President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Washington on Saturday evening to kick off celebrations for his second inauguration, as the city braces for record-breaking cold temperatures.
Accompanied by his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, Mr. Trump traveled from his home in Palm Beach, Florida, aboard an Air Force jet dispatched by outgoing President Joe Biden. The Republican leader had been preparing for his return to power following his victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election.
Upon landing at Dulles Airport in Virginia, Mr. Trump proceeded to his golf club in Sterling before attending an evening reception featuring an Elvis Presley impersonator. The event, attended by 500 guests, included a fireworks display, with videos shared on social media showing the Trumps enjoying the performance.
Rally and swearing-in ceremony
Mr. Trump is set to address supporters at a rally on Sunday at the Capital One Arena, a venue also chosen for Monday’s inaugural celebrations due to an arctic blast sweeping the U.S. capital. The 78-year-old’s swearing-in, traditionally held on the west front of the Capitol building, has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.
While the venue shift ensures safety from the harsh weather, it significantly limits public access. Of the 220,000 ticketed guests initially expected to witness the ceremony on the Capitol grounds, only a fraction will be accommodated within the 20,000-seat arena. The swearing-in and subsequent parade, traditionally held along Pennsylvania Avenue, will also be confined to the arena.
Trump supporters, many of whom had traveled long distances, began gathering in downtown Washington on Saturday. Among them were Arthur and Richard Caisse, brothers from Connecticut attending their second Trump inauguration.
“We came all this way and went through so much to get tickets, only to be told we might not make it to the Mall,” Arthur lamented. Richard, however, expressed optimism, saying, “On Monday, we’re getting our country back.”
Debbie Koch, who traveled from Wisconsin, shared similar sentiments. “We’re just excited to be here,” she said, while hoping to attend Sunday’s rally.
Challenges in managing crowds
The shift in venue has posed logistical challenges, with organizers remaining tight-lipped about how they plan to manage the overflow of ticket holders. The Secret Service has directed inquiries to the inaugural committee, which had not responded to requests for comment.
Mr. Trump, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, is expected to begin his second term with a flurry of executive orders focusing on immigration, energy production, and other policy priorities.
The upcoming inauguration marks a dramatic return for Mr. Trump, who refused to attend Joe Biden’s 2021 swearing-in after his defeat. In the wake of the January 6 Capitol riot that year, Mr. Trump had left Washington vowing, “We will be back in some form.”
