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Trump Arrives in Washington for 2nd Inauguration Amid Record-Cold
Trump’s Arrival in Washington
President-elect Donald Trump Arrives in Washington for 2nd Inauguration on Saturday evening to celebrate his return to power ahead of an inauguration ceremony disrupted by record-cold temperatures.
Flying aboard an Air Force plane sent by outgoing President Joe Biden, Trump traveled from his base in Palm Beach, Florida. Accompanying him were his wife, Melania, daughter Ivanka, and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Upon landing at Dulles Airport in suburban Virginia, Trump proceeded to his golf club in Sterling, Virginia, on the outskirts of Washington.
Pre-Inauguration Festivities
An Elvis Presley impersonator, Leo Days, performed for the incoming president and first lady at a reception attended by about 500 guests. The event also featured a fireworks display. A video of the performance was shared on social media by an aide.
Sunday Rally and Modified Inauguration Plans
The 78-year-old Trump is scheduled to hold a rally with supporters at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington on Sunday, the day before his inauguration.
Monday’s frigid weather forecast has prompted a shift in plans. The inauguration ceremony, originally planned for the iconic west front of the U.S. Capitol, will now take place indoors in the Capitol Rotunda. The traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue will instead occur at the Capital One Arena.
In the Capitol Rotunda, Trump will take the oath of office at 12 p.m. ET (1700 GMT) and deliver an inaugural address. He told NBC News that the theme of his speech will be “unity and strength, and also the word ‘fairness.’” This marks the first time since Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in January 1985 that the event has been moved indoors.
Crowd Challenges and Disappointment
The change in venue has led to logistical challenges for attendees. Of the more than 220,000 ticketed guests originally set to witness the ceremony on Capitol grounds, only a fraction will fit into the 20,000-seat Capital One Arena.
Supporters have expressed mixed feelings. Arthur Caisse, a 78-year-old retired professor, and his brother Richard, a 64-year-old small business owner, traveled from Connecticut for the event. While Arthur voiced disappointment over the changes, Richard remained optimistic, stating, “On Monday, we’re getting our country back.”
Debbie Koch, a 60-year-old IT professional from Wisconsin, and her sister expressed excitement despite uncertainties about securing entry to the Sunday rally.
Event Coordination and Uncertainty
When asked how they would manage the overflow of ticket holders unable to enter the Capitol Rotunda or arena, the Secret Service referred inquiries to event organizers. Trump’s inauguration committee did not respond to requests for clarification.
Post-Inauguration Plans
Once back at the White House on Monday afternoon, Trump is expected to sign numerous executive orders focusing on migration, U.S. energy production, and other key priorities.
A Return to Power
Trump’s first term lasted from 2017 to 2021. After refusing to attend Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration and leaving Washington for Florida, Trump vowed, “We will be back in some form.” Biden is set to attend Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday.