Trump Arrives in Washington for Historic Inauguration
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump landed in Washington on Saturday night in anticipation of his second inauguration as president. He traveled on a U.S. military C-32 aircraft from West Palm Beach, Florida, accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump, and their son, Barron. The flight, known as Special Air Mission 47, signifies Trump’s position as the 47th president, set to take office on Monday.
This military courtesy is traditionally offered by the outgoing administration to the incoming leader. Notably, Trump did not extend this courtesy to President Joe Biden prior to his inauguration in 2021, as Biden opted for a privately chartered flight.
Trump’s celebration of his return to power commenced Saturday evening with a fireworks display at his Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, roughly 30 miles from Washington. With forecasts of Arctic air bringing frigid temperatures on Inauguration Day, event organizers were working diligently to shift most outdoor activities, including the swearing-in ceremony, indoors.
“I think we made the right decision. We’ll be very comfortable now,” Trump stated in a phone interview with NBC News on Saturday.
On Pennsylvania Avenue, crews dismantled metal bleachers that were initially set up for outdoor inauguration viewing. Timothy Wallis, 58, flew in from Pocatello, Idaho, with friends, holding tickets to view the ceremony outside, but they had not acquired tickets for any indoor events. “We found out on the plane,” he remarked about the last-minute changes.
Wallis expressed disappointment over the adjustments, humorously noting, “We left snow to come here. I brought my gloves!” Trump, a Republican who left office in 2021 after contesting his electoral defeat to Democrat Joe Biden, previously led a mob that stormed the Capitol and broke tradition by skipping Biden’s inauguration.
In a display of democratic transition, Biden is expected to welcome Trump to the White House and accompany him to the Capitol for the oath of office ceremony. During Trump’s first inauguration eight years ago, the former reality TV star disrupted Washington’s norms, delivering a controversial inaugural address amid large protests and clashes on the streets.
On this occasion, protests were noticeably subdued, overshadowed by the ceremonies and celebrations surrounding Trump’s ascension to power. The events are anticipated to feature more celebrities than during his previous inauguration, with a significant presence of tech industry billionaires.
While Trump hosted celebrations at his Virginia golf club Saturday night, Vice President-elect JD Vance attended a reception for Cabinet members and hosted a dinner in Washington.
On the eve of his inauguration, Trump is scheduled to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and later attend a rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, followed by a private dinner.
On Inauguration Day, Trump will begin with a traditional prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, followed by a customary tea with the outgoing president and first lady at the White House. He will then proceed to the Capitol for an indoor ceremony, which is expected to adapt to the Capitol Rotunda’s 600-person capacity, despite over 250,000 guests ticketed for the inauguration on the Capitol grounds.
After taking the oath of office and delivering his inaugural address, Trump will bid farewell to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. As the new Republican administration assumes power, Trump will participate in a signing ceremony at the Capitol for his initial official acts, followed by a congressional luncheon and a review of U.S. troops.
The planned traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue has been altered into an indoor event due to the cold weather, with Trump expected to address his supporters before returning to the White House for a signing ceremony in the Oval Office. The evening will conclude with a series of lavish balls and musical performances.
