Alpha News was on the ground in Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day, capturing the historic celebration at the Capital One Arena and a lively watch party at a local museum, where Minnesotans joined supporters from across the nation to witness the swearing-in of President Donald Trump.
Excitement builds at Capital One Arena
Before the sun rose on Inauguration Day, a line stretched for several blocks outside the Capital One Arena as supporters braved the cold to secure their spot inside. By 8 a.m., the single entrance opened, and the eager crowd streamed through, passing Secret Service checkpoints. Inside, the energy was electric as attendees cheered, waved, and prepared to celebrate the historic occasion.
As the arena filled, attendees’ eyes were glued to a live video feed of President Trump’s morning activities on a jumbotron. From his departure from the Blair House to attending a church service and arriving at the Capitol Rotunda, each step drew cheers from the crowd. When Trump finally appeared on screen for the swearing-in, the audience erupted in a roaring ovation, rising to their feet in celebration.
Across town, a watch party at a local museum brought together supporters from across the nation, including Minnesotans who traveled to join in the celebration. Among the crowd was renowned Minnesota pianist Lorie Line and her husband, Tim, who described the day as “exhilarating and hopeful.”
'God never leaves us': Minnesota musician Lorie Line reacts to Trump's inauguration from a watch party in DC pic.twitter.com/aEeNhY8b7v
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) January 20, 2025
Despite occasional interruptions to the live feed, the crowd’s excitement never waned—though appearances by Democratic leaders on screen, and even former President George W. Bush, drew boos from the audience. One moment of levity came when President Joe Biden appeared yawning on-screen, prompting someone to shout, “Wake up, Joe!” which drew laughter from the crowd.
After JD Vance and Trump were sworn in, President Trump took to the podium and addressed the audience. Inside both viewing parties, the crowd repeatedly rose to their feet, cheering enthusiastically as Trump delivered his speech.
Statements like “The Golden Age of America begins right now,” “I was saved by God to make America great again,” “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders—male and female,” and “Drill baby drill” sparked loud applause and high-fives throughout the room. Of the latter, South Dakota Lottery Commissioner Tim Donohue shouted, “This is what happens when you get a businessman in the White House!”
Anytime a member of the Trump family appeared, the arena erupted, with Barron Trump receiving especially loud cheers.
Inside the arena, before President Trump’s arrival, a lineup of notable speakers took the stage to rally the crowd. Kellyanne Conway, Elon Musk, Charlie Kirk, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered remarks, touching on themes of patriotism, economic strength, and the promise of the next four years.
Cheers for 47: Trump makes his grand arrival
Then, after nearly 12 hours of anticipation, President Trump made his grand arrival at Capital One Arena to thunderous applause.
His entrance was followed by a tribute to Corey Comperatore, the husband, father, and firefighter who lost his life during the attempted assassination on Trump as first responders carried his uniform across the arena.
That was followed by a parade that featured high school marching bands from across the nation— including Middletown, Ohio, hometown of Vice President Vance.
Families of Israeli hostages also walked through the arena wearing yellow scarves and holding photos of loved ones held hostage by Hamas.
One of the most memorable moments came when President Trump signed a series of executive orders at a desk set up on stage. Afterward, he tossed commemorative pens into the crowd like a rock star flinging guitar picks.
The event concluded on a celebratory note as Trump and his family exited to his signature song “YMCA.” The crowd inside continued to sing and dance long after the president left the stage.
As the party wraps up inside the Capital One Arena, they’re still doing the YMCA pic.twitter.com/qR9PmANRF3
— Jenna Gloeb (@Jenna_Gloeb) January 21, 2025
Afterward, those not attending one of the many Inaugural balls took to local restaurants and bars to celebrate.
At one D.C. establishment, Alpha News spoke with Duluth native Dan Williams, who shared that he traveled to the city with a friend to watch the Inauguration.
Dan Williams from Duluth says he flew to D.C. for the inauguration to “celebrate our victory.” pic.twitter.com/C43i28J4tY
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) January 21, 2025
“I’m here to have fun and celebrate ‘our’ victory,” said Williams, sharing a sentiment that seemed to be felt by many that day.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.