Donald Trump's 'Make America Great Again' Victory Rally

On January 19, 2025, thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., for Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again Victory Rally." The event, held on the eve of his second inauguration, served as both a celebration of his electoral victory and a platform for outlining his administration's priorities. A Grand Opening The rally commenced at approximately 3:00 PM ET with a stirring rendition of the national anthem performed by singer-songwriter Kylie Dean from Nashville, Tennessee. Following the anthem, the Christian podcast group "Girls Gone Bible" led an opening prayer, setting a reverent tone for the evening. The energy in the arena escalated when musician Kid Rock took the stage, electrifying the crowd with performances of his popular hits, including "All Summer Long," "Let's Go Brandon," and "We the People." A Star-Studded Lineup of Guest Speakers and Performances As the rally progressed, a series of guest speakers took the stage, each offering their insights and support for the incoming administration. Around 4:00 PM, reggaeton artists Anuel AA and Justin Quiles addressed the crowd, highlighting Trump's appeal among Hispanic voters and emphasizing his administration's commitment to economic growth and national security. Following their remarks, acclaimed actor Jon Voight delivered an impassioned speech, praising Trump's leadership and resilience. Former senior advisor to the president, Stephen Miller, spoke next, offering a glimpse into the policy direction of Trump's second term. Miller hinted at executive orders that would be implemented immediately upon taking office, focusing on immigration enforcement, economic expansion, and national security. Political commentator Megyn Kelly followed with a fiery speech in which she criticized some of Trump's most vocal detractors, including Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Steve Witkoff, serving as special envoy to the Middle East, then discussed the administration's foreign policy priorities. UFC CEO Dana White energized the audience further by reflecting on Trump's long standing support for the sporting community and personal freedoms. A particularly emotional moment came when members of the Trump family took the stage. Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and his wife Lara Trump each spoke briefly, expressing gratitude to their father's supporters and reaffirming their commitment to advancing his vision for America. Their children joined them onstage, underscoring the deeply personal nature of the occasion. Eric and Lara's children, Luke and Carolina, led the packed stadium in the national anthem. Donald Jr.'s daughter, Kai, said a few words before her father concluded the family's time on stage, thanking everyone for their "support for the last decade", stating that "we're looking forward to the next four years… God bless America… Thank you." At 6:00 PM, amid thunderous applause, Donald Trump took the stage to the sound of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." His speech centered on themes of national renewal, border security, and economic revitalization. "Tomorrow marks a new beginning for America," Trump declared. "We are restoring law and order, securing our borders, and putting America first again." A surprising and notable guest, Elon Musk, then took the stage with his son, X Æ A-Xii. Musk, recently appointed to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), shared his enthusiasm for the administration's commitment to streamlining bureaucratic operations and enhancing technological advancements in governance. A Memorable Conclusion The rally ended on a high note with a performance by The Village People, who sang their classic hit "Y.M.C.A." Trump joined in with his signature dance. The event wrapped up around 7:00 PM, with Trump expressing his heartfelt gratitude to his supporters before exiting the stage. As Trump prepared to take the oath of office for a second term, the Victory Rally set the stage for what promises to be an administration focused on bold action, national unity, and a commitment to the values that defined his campaign.