WASHINGTON — Here are the key updates for today:
1. Planned Events: Sunday marks Donald Trump’s first full day back in Washington since the election. He intends to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery before he addresses a rally downtown at Capital One Arena, which houses Washington’s professional basketball and hockey teams.
2. International Dignitaries: Traditionally, foreign heads of state have been absent from U.S. inaugurations. However, this year will see the attendance of Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In recent developments:
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng received a warm welcome from JD Vance, who expressed his eagerness to engage with the visiting vice president during his inaugural visit. The Trump transition team indicated that discussions between Vance and Han covered critical issues such as fentanyl, trade balances, and regional stability. Notably, a significant number of dignitaries are expected to witness Trump and Vance take their oaths of office on Monday.
Trump engaged in a solemn ceremony, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed shortly by Vance’s similar tribute. After the ceremony, the two leaders, accompanied by their spouses, met with families of soldiers laid to rest in Section 60, the area designated for those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Trump took the time to greet families personally at the memorials of their loved ones, also placing challenge coins on their gravestones.
During a rainy day, Trump and his running mate, Vance, made their way to Arlington National Cemetery where they partook in the wreath-laying ceremony as part of a series of inaugural events lined up for the days ahead.
Attending the event were Trump’s family members and individuals designated for his Cabinet. Notables among them included his wife Melania and children, as well as key Cabinet nominees like Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and Marco Rubio for Secretary of State. JD Vance’s wife, Usha, was also present, underscoring the significance of this initiation into the new administration.
In a move to reassure TikTok users, the app started to reappear for some in the U.S. shortly after Trump assured a temporary reprieve on its ban. The TikTok administration thanked Trump for bringing clarity to their service providers, confirming their capability to operate without facing penalties.
Close associates of Trump have noted his positive outlook as he prepares for the presidency. Roger Stone, a long-time confidant, described Trump as feeling “ebullient,” calm, and excited about his upcoming term. Stone, who had been involved in Trump’s previous campaign, expressed that safety measures were welcome given past security threats during such events.
The Hispanic Inaugural Ball saw participation from various members of Congress, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Florida Representative Maria Elvira Salazar. They mingled with conservative business leaders and Latin American officials. Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Guaidó received praise from attendees, while Argentinian President Milei and Paraguayan President Peña discussed expectations for enhancing U.S.-Latin America relations amid support for Trump.
As Trump prepared for a return to the White House, his prospective cabinet gathered for the first time at Washington’s National Gallery of Art to discuss future plans. A group photograph circulated on social media captured the event as they posed together in a light-hearted manner.
Trump began his inauguration day eve with a private breakfast engagement with Republican senators at Blair House, close to the White House. Vance, who served as a senator before his new role, joined the gathering as well.
Looking ahead, Trump announced plans for a 90-day extension for TikTok in the U.S., expressing intentions to negotiate ownership stakes and ensuring that Americans can enjoy the inaugural festivities online.
As moving day approaches at the White House, Melania Trump reflected on the challenges of relocating to the residence. Having already gone through the process once, she noted an easier transition this time. The transition team and residence staff push forward diligently to ensure a seamless move during the presidential handover.
For the inauguration highlights, plans are set for a grand ceremony marked by performances and celebrations, with various high-profile guests set to attend and witness the change in leadership. The outdoor ceremony has adapted to colder temperatures and will now take place indoors at the Capitol, a significant departure from historical practice.
Today’s schedule includes a wreath-laying ceremony, a large rally featuring performances from notable artists, and a dinner where Trump is expected to speak, marking the festive atmosphere surrounding the inauguration.
