“Trump Vows Bold Moves at DC Rally: ‘Get Ready to Win Big!'”
President-elect Donald Trump, gearing up to return to office, kicked off a victory rally at Washington’s Capital One Arena with a triumphant tone.
“We won,” Trump declared to a cheering crowd. “What a good feeling. We like winning, don’t we?”
Trump teased sweeping executive actions planned for his first day, promising they would make his supporters “extremely happy.” Among his first priorities, he said, are actions to halt illegal immigration and launch mass deportations. “By the time the sun sets tomorrow evening, the invasion of our borders will have come to a halt,” he vowed.
He also pledged to pardon Jan. 6 defendants, declassify documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., and direct the military to build an Iron Dome system for U.S. defense.
Trump energized younger supporters with a promise to save TikTok, celebrating the platform’s role in boosting his performance among young voters. “And as of today, TikTok is back,” he announced to thunderous applause before bringing Elon Musk on stage.
The rally was one of the few public events Trump’s supporters would witness before his inauguration, which had been moved indoors due to cold weather. Earlier in the day, Trump attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and later took in a fireworks show at his Virginia golf resort.
“Tomorrow, we set our country on the proper course,” Trump said. “We’ll act with historic speed and strength to fix every crisis facing America.”
Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration rally in Washington on Sunday featured a star-studded lineup and fiery rhetoric as the president-elect celebrated his victory and previewed his plans for his upcoming term.
Star Performances and Controversy
The event opened with performances by Kid Rock and Puerto Rican rappers Anuel AA and Justin Quiles, alongside actor Jon Voight. Anuel AA addressed the backlash he faced for endorsing Trump, standing firm despite criticism, including comments from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. “Attempts to tarnish the president-elect’s image were all in vain,” Anuel declared, expressing confidence in Trump’s plans for the Spanish community.
Immigration and Accountability Promises
Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, delivered a blistering speech about immigration, promising immediate executive action on Day One. “The border invasion ends tomorrow,” Miller said, pledging to dismantle cartels and restore control. Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly also criticized the outgoing administration, focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris with biting remarks.
Hostage Release Recognition
The rally came on the heels of a major diplomatic success: the release of three Israeli hostages from Hamas. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, credited Trump’s leadership for closing the deal. “This doesn’t happen without Donald J. Trump,” Witkoff said, ensuring the president-elect received recognition for his role.
Supporters Share Their Hopes
Inside the 20,000-seat Capital One Arena, Trump’s supporters shared their optimism. Liz Veysey, a retired federal worker from Oregon, attended her first rally and expressed hope for Trump’s second term. “I wish I had done this before,” she said.
Kenny and Andrea Oakes, a couple from Tennessee, echoed similar sentiments. “He’s had time to reflect and improve,” Kenny noted. “This time, he’ll have a better team to support his initiatives.”
Though the arena’s upper deck remained partially empty, the atmosphere was electric as Trump took the stage. “We like winning, don’t we?” he proclaimed to roaring applause, vowing to act with “historic speed and strength” once in office.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump promises swift executive action at pre-Inauguration DC rally: ‘We like winning’