WASHINGTON — Donald Trump is en route to Washington as he prepares for his second inauguration as president, occurring four years after he left the city amid the chaotic aftermath of an insurrection by his supporters at the Capitol.
Trump and his wife Melania, along with their son Barron, departed West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday afternoon aboard a U.S. military C-32 aircraft, referred to as Special Air Mission 47, highlighting Trump’s status as the 47th president, set to be officially recognized on Monday.
Traditionally, the outgoing administration provides a government plane for the incoming president. In 2021, Trump deviated from this custom, opting not to offer President Joe Biden a government aircraft, which led Biden to utilize a private charter instead.
This evening marks the start of Trump’s inaugural festivities, which will include a fireworks display at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, about 30 miles from the capital.
The celebration, however, might face challenges from a forecast of bitter cold temperatures on Inauguration Day, prompting organizers to shift several outdoor events indoors, including the swearing-in ceremony.
“We think we made the right choice. We’ll all be more comfortable indoors,” Trump stated during a phone interview with NBC News this Saturday.
On Pennsylvania Avenue, services were dismantling metal stands initially intended for outdoor gathering and viewing.
Before Trump arrived, small groups of demonstrators began assembling in the morning while a gentle sleet fell from the sky.
Melody Hamoud, a resident of Washington, donned a pink hat reminiscent of those worn at a 2017 protest against Trump’s first inauguration.
“I didn’t want to remain at home just anxious in front of the television,” she said. “I wanted to connect with others who share the same sentiments and feel the energy of our movement.”
Meanwhile, Timothy Wallis from Pocatello, Idaho, traveled with friends to participate in the inauguration, initially planning to observe festivities outdoors but facing the disappointment of limited indoor access.
“We learned of the changes while on our flight,” he noted, expressing discontent yet light humor about the situation since he’s not unfamiliar with cold weather.
“We left the snow behind to come here,” he remarked. “I even packed my gloves!”
After leaving office in 2021, Trump faced significant backlash and was viewed unfavorably due to his failure to concede to Biden, culminating in the Capitol riots. Unlike in his previous term, Biden will follow through with customary protocols, greeting Trump at the White House before proceeding together to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony.
During his first inauguration eight years ago, Trump entered as a disruptor of the establishment, delivering a somber speech while encountering large-scale protests. This time, he promised NBC that his inauguration message would center on “unity, strength, and also fairness.”
The protests surrounding Trump’s return to power appeared less pronounced, overshadowed by celebrations and ceremonies dedicated to his inauguration. Notably, his second inauguration will feature a celebrity lineup more substantial than in the past, including appearances from tech titans and entertainers.
Country music artists such as Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Jason Aldean, along with rapper Nelly and others are slated to perform at inauguration festivities.
High-profile business figures including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Shou Zi Chew are also expected to be in attendance.
As Trump prepares to enjoy a night of festivities at his Virginia golf club, Vice President-elect JD Vance will be hosting a reception for incoming Cabinet members in Washington.
On Sunday, prior to his inauguration, Trump has scheduled a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery followed by a rally at Capital One Arena, capping the day with a private dinner.
On Inauguration Day itself, Trump will attend a traditional prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church before having a tea at the White House with the outgoing president and first lady.
His swearing-in ceremony has reportedly been relocated indoors due to forecasts predicting the coldest inauguration in 40 years, and its adaptation to the limited space of the Capitol Rotunda, which can accommodate only 600 attendees, remains uncertain.
Typically, 250,000 guests would be invited to watch the ceremony unfold across the Capitol grounds.
While in 2017, attendance at Trump’s inauguration was a topic of derision among critics debating whether to participate, this year, much of that vociferous dissent has diminished; however, notable absences include former First Lady Michelle Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who have not disclosed their reasons for missing the event.
After Trump officially takes the oath and delivers his inaugural address, there will be a ceremonial farewell for Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Following this, Trump will engage in a signing ceremony to formalize some of his first official acts and partake in a congressional luncheon showcasing U.S. troops.
Although the planned parade down Pennsylvania Avenue has shifted to an indoor celebration due to the low temperatures, Trump intends to address his supporters before returning to the White House for a signing ceremony in the Oval Office.
The evening will conclude with a series of glamorous balls, complete with music performances.
Trump’s return to Washington is likely to provoke protests concerning various issues such as abortion, immigration rights, and the ongoing situation between Israel and Hamas, although the intensity of resistance appears diminished compared to his first term.
The Women’s March, which drew a massive crowd in response to Trump’s election in 2017, has rebranded itself as the People’s March this year, shifting focus away from Trump and towards broader themes such as women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, immigration, climate change, and democracy, though it attracted far fewer participants than eight years ago.
