WASHINGTON — Donald Trump made his comeback to Washington on Saturday evening, celebrating his imminent second inauguration with family, supporters, and political allies. This return marks a significant moment for the Republican, who left the city four years earlier following the violent events instigated by his supporters at the Capitol.
Trump’s celebratory event took place at his Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, approximately 30 miles from the nation’s capital. During his address, he recognized various notable individuals including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos, while also praising his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who recently brokered a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, set to take effect on Sunday.
After his speech, Trump made a grand appearance on a balcony, enjoying a fireworks display and a performance by tenor Christopher Macchio, while guests gathered on the patio to partake in the festivities. In light of forecasts predicting unseasonably cold temperatures for Monday’s Inauguration Day, event organizers are hastily relocating most outdoor activities — including the traditional swearing-in ceremony — inside the U.S. Capitol. This shift will be the first of its kind since President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985.
Traveling with his wife Melania and their son Barron, Trump flew from West Palm Beach, Florida, on a U.S. military C-32 aircraft, aptly named Special Air Mission 47, referencing his status as the 47th president. This flight marks a customary courtesy extended by outgoing administrations to incoming ones; however, when he took office in 2021, Trump did not provide a government plane for President Joe Biden, who flew in on a private charter.
As Trump approached his golf club for the Saturday evening gathering, his supporters lined the streets, chanting slogans such as “Trump” and “USA, USA!” With the expected drop in temperatures in Washington, Trump made the decision to conduct most of the inauguration activities indoors. “I think we made the right decision. We’ll be very comfortable now,” he expressed in a telephone interview with NBC News on Saturday.
Preparations for the inauguration also included dismantling metal bleachers set up for the outdoor audience along Pennsylvania Avenue. Protests against Trump began early in the day, despite the light sleet falling across the city. One protester, Melody Hamoud, wore a pink hat reminiscent of her participation in a march during Trump’s first inauguration. “I just didn’t want to sit home and fret in front of the TV,” she shared, emphasizing her desire to connect with others in the movement.
Timothy Wallis, who traveled from Pocatello, Idaho, remarked on the unexpected shift in inauguration plans and shared his disappointment at not being able to witness the ceremony outdoors, stating, “We found out on the plane.” Despite anticipating intense cold, he noted, “We left snow to come here. I brought my gloves!”
During his speech, Trump indicated he was planning a series of executive orders and actions in the initial days of his administration. He mentioned the likely extension of TikTok’s operations in the U.S. beyond the impending deadline due to new regulations affecting the app. Moreover, he reiterated his campaign promise of initiating mass deportations targeting undocumented migrants, starting with over 300 individuals in the Chicago area deemed to have committed serious crimes.
Reflecting on his past presidency, Trump noted how he departed office in 2021 amidst considerable political backlash after the Capitol riot. This time around, however, he anticipates a different atmosphere, with Biden traditionally observing the democratic transition by greeting Trump and accompanying him to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony.
Trump’s first inauguration in 2016 was marked by protests and dissent, yet he plans to emphasize themes of “unity, strength, and fairness” in his upcoming speech. In stark contrast to previous events, the current protests surrounding his inauguration are notably diminished, overshadowed by celebrations and distinguished guests expected to attend, including prominent figures from the tech industry.
While Trump hosted guests at his Virginia venue, Vice President-elect JD Vance participated in reception events for Cabinet members in Washington. On the eve of the inauguration, Trump will lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a rally at Capital One Arena and a private dinner.
On Inauguration Day, activities will commence with a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, after which Trump will meet with the outgoing president and first lady for a customary tea at the White House. Following that, in light of the cold weather, the inaugural ceremony will be conducted indoors at the Capitol, where attendance will be limited to 600 guests, despite more than 250,000 individuals anticipated to view the event from the Capitol grounds.
The usual parade down Pennsylvania Avenue has been altered as well, transforming into an indoor event. Trump is set to speak to gathered supporters before returning to the White House for a signing ceremony in the Oval Office. Later that evening, several glitzy balls will take place, accompanied by musical performances.
