Donald Trump is planning a major rally in Washington, D.C., just one day before he’s sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. The event, dubbed his “Victory Rally,” is set for January 19 at the Capital One Arena, a venue that can hold about 20,000 people. Trump has always preferred rally-style events where he can interact freely with his supporters, cracking jokes and riffing off the crowd, so this is likely to be a more informal, high-energy affair ahead of the big day.
The next day, January 20, Trump will be officially inaugurated in a formal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. In an email to supporters, organizers are hyping up the rally, urging them to come out in full force: “This is President Trump’s VICTORY RALLY the DAY before being sworn in as the 47th President — the crowd needs to be HUGE!”
Security is expected to be tight, as the inauguration will be designated a national special security event, which allows for federal funds and more coordination with local law enforcement.
Trump has also made waves by inviting foreign leaders, including China’s President Xi Jinping, to the inauguration—a move that breaks from tradition and could bring a mix of U.S. allies and adversaries into what is usually a strictly domestic political event. It’s unclear if any world leaders will actually attend.
As he takes office, Trump has pledged to kick off a sweeping deportation effort, focusing on illegal immigration. He’s also promised to impose hefty tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico unless they do more to curb illegal immigration and the flow of drugs like fentanyl into the U.S. He’s also set his sights on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine as quickly as possible.
