Star-Studded Lineup: Who Will Sing the National Anthem at Trump’s Inauguration?

Christopher Macchio, a celebrated opera tenor, will perform the national anthem at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony. This event, taking place indoors due to severe cold weather, is expected to draw a crowd of approximately 600, a stark contrast to the 250,000 ticketed guests anticipated for an outdoor performance.

The notable shift to the Capitol Rotunda comes as temperatures are forecasted to reach record lows, making this inauguration likely the coldest in four decades. Macchio expressed disappointment at not being able to perform for a larger crowd but acknowledged the honor of the moment remains significant.

He stated, “I was looking forward to seeing 100,000 people spread across the National Mall. Unfortunately, I won’t be getting that visual while I perform, but it’s still going to be such a tremendous honor.” Musically, he regards the indoor setting as advantageous, noting that extreme weather can hinder vocal performance.

Macchio’s connections with Trump date back almost a decade when he filled in for a New Year’s Eve celebration. His impactful performance at that event led to further invitations, including an appearance at Trump’s 70th birthday party. Their relationship deepened following Macchio’s performance at a White House memorial service for Trump’s brother, Robert, in 2020.

Since then, Macchio has participated in multiple Trump events, including the Republican National Convention and various campaign rallies. After a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump mentioned, “I’ll be seeing you at the inauguration,” which confirmed Macchio’s pivotal role at the upcoming event.

Reflecting on the mixed perceptions surrounding his political affiliations, Macchio remains optimistic. He hopes that those who may not share Trump’s views will still appreciate his rendition of the anthem, which aims to honor the country.

“For those folks who might not have voted for President Trump, I hope that they’ll give me that kind of opportunity to just listen and just really connect with the music,” he remarked. “I’ll be doing the national anthem and it is meant to do honor to our great country.”

Looking ahead, Macchio aspires to advocate for classical music education and is in discussions with the administration regarding potential official roles in promoting this mission. However, his immediate focus is on the inauguration, where he plans to rehearse with fellow artists Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood in preparation for the performance.

Staying true to his roots as a traditionalist, Macchio confirmed his intent to deliver a straightforward rendition of the anthem, with one small exception. He admitted to “indulging a little bit” with high notes, reflecting his personal artistic style.