When Is Inauguration 2017? This Will Be President Barack Obama's Last Day In Office
The 2016 election cycle finally comes to a close Tuesday night, but there's still quite a while before the new leader takes office.
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will remain in the White House until Jan. 20, 2017, according to the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution. That's when Inauguration Day is scheduled in Washington, D.C.
Though each inauguration is slightly different, the schedule has historically included a morning worship service and procession to the Capitol followed by the vice president's swearing-in ceremony, the president's swearing-in ceremony, the inaugural address and the departure of the outgoing president. The celebrations continue at the inaugural luncheon, the inaugural parade and the inaugural ball, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies' website.
American presidents have taken the inaugural oath of office — "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" — 71 times over the years, according to the Architect of the Capitol. Afterward, the newly elected leader speaks to the country, and the old president steps down.
The outgoing president traditionally gets on a helicopter and heads to Andrews Air Force Base, where he boards a plane home, The Daily Beast reported.
Obama has said he wants to continue living in Washington, D.C., after leaving the Oval Office. But his short-term plans for January are simple.
"I know what I'll do right after the next president's inaugurated," Obama said in 2014, according to Reuters. "I'll be on a beach somewhere, drinking out of a coconut."
Meanwhile in the capital, more than 1 million people will be partying as the new president settles into his or her new role. If you want to be among them, the Destination D.C., website recommends you book your hotel ASAP.
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