Donald Trump arrived in Washington on Saturday ahead of his inauguration, preparing to attend a series of events and celebrations before reclaiming the presidency.
Accompanied by his wife Melania and other family members, Trump landed at Dulles International Airport and proceeded to a private event, including a fireworks display, at his golf club in Virginia, just outside Washington.
Earlier in the day, Trump told NBC News that he plans to sign a significant number of executive orders immediately after delivering his inaugural address on Monday. While he did not specify the exact number, he promised it would be “record-setting.” Asked if it would surpass 100, Trump replied, “at least in that category.”
The president-elect is expected to reverse many policies from President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration. His Day 1 agenda includes a mass deportation program targeting undocumented migrants, which he said would “begin very, very quickly.” Trump declined to specify which cities would be affected, stating, “You’ll see it firsthand.”
Raids
Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” revealed to The Washington Post that the administration was reevaluating its initial plans following media leaks. Reports had suggested a major raid in Chicago was planned for Tuesday, but Homan said no final decision had been made.
“We’re looking at this leak and will make a decision based on it,” Homan said, adding that the administration intends to arrest individuals deemed “public safety threats” starting “day one.”
He emphasised, “We’ll be arresting people across the country, uninhibited by any prior administration guidelines.”
Due to a forecast of unusually cold weather, Trump announced Friday that the inauguration ceremony would be held indoors instead of on the US Capitol steps overlooking the National Mall. “I think we made the right decision,” he told NBC. “It would have been dangerous for a lot of people.”
After Saturday’s private event, Trump is set to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday before attending a rally in Washington. He is also scheduled to address a dinner event later that evening.
Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators marched through Washington on Saturday, protesting Trump’s policies.
