President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Washington, D.C., Saturday evening to begin a series of celebrations leading up to his second inauguration as president.
The arrival comes four years after his departure from the capital, which was marred by the January 6 attack on the Capitol by his supporters.
Touching down at Dulles Airport around 7:20 p.m., Trump exited the plane, waved to reporters, and pumped his fist twice in the air but did not take any questions. From there, he proceeded to Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, for evening festivities and a fireworks display.
Earlier in the day, Trump departed from Palm Beach International Airport, Florida, alongside former First Lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron. The trio boarded their plane at 5:13 p.m. Eastern Time near Mar-a-Lago, where Trump has based his transition efforts following his election victory. Before entering the plane, they paused briefly at the top of the stairs, with Trump waving to supporters.
The days leading up to the inauguration promise a blend of traditional ceremonies and Trump’s characteristic flair. Planned events include a fireworks showcase at his luxury golf property, appearances by business and tech leaders, and performances by notable celebrities.
However, the frigid weather forecast has caused some adjustments to the schedule. An Arctic blast is expected to make this the coldest Inauguration Day in 40 years, prompting organizers to move most outdoor events indoors, including the swearing-in ceremony.
“There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way…Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather.”
The Capitol Rotunda, however, poses logistical challenges, as it can accommodate only 600 guests. More than 250,000 ticketed attendees had originally been expected to view the ceremony from around the Capitol grounds. In a statement, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies announced that “the vast majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person.”
Trump’s inaugural lineup features a mix of country music stars such as Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Jason Aldean, along with performances by disco icons the Village People, rapper Nelly, and Kid Rock. Hollywood actor Jon Voight and wrestling legend Hulk Hogan are also set to appear. Among the notable guests from the business world are Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew.
Trump’s only public event on Saturday is a reception and fireworks display at his golf club in Sterling. Meanwhile, Vice President-elect JD Vance will attend a reception for Cabinet members and host a dinner in Washington.
Sunday’s schedule includes a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a rally at Capital One Arena in Washington. That evening, Trump will attend a private dinner.
On Inauguration Day, Trump will begin with a traditional prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church before heading to the White House for a customary tea with the outgoing president and first lady. The swearing-in ceremony will then take place inside the Capitol, marking the official start of his second term.
