Donald Trump returns to Washington DC as protests break out ahead of inauguration
18 January 2025, 21:46 | Updated: 19 January 2025, 00:05
Donald Trump is returning to Washington DC to kick off days of pageantry as he marks his second inauguration as president.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
He left for the US capital after setting off from Palm Beach International Airport in Florida on Saturday.
Mr Trump was seen boarding a US government plane at alongside wife Melania and their son Barron. His daughter Ivanka Trump, her husband, Jared Kushner, and their children also boarded the Special Air Mission plane that will take them to Washington for the inauguration.
The president-elect will next appear at his luxury golf resort in Sterling, Virginia, on the outskirts of the city.
Mr Trump will be sworn in as President of the United States on Monday, marking the start of his second term in office.
You can watch the entire event live on Global Player, followed by reaction and analysis from 4 pm.
Read more: Trump says he will ‘most likely’ give TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid US ban
Read more: What to know about Trump’s inauguration as it is moved indoors
A crowd of some 500 guests will watch a fireworks display and musical performances at his Sterling resort from the likes of Leo Days, an Elvis impersonator.
Christopher Macchio, a tenor who has previously performed at Mr Trump's political events, is also expected to sing to crowds.
Other performances will take place throughout the night, officials said.
Tech industry titans, friends from the business world, conservative media stars will also attend while thousands of his supporters stream in from around the country.
Mr Trump is also set to rally with supporters on Sunday at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington.
The venue will stream the inauguration for a crowd on Monday after the ceremony was move inside over fears around the dangerously cold weather.
It comes as anti-Trump Crowds have also gathered in Washington for the 'People's March' as protesters head downtown to rally against the incoming president.
Groups have gathered at two other parks near the White House. One group is reportedly focusing on democracy and immigration policies, with others focusing on the justice system, and women's rights.
The march will end at the Lincoln Memorial.Police vehicles have been driving through the streets blaring their sirens on ahead of the protests kicking off.
