Trump celebrates triumph, excites MAGA supporters at pre-inauguration event
His rally showcased the extent of his control over Washington.
TroibNews 
Eight years ago, Donald Trump came to Washington to a city still reeling from his victory. This time, he transformed the capital into a MAGA celebration.
Inside the Capital One Arena on Sunday, attendees sported Trump inauguration beanies, red, white, and blue scarves, and white and gold Trump 2024 cowboy hats. The president-elect made his entrance like a conqueror, descending a set of stairs into the crowd.
In a place that had previously dismissed Trump, he brought his own celebration and supporters for his inauguration-eve event, generating awe rather than shock.
“His winning in 2016 was a surprise,” shared Michael Yadeta, a former candidate for Maryland's 8th congressional district, as he observed from the front rows of the arena floor. “Now he won everywhere. He won the popular vote, electoral vote. So we believe this is a revolution, not just a win. So it's a big difference in how he’s being received.”
Trump depicted a nation that had faced “four long years of American decline,” promising a reversal of fortunes. He acknowledged the economy he would inherit, claiming his administration would still need to address “disasters at home and abroad.”
“We will be a free and proud nation once again,” he stated. “And that will take place tomorrow at 12 o’clock.″
The rally underscored Trump's firm hold on Washington. Republicans dominate all federal branches, his once-controversial nominee for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is poised for confirmation, and Trump has appointed a friendly majority to the Supreme Court.
On Sunday, the president-elect announced plans to visit wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles on Friday and to release documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff, hinted at forthcoming actions.
“It’s going to mean an executive order ending the border invasion, sending the illegals home and taking America back,” Miller declared. “It's going to mean the eradication of the criminal cartels and the foreign gangs who are preying on our people. And it's going to mean justice for every American citizen who has lost a loved one to illegal aliens.”
Anticipation is high for an influx of executive orders on Monday, addressing topics from immigration to energy and beyond.
Trump recounted that some of his advisers had recommended pacing executive orders over the subsequent weeks.
“Like hell we are,” he retorted.
The MAGA celebration, lacking the formalities of Monday’s inauguration, echoed the familiar tones of his campaign rallies, complete with music and dancing. However, instead of swaying to a track, Trump engaged in his signature dance behind the Village People while they performed “YMCA.”
He also hinted at new executive actions, stating, “tomorrow everybody in this very large arena will be very happy with my decision on the J6 hostages,” prompting a roar from the crowd.
Among the various rally speakers, including personalities like Girls Gone Bible, Megyn Kelly, Elon Musk, and UFC chief Dana White, incoming officials provided insights into their aspirations.
For Trump's supporters who traveled from outside the Beltway, the rally served as a unique experience.
“We're from Missouri, we're a red state, so we really haven't had an opportunity to go to a Trump rally, and this was our first chance,” said George Heoffner, 68, seated with his wife and a friend on the arena floor. “And it is absolutely amazing. It is so emotional, so much fun. And all the people that we get to see, who we've seen on TV, are right there in front of us.”
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Inside the Capital One Arena on Sunday, attendees sported Trump inauguration beanies, red, white, and blue scarves, and white and gold Trump 2024 cowboy hats. The president-elect made his entrance like a conqueror, descending a set of stairs into the crowd.
In a place that had previously dismissed Trump, he brought his own celebration and supporters for his inauguration-eve event, generating awe rather than shock.
“His winning in 2016 was a surprise,” shared Michael Yadeta, a former candidate for Maryland's 8th congressional district, as he observed from the front rows of the arena floor. “Now he won everywhere. He won the popular vote, electoral vote. So we believe this is a revolution, not just a win. So it's a big difference in how he’s being received.”
Trump depicted a nation that had faced “four long years of American decline,” promising a reversal of fortunes. He acknowledged the economy he would inherit, claiming his administration would still need to address “disasters at home and abroad.”
“We will be a free and proud nation once again,” he stated. “And that will take place tomorrow at 12 o’clock.″
The rally underscored Trump's firm hold on Washington. Republicans dominate all federal branches, his once-controversial nominee for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is poised for confirmation, and Trump has appointed a friendly majority to the Supreme Court.
On Sunday, the president-elect announced plans to visit wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles on Friday and to release documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff, hinted at forthcoming actions.
“It’s going to mean an executive order ending the border invasion, sending the illegals home and taking America back,” Miller declared. “It's going to mean the eradication of the criminal cartels and the foreign gangs who are preying on our people. And it's going to mean justice for every American citizen who has lost a loved one to illegal aliens.”
Anticipation is high for an influx of executive orders on Monday, addressing topics from immigration to energy and beyond.
Trump recounted that some of his advisers had recommended pacing executive orders over the subsequent weeks.
“Like hell we are,” he retorted.
The MAGA celebration, lacking the formalities of Monday’s inauguration, echoed the familiar tones of his campaign rallies, complete with music and dancing. However, instead of swaying to a track, Trump engaged in his signature dance behind the Village People while they performed “YMCA.”
He also hinted at new executive actions, stating, “tomorrow everybody in this very large arena will be very happy with my decision on the J6 hostages,” prompting a roar from the crowd.
Among the various rally speakers, including personalities like Girls Gone Bible, Megyn Kelly, Elon Musk, and UFC chief Dana White, incoming officials provided insights into their aspirations.
For Trump's supporters who traveled from outside the Beltway, the rally served as a unique experience.
“We're from Missouri, we're a red state, so we really haven't had an opportunity to go to a Trump rally, and this was our first chance,” said George Heoffner, 68, seated with his wife and a friend on the arena floor. “And it is absolutely amazing. It is so emotional, so much fun. And all the people that we get to see, who we've seen on TV, are right there in front of us.”
Anna Muller for TROIB News
