Trump Requires Something Not Even an Inauguration Can Offer
His rallies radiate an electric atmosphere of adoration that no level of grandeur can rival.
TroibNews 
A second presidential inauguration was never going to be enough for Donald Trump. So, in anticipation of the actual event, Trump planned a rally on Sunday. More than 20,000 supporters are expected to pack into Capital One Arena downtown, eager for an energetic rally experience that they might not find, even if they managed to secure one of the few seats in the Capitol Rotunda during Monday's ceremony. For Trump, who eschews the rigid protocols typically adhered to by other presidents, this rally provides another advantage: the adoration of the crowd, a reality he knows he won't experience among many attendees on Monday.
Following the inauguration, he will essentially hold another rally. “The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience,” he announced regarding the decision to change the inauguration venue due to cold weather. “We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In.”
The complete takeover of the Republican Party — and politics itself — is evident. The shift from Capitol to Capital One is all but official; the inauguration is viewed as a mere formality between two Trump rallies.
“The prevailing goal of an inauguration has typically been the effort to pivot from the divisiveness of campaigns and to accentuate the commonality of all Americans — binding the wounds, whether deep or shallow — going into a new administration,” Russell Riley, a presidential historian at the University of Virginia, explained. “I don’t recall anything approaching a political rally in advance of an inauguration,” he noted.
Jennifer Mercieca, a political rhetoric expert, described the weekend's events as reminiscent of “a Roman ‘triumph,’” where a victorious general is celebrated in ancient Rome. “The rally,” Mercieca observed, “has the symbolism of a reclaiming of the territory, planting a flag, entering the city as a conquering hero.”
The difference between the two events is striking. “The inaugural is more controlled, passive,” said Alan Marcus, a former Trump consultant. “But at the rally, he can be his lustful self.”
Trump’s rallies have played a crucial role in his political rise. Without them, it’s plausible he wouldn’t have survived impeachment or fundamentally changed the American electorate’s composition. Roger Stone, a longtime Trump adviser, emphasized, “No one in the history of politics has been able to draw crowds like this.”
Reflecting on the evolution of these events, the first Trump rally on June 17, 2015, was fairly modest, occurring at a community college gym in New Hampshire. Yet, within a month, attendance skyrocketed when a planned crowd of 500 in Phoenix grew to around 5,000. “This is unbelievable,” Trump exclaimed at the time. The momentum continued to build, culminating in a rally in Alabama with 30,000 attendees.
Trump's rallies have been characterized in various ways—“Equal parts tent revival, carnival attraction and political stump,” said NBC News. Danielle Kurtzleben from NPR described them as “an all-day pep rally mixed with a megachurch service.” Mark Danner noted, “The Trump rally is the beating heart of Trumpism,” highlighting the complex and vivid nature of these events.
They embody familiar yet unpredictable elements. Attendees experience a mix of humor, off-the-cuff remarks, and an undeniable energy that unites them in a shared purpose. Even as themes of division resound, an intense sense of community prevails. Amid the chants and aggressive merchandise promotions, there exists an unmistakable bond among participants who often feel marginalized but empowered within the rally atmosphere.
“People feel like they are part of something,” former Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway stated. The symbiotic relationship between attendees and Trump is evident: “The people are his oxygen,” she added.
As the anticipation builds for his upcoming rally, Trump is expected to make a memorable impression. With high-profile speakers made up of figures from the MAGA universe, including Elon Musk and Charlie Kirk, the Sunday gathering is set to embody his characteristic brashness rather than seek common ground. After delivering his inauguration speech focusing on themes of “unity” and “light,” Trump will transition back to Capital One for yet another rally.
As Tim O’Brien noted, “His need for attention is forever insatiable,” reflecting the continuous cycle of Trump rallies and the fervent support of his base. As strategists observe, the Trump persona that captivated voters remains unchanged, as he continues to command their loyalty and admiration.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
Following the inauguration, he will essentially hold another rally. “The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience,” he announced regarding the decision to change the inauguration venue due to cold weather. “We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In.”
The complete takeover of the Republican Party — and politics itself — is evident. The shift from Capitol to Capital One is all but official; the inauguration is viewed as a mere formality between two Trump rallies.
“The prevailing goal of an inauguration has typically been the effort to pivot from the divisiveness of campaigns and to accentuate the commonality of all Americans — binding the wounds, whether deep or shallow — going into a new administration,” Russell Riley, a presidential historian at the University of Virginia, explained. “I don’t recall anything approaching a political rally in advance of an inauguration,” he noted.
Jennifer Mercieca, a political rhetoric expert, described the weekend's events as reminiscent of “a Roman ‘triumph,’” where a victorious general is celebrated in ancient Rome. “The rally,” Mercieca observed, “has the symbolism of a reclaiming of the territory, planting a flag, entering the city as a conquering hero.”
The difference between the two events is striking. “The inaugural is more controlled, passive,” said Alan Marcus, a former Trump consultant. “But at the rally, he can be his lustful self.”
Trump’s rallies have played a crucial role in his political rise. Without them, it’s plausible he wouldn’t have survived impeachment or fundamentally changed the American electorate’s composition. Roger Stone, a longtime Trump adviser, emphasized, “No one in the history of politics has been able to draw crowds like this.”
Reflecting on the evolution of these events, the first Trump rally on June 17, 2015, was fairly modest, occurring at a community college gym in New Hampshire. Yet, within a month, attendance skyrocketed when a planned crowd of 500 in Phoenix grew to around 5,000. “This is unbelievable,” Trump exclaimed at the time. The momentum continued to build, culminating in a rally in Alabama with 30,000 attendees.
Trump's rallies have been characterized in various ways—“Equal parts tent revival, carnival attraction and political stump,” said NBC News. Danielle Kurtzleben from NPR described them as “an all-day pep rally mixed with a megachurch service.” Mark Danner noted, “The Trump rally is the beating heart of Trumpism,” highlighting the complex and vivid nature of these events.
They embody familiar yet unpredictable elements. Attendees experience a mix of humor, off-the-cuff remarks, and an undeniable energy that unites them in a shared purpose. Even as themes of division resound, an intense sense of community prevails. Amid the chants and aggressive merchandise promotions, there exists an unmistakable bond among participants who often feel marginalized but empowered within the rally atmosphere.
“People feel like they are part of something,” former Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway stated. The symbiotic relationship between attendees and Trump is evident: “The people are his oxygen,” she added.
As the anticipation builds for his upcoming rally, Trump is expected to make a memorable impression. With high-profile speakers made up of figures from the MAGA universe, including Elon Musk and Charlie Kirk, the Sunday gathering is set to embody his characteristic brashness rather than seek common ground. After delivering his inauguration speech focusing on themes of “unity” and “light,” Trump will transition back to Capital One for yet another rally.
As Tim O’Brien noted, “His need for attention is forever insatiable,” reflecting the continuous cycle of Trump rallies and the fervent support of his base. As strategists observe, the Trump persona that captivated voters remains unchanged, as he continues to command their loyalty and admiration.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
