WASHINGTON, Jan. 2025 – Donald Trump, poised to return to the presidency, drew thousands of supporters to Washington on Sunday for a “Make America Great Again Victory Rally.” Braving cold and rain, attendees packed the streets outside Capital One Arena, eager to witness Trump’s first major address in the city since January 6, 2021.

The event, scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, was part of a weekend of inaugural festivities. Originally planned as an outdoor celebration, the rally was moved indoors due to forecasts of bitter cold. Trump began the day with a solemn tribute at Arlington National Cemetery, where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, saluting as a bugler played “Taps.”

A Sea of Red in Downtown Washington
Supporters, many clad in Trump’s signature red jackets and MAGA hats, lined up for blocks, chanting “USA! USA!” and sharing their excitement. Val Tordjman, 58, traveled from Denver for the inauguration. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said, planning to camp outside the arena despite freezing temperatures.

The rally previewed themes for Trump’s second term. His inaugural address on Monday is expected to reinforce an agenda centered on immigration reform, energy independence, and challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

"A Clear Mandate"
Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, highlighted immigration as a priority. “The American people gave him a clear mandate: Lock down our border, deport the worst, and take on the cartels,” Waltz said on CBS’s Face the Nation.

Trump’s rally included speeches by prominent allies, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, UFC CEO Dana White, conservative commentator Megyn Kelly, and billionaire Elon Musk, a key Trump confidant who contributed over $250 million to his campaign.

Tech and TikTok
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew also attended, hours after Trump announced plans to reinstate the app’s access in the U.S. Following his inauguration, Trump plans to sign an executive order delaying the app’s federal ban, signaling his intention to engage with major tech platforms.

Star-Studded Performances
The rally featured performances by Kid Rock, The Village People, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Lee Greenwood. The event marked a celebratory prelude to Trump’s inauguration, set for Monday inside the Capitol rotunda.

Heightened Security and Biden’s Farewell
With an estimated 25,000 law enforcement personnel providing security, large sections of Washington were under lockdown. Meanwhile, outgoing President Joe Biden marked his final official trip with a visit to Charleston, South Carolina, where he commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

At noon ET on Monday, Trump will take the presidential oath of office, beginning a new chapter in U.S. leadership.