“We are here to celebrate,” stated Ying Tan, a 34-year-old from New York City. Tan shared her involvement with the Asians for Trump movement since 2020 and her participation in a volunteer group that worked in Pennsylvania leading up to the 2024 election. She emphasized the importance of putting American citizens first, particularly veterans and the homeless, rather than allocating resources to migrants. Tan expressed the desire for a president who prioritizes the needs of the American people.
Lorenzo Alvarado, who traveled from Fresno, California, to attend the event, eagerly anticipated hearing Trump’s speech and discussing plans for implementing change. Despite the event being moved indoors due to cold weather, Alvarado remained optimistic and stated that he and other Trump supporters would still show up.
Another attendee, Mike Poole from Palestine, Texas, along with his wife, arrived early at the Capital One Arena for their first Trump rally. Poole noted a shift in the political climate with Trump’s return to the presidency and expressed hope for a more grounded and respectful demeanor from the former president.
Texans, Diana Young and Denise Ballew, made the journey to DC to show their support for Trump, believing in a return to American values and the constitution. Adam Anderson from Pittsburgh, who highlighted a broader base of support for Trump, looked forward to seeing sound fiscal policies in a potential second term.
The rally featured performances by Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, and The Village People, creating a festive atmosphere inside the arena. Attendees danced, cheered, and enjoyed the music, contributing to the celebratory mood of the event.
The rally was part of a weekend filled with various activities, including inaugural balls, a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and a fireworks display at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. Trump’s inauguration marked a historic moment as the first nonconsecutive presidential term in almost 140 years, following the example of Grover Cleveland, who served as the 22nd and 24th president.
It was a momentous occasion that drew supporters from across the country to witness and be a part of the festivities surrounding Trump’s return to the presidency.
In a remarkable turn of events, the US Capitol Rotunda played host to a historic ceremony, as a sudden cold snap descended upon the nation’s capital on Monday, compelling the proceedings to move indoors.
