Inside Donald Trump's inaugural luncheon: What’s on the menu?

After President Donald Trump takes office on January 20, he will attend a luncheon at the U.S. Capitol, organized by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).

The specifics of the 2025 menu are yet to be revealed, but based on tradition, the meal will likely include a seafood appetizer, a meat-based main course, and dessert, probably featuring ice cream.

Given Trump's current residence in Florida, the meal may feature dishes inspired by the state’s famous cuisine or perhaps include something from Vice President J.D. Vance's Ohio heritage.

At the 2017 Inaugural Luncheon, which was the last held, Trump and about 200 guests enjoyed a three-course meal.

The first course consisted of Maine lobster and gulf shrimp with saffron sauce and peanut crumble, followed by grilled Seven Hills Angus beef with dark chocolate and juniper jus, accompanied by potato gratin.

For dessert, they served chocolate soufflé with cherry vanilla ice cream.

The menu from the 2017 luncheon bore similarities to that of President Barack Obama's second inauguration in 2013.

At Obama's luncheon, guests dined on steamed lobster and New England chowder, followed by grilled bison with red potato horseradish cake and wild huckleberry reduction. The dessert included Hudson Valley apple pie, sour cream ice cream, aged cheese, and honey.

The last inaugural luncheon that didn’t feature ice cream for dessert was President George W. Bush’s second inauguration in 2005.

During that event, the dessert consisted of steamed lemon pudding with apple wild cherry compote.

The Inaugural Luncheon has been held since 1897, but its current format began in 1953, according to the JCCIC website.

The first luncheon was hosted by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who, along with his wife and 50 other guests, enjoyed creamed chicken, baked ham, and potato puffs in the Old Senate Chamber, which has since been restored.

Today, the event takes place in Statuary Hall.

According to the JCCIC website, the menu often reflects the home states of the new President and Vice President or the JCCIC Chairman, along with the inauguration's theme. The luncheon program also includes speeches, gift presentations from the JCCIC, and toasts to the new administration.