Trump promises new era of U.S. prosperity
Donald Trump told thousands of roaring supporters that he would usher in a new era of American prosperity when he takes office, taking a victory lap inside a packed Washington arena a day before he returns to power with plans to aggressively reshape US immigration and trade policy.
"Tomorrow, at noon, the curtain closes on four long years of American decline, and we begin a brand-new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity and pride," he said at the beginning of his remarks.
Trump's "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" took place at Capital One Arena, an indoor hockey and basketball venue that will also host some of inauguration festivities after forecasts of bitter cold prompted officials to move the planned outdoor events inside.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk brought his son X out on stage at a pre-inauguration rally for President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump introduced Musk, a trusted advisor and the world's richest man, at the event inside a packed Washington arena a day before he returns to power.
X jumped up and down as his father stood behind the podium.
"He's a very enthusiastic supporter, as you can see," Musk said.
Musk is expected to join other tech executives at Trump's inauguration, including TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew.
Also President-elect Donald Trump paid his respects to US war dead at Arlington National Cemetery, a day before he returned to power with plans to aggressively reshape US immigration and trade policy.
The Republican, 78, placed a wreath first at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before holding a rally with supporters at a Washington arena, his first major speech in Washington since a Jan. 6, 2021, rally that preceded the storming of the US Capitol.
Trump, accompanied by Vice President-elect JD Vance, saluted the tomb as a military bugler plays "Taps."
Large swaths of the city around the US Capitol and White House have been blocked off by steel fences since last week and there was a heightened police presence throughout the area.
