Trump and his family head to Washington for inaugural celebrations

Donald Trump arrived in Washington on Saturday, preparing for his second inauguration as president, four years after leaving office under the shadow of the Capitol riot.

Accompanied by his wife, Melania, and son, Barron, Trump boarded a U.S. military C-32 aircraft in West Palm Beach, Florida. The flight, dubbed Special Air Mission 47, marks his historic return as the 47th president.

Trump’s celebration began Saturday evening with a fireworks display at his Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. Arctic temperatures forced organizers to move many outdoor inauguration events indoors, including the swearing-in ceremony, which will now be held in the Capitol Rotunda.

A Changed Atmosphere for Trump’s Second Term

Unlike his first inauguration, which was marked by widespread protests, resistance to Trump’s return has been more subdued. While small groups of demonstrators gathered in Washington, the focus has shifted to the ceremonies and a star-studded lineup of performers, including Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, and Kid Rock. Tech billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are also attending, signaling Trump’s growing influence among corporate leaders.

Weekend Events and Inauguration Day

Trump is scheduled to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday before a rally at Capital One Arena. Inauguration Day will begin with a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, followed by a traditional tea with outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

The swearing-in ceremony, moved indoors due to the extreme cold, will accommodate only 600 guests in the Rotunda, compared to the 250,000 tickets issued for outdoor viewing. After taking the oath of office, Trump will participate in a signing ceremony, congressional luncheon, and troop review before concluding the day with three glitzy inaugural balls.

Protests and People’s March

Demonstrations accompanying Trump’s return are notably smaller than those in 2017. The Women’s March, rebranded as the People’s March, shifted its focus from Trump to broader issues, including reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and climate change. Despite lower turnout, the event underscores lingering tensions as Trump begins his second term.

With a theme of “unity and strength,” Trump’s second inaugural address aims to solidify his comeback and lay the foundation for his renewed presidency.