President-elect Donald Trump reacted at a MAGA victory rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, one day before his inauguration. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images Hide caption
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Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
The day before Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president, he and his supporters celebrated with an hour-long rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
“Tomorrow at noon, four years of American decline will end and a brand new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity, and pride will begin,” President Trump said, to loud cheers from the audience.
“We are going to end once and for all the failed and corrupt political system and failed administration’s rule in Washington.”
President Trump, who canceled his outdoor parade due to predicted frigid weather, is scheduled to appear at the same venue tomorrow after his swearing-in ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Supporters will also be able to watch a live stream of the inauguration from the venue.
He used the opportunity Sunday to preview some of the Biden administration’s first day actions, including ending the Biden administration’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in border security, energy and government agencies.
He also celebrated his election victory and took credit for several recent developments, including the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that took effect on Sunday.
“I know Biden says we have a deal,” he said, stepping back and laughing as the crowd booed.
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s choice to be his special envoy to the Middle East, has joined President Biden’s Middle East envoy in the final push to negotiate the deal.
President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Washington on Sunday to address a rally ahead of the 60th presidential inauguration. Alex Brandon/AP Hide Caption
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Alex Brandon/Associated Press
President Trump also welcomed the popular video app TikTok back online. TikTok went offline Saturday night under a law that effectively bans the service nationwide unless it splits from its China-based owners, but President Trump on Sunday suspended the law and imposed restrictions on technology companies. Extending the liability shield supports TikTok posted on Truth Social.
At Sunday’s rally, he reiterated a proposal he made on social media that the U.S. government would take a 50% stake in social media platforms, without providing details.
His Tiktok promotion is a reversal from 2020, when President Trump tried to ban the platform.
A “call to action” for America
Trump supporters stood outside in the cold rain all morning before the rally began.
“There was no way I would have missed it for any reason,” said Cindy Pugh, who traveled from a Minneapolis suburb. “Donald Trump is the best president of my lifetime. He has sacrificed so much for the American people, including me.”
Trump won the popular vote for the first time in November. That fact makes this election feel different from the 2016 victory, Pugh said.
“This victory reflects an urgent call to action for the American people to listen to us and act on our behalf, rather than relying on the political establishment. So for me, it’s different. I feel like that,” she said.
However, speeches at several rallies took on a somber tone.
“For those of you who wear MAGA hats, it used to be an act of civil disobedience,” political commentator Megyn Kelly told the crowd, referring to the “Make America Great Again” hats. “But it was also an act of courage to wear that hat for the past eight years.”
She ended her speech with the command: “Don’t bend down. Never bow your head.”
Trump adviser Stephen Miller also linked the president’s lawsuits to the implication that the president’s supporters themselves are threatened by his opponents.
President-elect Donald Trump greets the Village People on stage during a victory rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Hide Caption
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Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Trump has been indicted on multiple criminal charges, but only his 34 felony convictions in New York are pending.
“They indicted him, they imprisoned him, they took away your freedom, they took your family, they took your business, they tried to take away your voice, your future, your hopes, your dreams, your government. Your country,” Miller told the crowd. spoke.
The rally featured musicians Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood, as well as actor Jon Voight and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Trump expressed his desire to cut government spending. He said he would lead a government efficiency ministry group that will make recommendations. President Trump did not mention former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who he had originally asked to lead DOGE.
The Trump campaign did not respond to questions about the size of the crowd at the rally. According to local media, Capital One Arena has a capacity of approximately 20,000 seats. Supporters filled the arena floor, seats in the lower two floors, and about half of the top floor.
