So, it's January 20, 2026. You probably woke up wondering why your favorite morning show looks like a political convention or why the local news is suddenly obsessed with a podium in Richmond. Here is the deal: if you are looking for a presidential inauguration day tv schedule for today, you might be a year early or looking for something a bit more local.
The U.S. President is inaugurated every four years. Since Donald Trump was sworn in on January 20, 2025, there is no federal inauguration today in D.C. Honestly, the next one isn't until January 20, 2029. But if you’ve seen "Inauguration" trending on your TV guide, you aren't hallucinating.
Today is actually about state-level power. Specifically, Virginia is taking center stage.
Why the Inauguration Day TV Schedule is Buzzing Today
While the national networks like ABC and NBC aren't pre-empting General Hospital for a parade in D.C., regional stations and C-SPAN are busy. Today, Abigail Spanberger is being inaugurated as the 75th Governor of Virginia. It’s a pretty big moment—she’s the first woman to hold the office in the Commonwealth’s history.
Because of that, the inauguration day tv schedule for anyone in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia) is packed. If you're outside that area, you’ll likely find coverage on national political feeds like C-SPAN or PBS News digital streams.
What to Expect on Your Screen
Most people expect the pomp and circumstance of a federal inauguration, and honestly, Virginia does it similarly. You’ve got the prayer breakfast, the swearing-in, and the inevitable parade. Here is how the timing usually shakes out for a major gubernatorial inauguration like this one:
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- 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Pre-ceremony coverage. Local news anchors (think NBC4 or FOX 5 DC) will be doing "man on the street" interviews and talking about the legislative agenda.
- 11:20 AM: Digital streams usually go live. PBS News (VPM in Virginia) typically starts their dedicated feed right about now.
- 12:00 PM: The "Big Moment." This is when the oath of office happens. If you’re watching on TV, this is the peak.
- 1:00 PM: The Inaugural Address. Expect the new governor to lay out exactly what they plan to do with the state budget and schools.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: The Parade.
Where to Find the Live Broadcasts
You've basically got three ways to watch this.
First, local broadcast TV. If you live in or near Virginia, stations like WRIC, WTVR, and WAVY are basically going all-day with this. They’ll have reporters at the South Portico of the State Capitol.
Second, cable news. Don't expect CNN or FOX News to go wall-to-wall for a state governor unless something wild happens. However, C-SPAN is the holy grail for this stuff. They often carry these ceremonies live for a national audience because it's considered "record of state."
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Third, and probably the easiest, is streaming. PBS News and various local affiliates have moved their primary "live" presence to YouTube and TikTok.
Is There Any National "Inauguration" News Today?
Not really. The White House is usually pretty quiet on Jan 20 during an "off" year. You might see a "One Year Anniversary" retrospective on some news cycles regarding the 47th President’s second term, but that’s about it.
If you were hoping to see a change in the Oval Office, you’ll be waiting until 2029.
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Why We Get Confused About the Schedule
January 20 is "Inauguration Day" in the American psyche. It's hardwired. We see the date on the calendar and expect the motorcade.
But state constitutions vary. Virginia, for instance, has a specific rule: the inauguration happens the Saturday after the second Wednesday in January. This year, that just happened to land right near the 20th.
Actionable Steps for Today
If you want to catch the highlights without sitting through four hours of marching bands:
- Check C-SPAN 2 or 3: They are the most likely to have the full, uninterrupted feed of the swearing-in.
- Search "Virginia Inauguration Live" on YouTube: PBS News (VPM) usually provides a high-quality, free stream that doesn't require a cable login.
- Set an alert for Noon: Regardless of the state or the year, the actual "swearing-in" almost always happens at mid-day.
- Look for the "Pass in Review": If you like military pageantry, this happens right after the speech and is usually the most visual part of the TV broadcast.
Enjoy the history, even if it’s at the state level. It’s a good reminder that while D.C. gets the glory, a lot of the laws that actually affect your life are being signed in state capitals today.