Trump Inauguration Supporters Stay Resolute Despite Chilly Weather Predictions

A combination of patriotism, historical importance, and respect for President-elect Donald Trump’s remarkable political resurgence are driving people to participate in his inaugural festivities on January 20.

This situation mirrors the relocation of President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985, which was held in the Capitol rotunda. Trump, the 45th president, will take the oath of office as the 47th president in this new venue.

The enthusiastic Trump supporters shared what this historic day signifies for them, the nation, and the world.

Event Plans Adjusted, but Determination Remains

JoAnne Mayer, 55, a counselor and small business owner from Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, expressed her anticipation to join the thousands of attendees who remain committed to witnessing Trump take the oath of office despite the venue change.

Shortly after the relocation was publicized on January 17, Mayer informed The Epoch Times of her plan to arrive at Capital One Arena by 5 a.m. on January 20 to secure a seat among the 20,000 available indoors. This arena will host the swearing-in ceremony live, the inaugural parade, and is expected to be where Trump appears post-ceremony.

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Mayer sees the inauguration as a unique chance to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share her values and vision for the future, coming together to commemorate a crucial moment in history filled with immense pride.

This is her first attempt to attend an inauguration, and she noted that the last-minute change in plans, revealed just three days before the event, left her unable to cancel her travel and hotel reservations.

She is part of a group including around 20 Canadians who admire Trump and had arranged various activities over the weekend in advance, including special gatherings following the inauguration.

Mayer emphasized the significance of the inauguration, stating, “It embodies the peaceful transfer of power and the principles of democracy, which is truly remarkable.”

Trump Appears ‘More Determined’ Than Ever

Chiedu Chika, a 22-year-old college student from the Baltimore area who works in retail, declared he is “100 percent” committed to attending the national celebrations, unaffected by the weather-related changes.

As the child of legal immigrants from Nigeria, Chika has witnessed the consequences of a government that fails to prioritize its citizens’ welfare.

“However, many people here engage in ‘cosplaying oppression,’ despite living in the greatest country in the world,” Chika remarked.

He aligns himself with the “common-sense” values that Trump has promoted since his initial presidential campaign, including peace through strength, secure borders, and a robust military.

Chika couldn’t vote for Trump in 2016 but has since cast ballots for him in both subsequent presidential elections and now feels “deeply invested” in Trump’s inauguration and presidency.

Reflecting on last year’s two failed assassination attempts against Trump, Chika perceived the inauguration as a global message: “Never abandon good ideas. Never waver in pursuit of a brighter future… when America is strong, the world becomes stronger.”

He has noticed an increase in support for Trump among fellow Black Americans, attributing it to the waning narrative that claims Trump is racist.

Chika argues that Trump’s actions during his first term, including sustainable funding for historically Black colleges and universities, demonstrated that “Trump genuinely cares for the heart of America as a whole.”

“I believe this will become even more apparent during his second term,” Chika stated.

His confidence stems from Trump’s political revival despite facing criminal prosecutions and mainstream media opposition; he perceives Trump as having even greater determination now.

“I can sense he’s more focused. You could observe this clearly in his official portrait,” Chika remarked, contrasting the steely gaze of Trump’s 2025 image with the broad smile in the 2017 one. “It’s as if he’s saying, ‘Okay, I ran this country before… I’m fully committed this time.’ … There’s no messing around.”

A First-Time Attendee at 78

Rosemary Lassiter, a 78-year-old retired teacher, expressed her excitement for attending a presidential inauguration for the first time in her life, taking an overnight bus from her home near Akron, Ohio, despite the change in ceremony location.

“I want to be part of the crowd to show my support. Viewing the event clearly is secondary to my desire to simply be there,” she said. “I just want to partake in the occasion; that’s why my attendance is so important to me.”

She believes this shows appreciation for “what this man has accomplished to reach this point and the challenges he has faced.”

Lassiter highlighted that Trump opted not to take a salary during his first term, saw a decrease in his wealth while in office, and faced “lawfare” and persistent challenges as he sought to reclaim the presidency.

Moreover, after winning the November 5 election, “what he’s managed to achieve since then, even before taking office, is nothing short of incredible,” she mentioned. She specifically believes he played a significant role in the recent Israel–Hamas ceasefire and hostage-release negotiations. Additionally, she acknowledged Trump’s meetings with global leaders and cabinet officials at his own expense, emphasizing he did so “not at taxpayers’ expense.”

By attending the inauguration, she feels like she can be an additional voice affirming to him, “This could be what makes it all worthwhile.”

Lassiter also views this event as a historic milestone, noting that Trump is only the second president to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century.

For this momentous occasion, Lassiter did something unusual for herself: she asked her manicurist for a star-spangled, patriotic nail design instead of her usual simple style.

“The nail artist had a good laugh at my request,” Lassiter remarked.

Lassiter regards her attendance as a continuation of a lifetime commitment to patriotism, having roots in a family of immigrants who escaped “terrible conditions” for a better life in the United States.

