What's open and closed on MLK Day and Inauguration Day
Trump & Vance lay wreaths on Tomb of Unknown Soldier
President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump is being sworn in as president of the United States on Monday, Jan. 20 – the same day as Martin Luther King Jr. Day when the nation commemorates the late civil rights leader's legacy.
Why is Inauguration Day on January 20?
The backstory:
January 20 is observed as Inauguration Day because of the 20th Amendment.
"The 20th amendment to the Constitution specifies that the term of each elected President of the United States begins at noon on January 20 of the year following the election," according to the Architect of the Capitol. "Each president must take the oath of office before assuming the duties of the position."
At one time, according to History.com, a four-month gap pushed Inauguration Day to March of the year following the election. This lengthy lame-duck period often caused problems between the outgoing administration and the incoming administration. In 1933, the time was shortened to January of the year after the election, finally allowing the president-elect to address issues sooner.
If January 20 happens to fall on a Sunday, the oath is still taken on Inauguration Day—just privately—before a public inaugural ceremony on January 21.

In preparation for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration in Washington, D.C., security measures have been significantly heightened around the U.S. Capitol and its surroundings. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)
When is MLK Day 2025, and why is it on Inauguration Day?
Big picture view:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King's birthday, which is on January 15.
"We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example—the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility, and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership," according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office. "On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness, and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit."
Occasionally, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Inauguration Day. However, the two dates are not directly related.
RELATED: Trump to take more than 200 executive actions on day one
Are the Post Office, UPS and FedEx open?
The U.S. Postal Service observes Martin Luther King, Jr, Day as a federal holiday, meaning there will be no regular mail delivery. Its retail branches are also closed.
UPS Critical Express is available, but UPS Domestic Ground, Air & International is closed. "Limited" UPS store locations are open.
Meanwhile, FedEx is open, with modified service on FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy.
Are banks open?
The Federal Reserve is closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which means the vast majority of banks will also be closed in recognition of the day.
ATMs and online banking will be available.
Is the stock market open?
No. The New York Stock Exchange observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as does Nasdaq.
The Source: This story was written based on information published by the U.S. government, U.S. Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, various banks, NYSE and Nasdaq. It was reported from Cincinnati, and FOX 5 DC contributed.