Trump Returns to Washington for Historic Second Inauguration Amid Protests and Celebrations

STERLING, Va. — President-elect Donald Trump returned to Washington, D.C., on Saturday evening, marking the start of a series of events leading to his historic second inauguration. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania and their son Barron, arrived at Dulles International Airport after boarding a special mission Air Force plane from West Palm Beach, Florida. The family waved to crowds before ascending the steps of the aircraft, signaling the beginning of a weekend filled with celebrations and protests.

Trump’s return to power was celebrated with a fireworks display and a performance by tenor Christopher Macchio at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, about 30 miles outside Washington. During the event, Trump addressed the crowd, thanking Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, while praising his Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff as a “great negotiator.” Witkoff recently brokered a deal between Israel and Hamas, set to take effect on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Trump and his family met with Gov. Youngkin and first lady Suzanne Youngkin at the golf club, where they were presented with a stately gift. A photo of the exchange was later posted on social media. The Trumps hosted an evening reception and fireworks show, attended by family members including Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Eric Trump, and Lara Trump.

Eric Trump, who traveled separately on the president-elect’s private plane, shared his thoughts on social media, expressing pride in his father’s resilience. “Against all odds, we did it—together, with the incredible people of this nation and the greatest political movement in history,” he wrote. “Our country is in great hands. The madness is over. America is in an age of renewal.”

Meanwhile, thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., for the “People's March on Washington,” a rebranded version of the 2017 Women’s March. Demonstrators carried signs advocating for gender justice, democracy, and immigration reform. The march, though smaller than its predecessor, highlighted ongoing divisions as Trump prepares to take office.

On Sunday, Trump is scheduled to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and attend a “Make America Great Again” rally. The inauguration ceremony, set for Monday, has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to frigid temperatures. Trump will become the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland.

As the nation braces for a new chapter under Trump’s leadership, the juxtaposition of celebration and protest underscores the enduring polarization of American politics.