“We were taught to cherish our country and to value everything it offers,” she asserted. “Some individuals in this country are so unaware; they don’t understand what it feels like in places governed by strict limitations on their freedom of movement, work, and opportunity. … Many don’t recognize that they should be grateful for the freedoms they enjoy here.”

She finds it inspiring that Trump seems to be revitalizing national pride and taking decisive actions to strengthen the nation despite facing opposition from “the left.”

“I believe he is resilient and surrounds himself with the right people,” she noted.

Lassiter feels more enthusiasm for Trump’s impending second term than during his first.

“I witnessed what he accomplished during his initial term, and, importantly, during those four years, I could fall asleep at night feeling safe,” she shared.

“We weren’t at war; undesirable individuals weren’t entering the country unchecked. Now he’s back, and he has more wisdom; he comprehends the intricacies of Washington far better.”

Patriotism on Display, with a Tractor in Tow

Gary Leffler, 63, from West Des Moines, Iowa, said he and his wife, Jannell, are traveling to Washington for a “unique honor.” They have been chosen to drive their decorated patriotic tractor in Trump’s inaugural parade.

With an overwhelming number of applicants aiming for spots in the parade, “to be selected with our Iowa farm tractor is beyond extraordinary,” Leffler stated.

“We don’t see this as merely ‘Gary and Jannell’; this is ‘us’ embodying Iowa’s values, showcasing strong families, tight-knit communities, and a state steeped in faith and integrity,” he asserted.

Iowa played a crucial role in Trump’s trajectory back to the White House. After achieving historic victories in Iowa’s caucuses on January 15, 2024, “the path was set” for Trump to become the Republican nominee once more, according to Leffler.

“To be part of that and to engage in that important interaction in Iowa was remarkable,” he said. “Once again, Iowa emerges as a leader… it enabled us to meet and deeply understand the candidates.”

Leffler believes that Trump inspired many Iowans to recognize “he is the one individual capable of truly transforming this country.”

He added that he has driven his tractor in numerous parades across the United States, estimating that spectators have taken “hundreds of thousands” of pictures of it.

Following Trump’s January 17 announcement regarding the inauguration’s new plans, Leffler informed The Epoch Times that he was en route to the nation’s capital, towing his tractor behind him on a trailer.

“It’s too large to fit in an airplane seat,” he joked.

‘America is Breathing Again’

Howard Schaeffer, 56, from Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, reflects fondly on his experience at Trump’s first inauguration and perceives a heightened enthusiasm surrounding this upcoming event, eight years later.

“We all remember how outstanding Trump was during his first term,” Schaeffer acknowledged. He added that the movement has attracted numerous new supporters to Trump’s Make America Great Again cause.

A Marine veteran and realtor, Schaeffer feels a sense of responsibility to attend the inauguration “as a veteran, a patriot, and a citizen who loves America.”

This aspect greatly impressed Schaeffer. He felt emotionally moved during the grand ceremony amidst a cold, misty atmosphere in 2017.

“I stood shivering in the icy air, tears streaming down my cheeks,” Schaeffer recollected.

“Since January 2017, I’ve told everyone that regardless of who is being inaugurated, every American should experience it,” he continued, “as the power, the beauty, and everything associated with it present an extraordinary experience.”

For Schaeffer, the 2025 inauguration carries extra relevance. “I have worked tirelessly to make this a reality,” he declared. “I’ve personally sacrificed much to achieve this.”

Schaeffer has faced ostracization from certain friends, family, and clients due to his support for Trump, both financially and vocally.

However, he holds the belief that Trump will improve the situation for all Americans.

“I sense that America has regained its vitality. It feels like America is recovering and prepared to resume normal life,” Schaeffer explained, eagerly anticipating a strengthened military, strict immigration policies, and Trump’s “peace through strength” strategy on a global scale.

“I’m excited for the next four years with Trump and [Vice President-elect] JD Vance, who I believe will do exceptional work for this country,” he added. “I’m optimistic.”

Excitement from a ‘Supervolunteer’

Robin Medeiros, 64, expressed her enthusiasm about attending an inauguration for the first time, motivated largely by her extensive volunteer work across all three of Trump’s presidential campaigns.

“I’m eager to see it… I sacrificed a significant portion of my business to ensure Trump returned to the White House,” noted Medeiros, who was recently elected to lead the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors in Pennsylvania for 2025. She has also contributed to numerous other political campaigns and is often referred to as a “supervolunteer.”

After Trump left office in 2021, she struggled with witnessing the struggles of those around her along with the wider national challenges. Now, she interprets Trump’s return to office as “a fresh start for our country.”

“I firmly believe he has the best solutions for this country, and I’m confident that we’ll be back on the right path under his leadership,” she affirmed.

Medeiros has secured tickets to the swearing-in ceremony, parade, inaugural ball, and luncheon, ensuring her schedule will be full, regardless of any changes.

“This inauguration feels incredibly special… it’s going to be an unforgettable experience,” she concluded.