Opinions

Nothing Could Keep Trump Super Fans from Attending the Inauguration



On Monday morning, Washington, DC, was ablaze with energy despite the frigid temperatures.

I awoke at 5:30 a.m. to head towards the Capital One Arena, where Donald Trump supporters were redirected due to the plummeting temperatures. However, I paused after switching on the local news and witnessing the seemingly unending line of people already waiting. Some had camped out overnight.

Among those interviewed was a college student who had tumbled down the stairs at a Metro station that morning and injured her head.

She wore one of those cartoonish bandages wrapped around her head. But she soldiered on, remaining in line — concussions be damned. The criminal justice major from Arlington, Va., was determined to see DJT 47.

Head injuries, knee replacements, and bitter cold couldn’t deter these MAGA supporters, not even knowing they wouldn’t get to see Trump in person due to the parade’s cancellation. They resemble the Deadheads of the political realm: They’ll follow this man anywhere and proudly display their support.

Jake Dee from Boston sports a custom blazer adorned with his favorite Trump tweets and a portrait of Trump alongside Jesus. Kirsten Fleming/ NY Post

By 8 o’clock, I encountered a line for the arena that was so lengthy I walked for nearly an hour before giving up on locating the end. Instead, I conversed with resilient attendees — some dressed in suits and red ties, others clad in full camo. There were also elegant furs. Everyone had their own unique touch of MAGA style.

Jake Dee from Boston wore a custom red sequined blazer featuring some of his favorite Trump tweets embroidered on the sleeve. Though disappointed by the events being moved indoors, he remained optimistic.

“It is what it is, but we are here to celebrate and support. We’re here to have fun. I feel positive. We are here because we are more optimistic than we were four years ago,” Dee remarked, appreciating Trump’s “directness” and America-first policies.

Jiale Zhu, a Chinese-born Texas resident, celebrated his 25th birthday by attending the events in Washington, DC. Kirsten Fleming/ NY Post
Lee Edwards from Birmingham, Alabama rocked his Trump hightop sneakers. Kirsten Fleming/ NY Post

His friend Cole, from Philadelphia, adorned a white blazer with “Fight Fight Fight” on the back, and “Unburdened” on one sleeve and “Maga Since Day One” on the other.

Lee Edwards from Birmingham, Alabama flaunted his new pair of golden Trump hightops.

Though he doesn’t consider himself particularly fashionable or political, Edwards, who works in the automotive industry, believes Trump “will bring vitality back to the automotive business.” He had to be there.

As for me, I usually avoid crowds unless there’s a ball involved, but Trump supporters are incredibly entertaining. They’re patient and friendly — even though they’ve often been unfairly painted by the media as Nazis or bigots, as seen after Trump’s MSG rally in October.

Muhammad Nizami (right) with Muhammad Awan (second from right), journeyed from Scarsdale to support their fellow New Yorker, Trump. Kirsten Fleming/ NY Post

One fan I spoke with was Jiale Zhu, a Chinese-born Texan who arrived solo from Dallas on his 25th birthday — without gloves. “I felt like this date was destiny,” he stated regarding the timing. “Everyone here is so happy.”

What surprised him? “I anticipated seeing protesters, but I guess they couldn’t endure the cold.”

He was correct. I spotted no opposition.

I did see a group of Pakistani-American men from Scarsdale, NY. One member, Muhammad Nizami, shared that he felt empowered standing in the streets — despite a real-feel temperature in the teens —because Trump “is a New Yorker like us. He brings us energy.” His four layers of clothing also helped him cope.

Scott and Lori Earle traveled all the way from Alberta, Canada for the inauguration in DC, calling Trump the “GOAT.” Kirsten Fleming/ NY Post

Canadians Scott and Lori Earle made the journey from Alberta with a specially crafted flag that features both the stars-and-stripes and a maple leaf.

“This is the 51st state flag,” Scott claimed. Although this weather isn’t a challenge for those from the north, why travel for such discomfort when you can experience it in your own backyard?

“It’s history in the making. Trump is the greatest president of all time. He’s the GOAT,” Scott declared, adding that a strong US is beneficial for Canada.

Lori has another reason to idolize Trump: “I think he made Justin Trudeau leave.”

Cole from Philadelphia showcased his custom jacket, asserting he was “MAGA since day one, since he rode the gold escalator.” Kirsten Fleming/ NY Post

Lastly, while watching the ceremony from the lobby of the Washington Hilton, I sat next to a man named Dan from Wisconsin. Having undergone a knee replacement just three weeks ago, he planned to stand on the parade route with a walker. Instead, he observed from inside with crutches and a giant scar, as prominent as his cowboy hat.

“There was no way I was missing this. It’s history,” he expressed. Certainly, but so was the sensation in my fingers after spending too long outdoors.

Edwards encapsulated the day’s allure for many.

“The whole country is experiencing a cold spell. But it’s about to warm up.”

Metaphorically or literally?

He grinned as he declared, “Everything is about to get very exciting and very warm.”



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