Trump Holds Victory Rally in Washington Ahead of Inauguration

WASHINGTON, Jan 19 – On the eve of his second inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up for a victory rally in Washington, D.C. The event, titled the “Make America Great Again Victory Rally,” will be held at the Capital One Arena at 3 p.m. ET (1900 GMT) on Sunday. This rally comes just one day before Trump takes the oath of office for the second time, following a tumultuous four years since losing to Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

The rally is expected to be a high-energy, campaign-style event, reminiscent of Trump’s rallies during his 2016 presidential campaign. It provides Trump with a moment to reconnect with his supporters before he officially begins his second term.

A noteworthy aspect of this rally is its timing, as it falls so close to the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to block the certification of the election results. This will be Trump’s first major address in Washington since that fateful day. He has previously suggested he might pardon many of the individuals facing charges related to the Capitol attack, a topic that could come up during his speech at the rally or in his inaugural address the following day.

Trump’s recent comments about foreign policy have stirred controversy as he openly discussed ideas such as acquiring Greenland, taking control of the Panama Canal, and even considering the idea of making Canada a U.S. state. These remarks have drawn criticism, particularly from U.S. allies, as people speculate about what kind of direction his second term might take.

The rally will feature several prominent figures alongside Trump, including Elon Musk, the billionaire tech entrepreneur and one of Trump’s most significant backers. Vice President-elect JD Vance, UFC President Dana White, conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, and TV personality Megyn Kelly are also scheduled to speak. Adding to the intrigue, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend, with ongoing discussions about the future of the app in the U.S. Trump has suggested he might intervene to prevent a ban on TikTok, which is set to take effect soon.

Entertainment will also be a major part of the rally. Several well-known musicians will perform, including Kid Rock, the Village People, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Lee Greenwood. These artists, each with their own loyal fanbase, help inject the rally with a sense of celebration and bring a diverse crowd of people together under Trump’s banner.

While Trump is holding his rally, President Joe Biden is marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a final official trip as president. Biden will visit Charleston, South Carolina, to honor King’s legacy. At Royal Missionary Baptist Church, Biden will deliver a speech that emphasizes the ongoing fight for civil rights and equality in the United States.

Meanwhile, Trump will take part in a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday morning. This somber act of remembrance will be followed by a private dinner in Washington with key supporters.

Inauguration Day will take place on Monday, January 20, at 12 p.m. ET (1600 GMT), when Trump will be sworn in inside the Capitol building. Due to the cold weather, the ceremony has been moved indoors, where Trump will take the presidential oath of office in the rotunda. As a safety measure, around 25,000 law enforcement officers will be present to ensure the event proceeds without incident, underscoring the heightened security in the wake of the Capitol insurrection in 2021.

Trump’s victory rally offers a glimpse into what his second term might look like. With his strong ties to the business and entertainment world, and his unwavering connection to his base, the event is set to be a significant moment in the run-up to his swearing-in. It will also be an opportunity for Trump to send a message to the country about the direction he intends to take once in office.

As the clock ticks down to his second inauguration, Trump’s victory rally is more than just a celebration—it’s a pivotal moment for the former president to make his mark once again on the political stage. With a packed schedule ahead, Trump’s supporters and critics alike will be watching closely to see what unfolds in the days leading up to January 20.