Trump lays wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as Melania and Ivanka attend solemn pre-inauguration ceremony
President Donald Trump laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Sunday afternoon before the Inauguration on Monday.
Wearing a black overcoat, red tie and black gloves, 78-year-old Trump stood silently alongside incoming vice president JD Vance at the tomb in Arlington National Cemetery on the outskirts of Washington, DC.
Trump then laid a wreath of white flowers with a red, white and blue ribbon before saluting while a bugler played 'Taps.'
His wife, Melania, and several family members, including glamorous daughter Ivanka, were also present.
Trump also visited Section 60 of Arlington Cemetery, where many veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried.
The somber ceremony contrasted with Trump's last trip to the cemetery as a presidential candidate in August when the US Army criticized his staff for pushing a cemetery employee.
The mood will change to one of festivity later Sunday when Trump hosts a star-studded 'Make America Great Again Victory Rally' at a sports arena in Washington.
Large lines were already forming for the rally, including a performance by the Village People - whose 1970s-era 'Y.M.C.A.' became the theme for a much-memed Trump dance during his campaign - in addition to singers Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Donald Trump lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington
First Lady Melania Trump and Usha Vance arrive to attend the wreath laying
Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, attend the wreath laying with their children
However, Trump's hopes for a huge crowd to see his inauguration at the US Capitol on Monday took a blow when forecasts of freezing weather prompted organizers to move the ceremony indoors.
Instead of being sworn in on the steps of the Capitol, Trump will now take the oath under the massive dome of its Rotunda, which was last used for the ceremony 40 years ago during the inauguration of Ronald Reagan.
'You're going to hear President Trump talk about how we are entering a Golden Age of America' in his inaugural speech, his incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News.
After the newly elected President has taken the oath of office and delivered his Inaugural address, he is escorted to Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol for the traditional Inaugural Luncheon.
It is hosted by lawmakers who plan the meal and seating arrangements. For Trump's luncheon in January 2017, they served Maine lobster, Gulf shrimp, and Seven Hills Angus beef.
Although the official menu for 2025 has not been released, experts believe they have a good idea of what will be served, as it often features cuisine reflecting the home states of the new President and Vice President - meaning this year's guests can expect to see dishes hailing from Florida and Ohio - as well as the theme of the inauguration.
Trump's theme for this year's ceremonies is 'Out Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.'
Once back in the Oval Office, Trump has vowed a series of swift actions, starting with the deportation of millions of undocumented migrants.
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Trump also visited Section 60 of Arlington Cemetery, where many veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried
Crowds form outside Capitol One Arena to attend Trump's Victory Rally
Trump supporters stand for the National Anthem inside Capitol One Arena
The expulsions will 'begin very, very quickly,' Trump told NBC on Sunday - though his border czar Tom Homan said the administration was rethinking plans for an initial showcase raid in Chicago after its plans leaked to the media.
Trump said he will immediately sign a record number of executive orders, undoing many of the policies advanced during President Joe Biden's outgoing administration.
The Trump effect has already been on display, with TikTok crediting his 'clarity' for being able to restore service in the United States after briefly going dark due to a ban on national security grounds.
Trump promised on Sunday to issue an executive order delaying the ban to allow time to 'make a deal' to remove TikTok's US subsidiary from Chinese ownership.
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