WASHINGTON – Donald Trump arrived in Washington on Saturday evening as he prepared for his second inauguration, a significant comeback for the Republican figure who left the city four years ago amid the chaos instigated by his supporters during the Capitol riot.
To commemorate his return to power, Trump hosted a celebratory event that included fireworks at his Trump National Golf Club located in Sterling, Virginia, roughly 30 miles from the capital.
As Trump entered the city, preparations were underway for Monday’s Inauguration Day ceremony, which required organizers to shift most activities indoors due to anticipated freezing temperatures. This change marks the first time since Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985 that the swearing-in ceremony will not take place outdoors on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
Trump traveled from West Palm Beach, Florida, accompanied by his wife Melania and their son Barron on a U.S. military C-32 aircraft designated as Special Air Mission 47, indicating Trump’s status as the 47th president. This gesture is typically provided by the outgoing administration to the incoming one; however, Trump had not extended the same courtesy to President Joe Biden during his inauguration four years ago, where Biden traveled via a chartered flight.
Upon reaching his golf club, Trump was met with enthusiasm from supporters who lined the streets, cheerfully chanting his name and “USA, USA!”
With the forecast predicting extremely cold weather on Inauguration Day, Trump made the call to relocate many events, including the swearing-in ceremony, indoors. Trump expressed satisfaction with the decision, asserting in a phone interview, “I think we made the right decision. We’ll be very comfortable now.”
Meanwhile, as preparations continued, workers were dismantling metal bleachers intended for spectators along Pennsylvania Avenue, where outdoor viewing areas had been planned.
Protests, however, began unfolding even before Trump’s arrival, with groups taking to the streets in the morning hours amidst light sleet. Melody Hamoud, a protester from Washington, wore a pink hat reminiscent of those from the 2017 march against Trump’s first inauguration. “I just didn’t want to sit home and fret in front of the TV,” she remarked, emphasizing her desire to be around others who share her sentiment.
Timothy Wallis, who traveled from Pocatello, Idaho, along with friends, was disappointed upon learning of the last-minute change in plans during the flight. “We found out on the plane,” he recounted, noting his mixed feelings about hoping for warmer weather after leaving behind snowy conditions.
On Saturday, Trump revealed his intentions to implement a series of executive orders and actions shortly after assuming office. He indicated that he would likely extend an allowance for TikTok to continue operating in the U.S., as a law prohibiting mobile app stores from distributing the app takes effect on Sunday. Moreover, Trump confirmed that his administration would quickly act on a campaign promise to tackle the issue of illegal immigration, aiming to deport a targeted group of violators with histories of serious crimes.
Trump, who left office in 2021 amid political controversy following his denial of election results, will, in a break from norm, respect the tradition of the incoming president’s welcome and transit to the Capitol for the inauguration.
Reflecting on his upcoming inauguration speech, Trump stated it would focus on themes of “unity and strength, and also the word ‘fairness.’” This time around, unlike his previous inauguration, the protests seemed less prominent, overshadowed by the celebration surrounding his return. The events were also expected to feature more celebrity presence, including attendees from the tech industry.
While Trump celebrated on Saturday evening, Vice President-elect JD Vance was actively engaged in a welcome event for prospective Cabinet officials in Washington.
On the eve of his inauguration, Trump is set to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, culminating in a private dinner.
Inauguration Day will start with a traditional prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church before Trump visits the White House for tea with the outgoing president and first lady. Afterward, he will proceed to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony, now relocated indoors due to plunging temperatures, which could lead to the coldest inauguration in four decades. The Capitol Rotunda has a limited capacity of only 600, a stark decrease from the over 250,000 ticketed guests expected to attend the festivities.
Additionally, the inaugural parade that typically occurs down Pennsylvania Avenue has been transformed into an indoor event, where Trump plans to address his supporters before heading to the White House to sign executive orders in the Oval Office. The day will conclude with a series of glamorous balls accompanied by musical performances.
