Here's how much an inauguration costs, and who pays for it

Laura Sanicola

It’s not cheap to be sworn in as leader of the free world.

President Barack Obama made headlines with his record-setting inauguration costs in 2009, totaling an estimated $170 million, according to ABC News. This year, President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration could cost between $175 million to $200 million, according to the Washington Post.

Inaugurations are typically expensive, though it’s tough to determine exactly how much they cost, according to a 2013 report by the Congressional Research Service.

That’s because funds used to support the Inauguration often come from accounts that aren’t specifically labeled for Inauguration purposes. The Department of Homeland Security, for example, designates the Inauguration as a “National Security Special Event.”

The Inauguration of President Barack H. Obama, 44th president of the United States, on the West Front of the Capitol. January 20, 2009
The Inauguration of President Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States. January 20, 2009

We do know the money spent for an Inauguration comes from a mix of taxpayer funds and private donations. Public funds tend to support the “swearing-in ceremony, security, maintenance, construction, bleachers, fencing,” according to the Congressional Research Service. Taxpayers end up paying roughly $1 million for the swearing-in ceremony hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, according to the Washington Post.

Many other inaugural activities are heavily funded by large donors via the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), which is a privately funded non-profit created after the election.

The PIC, which accepts donations, is in charge of most of the activities that happen during the Inauguration, including most of the inaugural activities such as the National Day of Service, opening ceremonies, inaugural parade, concerts, and inaugural balls.

Obama’s 2013 inauguration accepted over $44 million in total donations, according to the FEC, but Trump hopes to top that number by at least $20 million, The New York Times reported in November. Inaugural package deals, gifts that allow large donors access to special events with Melania, Donald, and top officials, range from $25,000 to $1 million.

Each PIC has its own rules about who can donate to the Inauguration. Trump is banning registered lobbyists from donating, but does not limit individual donations. Corporations may donate up to $1 million.

Barack Obama hugs Michelle as they dance at the Eastern Regional Inaugural Ball in Washington January 20, 2009. REUTERS/Jim Young
Barack Obama hugs Michelle as they dance at the Eastern Regional Inaugural Ball in Washington January 20, 2009. REUTERS/Jim Young

In 2009, Obama campaigned on and banned corporate gifts and capped individual donations at $50,000 per person or $100,000 per couple following a particularly expensive campaign. Facing fears that donations would dry up, Obama lifted the ban on corporate gifts and restrictions on the size of those from individuals in 2012, sparking criticism.

The past 40 years or so have seen a rise in private funding for inaugurations. In 1973, Richard Nixon accepted an estimated $4 million in donations. By 1985 Ronald Reagan had taken in an estimated $20 million. That number had nearly doubled by 2005 when George W. Bush accepted approximately $42.3 million.