ralston of using his office to delay court cases for criminal defendants he had represented as an attorney. Ralston claimed in 2019 that his actions were entirely legal. “This body is about to memorialize, in my opinion, one of the most corrupt Georgia leaders that we are ever going to see in my lifetime,” Moore exclaimed at the time. It’s not the first time Colton, a self-described “RINO wrangler,” has clashed with his Republican colleagues. In 2023, Georgia’s Republican Senate Caucus suspended Moore for attacking them for opposing his plan to impeach Willis for indicting Trump in an election interference case. Moore was the most prominent backer of a special session to impeach and remove Willis or defund her office, winning Trump’s endorsement. Kemp denounced the call as “some grifter scam” to raise campaign contributions for Moore. The Willis case eventually unraveled, in part because she was in a romantic relationship with a prosecutor she had hired. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Moore was booked into Fulton County jail on a misdemeanor charge of willful obstruction of law enforcement officers. After Moore took a mug shot imitating one Donald Trump famously took at the same jail, a supporter posted Moore’s $1,000 bail. Lt. Edward Starling, a troopers spokesperson, said he had no update on whether charges would be dropped. The Associated Press contributed to this report.