President-elect Donald Trump is set to kick off his second inauguration with a massive “victory rally” at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on January 19, marking his triumphant return to the nation’s capital.
At a Glance
- Trump to hold “victory rally” at Capital One Arena on January 19, day before inauguration
- Inauguration committee fundraising expected to exceed $150 million, breaking records
- Three days of events planned, including parade, Sunday service, and exclusive receptions
- Corporate donors showing significant interest, including Meta’s first-ever inaugural donation
- Trump met with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to discuss shared priorities for his upcoming term
Trump’s Triumphant Return to Washington
President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up for a spectacular return to Washington, D.C., with a “victory rally” scheduled for January 19 at Capital One Arena. This event, organized by Trump’s inauguration committee, will serve as a prelude to his formal swearing-in ceremony the following day. The rally marks Trump’s first major public appearance in the capital since his January 6, 2021 speech, signaling a new chapter in his political career.
The Trump-Vance inaugural committee is on track to shatter fundraising records, with pledges already exceeding $150 million. This impressive figure dwarfs the $62 million raised by Biden’s inaugural committee in 2021 and even surpasses the $107 million raised for Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. As of Monday, the committee had $70 million in the bank, with more contributions expected to pour in.
Trump to hold D.C. rally on Jan. 19, the day before his inauguration. https://t.co/Miomzo5kTA
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 1, 2025
A Star-Studded Celebration
The inauguration festivities will span three days, starting on January 18. In addition to the “Make America Great Again Victory Rally,” the schedule includes a parade, a Sunday service, and exclusive receptions and dinners. These events are designed to celebrate Trump’s historic second term, as he joins Grover Cleveland as only the second former president to be reelected to a nonconsecutive term.
“There is an absolute deluge of interest,” one Republican fundraiser said.
Corporate donors, younger supporters, and the tech industry have shown significant interest in contributing to the inaugural events. Major companies like Meta and Amazon, as well as tech leaders such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have made substantial donations. Notably, this marks Meta’s first-ever contribution to a presidential inaugural committee.
Exclusive Access and Unity Message
The inaugural events offer various levels of access based on donation tiers. The highest tier requires a $1 million contribution or $2 million raised, while the lowest tier is set at $50,000. Exclusive events include a “Cabinet Reception” and a “Vice President’s Dinner” with JD Vance. The inauguration will culminate in a grand “Starlight Ball,” with tickets available to both major donors and small-dollar contributors through a dedicated fundraising entity.
In a gesture of unity and cooperation, Trump recently met with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to discuss shared priorities for his upcoming term. This meeting underscores Trump’s commitment to working with local leaders as he prepares to take office once again. As the nation eagerly anticipates Trump’s return to the White House, the upcoming victory rally and inauguration events promise to be a spectacular celebration of American patriotism and the will of the people.
