The streets of Washington, D.C., were buzzing with life this Monday as Americans from across the country descended on the nation's capital to celebrate President Donald Trump's second inauguration.
Fox News Digital spoke with many Trump supporters. frigid temperatures Despite feeling a biting cold, he expressed his optimism and hope for America's future under the new Trump administration.
“It's a happy day,” said a group of South Georgia women standing near the Capitol wearing giant American flag hats and “Make America Great Again” scarves.
“It's great to be free again,” said Tanya Garrett, one of the women.
“Today is freedom day,” chimed in another woman named Angela Anderson.
Watch: President Trump addresses supporters at the Capitol
Supporters gather outside Capital One Arena ahead of a rally for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to be inaugurated for a second term, on January 19, 2025 in Washington, USA. (Reuters/Marco Julica)
Anderson said she believes the Trump administration will restore “the respect of America.”
“I think that’s one of the best things about it,” she said. “We will be respected by other nations, we will prosper, we will bring security to our borders and respect for our people.”
A majority of Trump supporters interviewed by FOX News Digital said the most important thing the new president can do is secure the border, restore the economy and America's energy, and demonstrate America's strength. He said it was important to act quickly to undo the damage done during his time in power. against enemies of the state.
“I'm very, very excited,” said Rachel Cui, who had traveled from Atlanta and was standing outside Union Station. “I'm a Vietnamese American and I don't like communists. Many of us who are anti-communists believe that President Trump will stop the communists or at least weaken them and make America better.” I hope that we can become stronger.”
Watch President Trump's full inaugural address
Capital One Arena fills up ahead of Donald Trump's victory rally in Washington, DC on January 19, 2025. President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will be inaugurated on January 20th. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Celebrations began as early as 10 a.m. at a pub just a few blocks from the Capitol. The crowd at the bar erupted in cheers and applause as President Trump was seen on television leaving St. John's Episcopal Church after morning services.
“There's going to be a lot of change,” said Jeff, a Trump fan sitting by the bar who traveled from Alaska for the inauguration. “We're going to make immigration a big deal and bring things back to America and business. It's a new era and I'm looking forward to it.”
Will, another Trump supporter sitting nearby, agreed, saying he had never felt this kind of energy from any other president.
“We’re from Oregon, it’s a blue state, so it’s nice to be around like-minded people,” he said.
Trump supporters crowd outside Capital One Arena ahead of the DC Victory Rally.
President Donald Trump speaks in Emancipation Hall after the 60th presidential inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (Pool photo via Al Drago/AP)
Outside, supporters lined Pennsylvania Avenue, where Trump and his motorcade were expected to pass on their way to Capital One Arena.
“We've done much better under the Trump administration, so I'm looking forward to the next four years,” said Philip Swinson, a construction business owner in Southern California. Standing beside Swinson was his father and business partner, Brad Swinson.
“I'm almost 72 years old, but I'm going to remember [Biden] “This is the worst president I've ever had in my lifetime,” Brad said, adding, “We're all about freedom, the Constitution, free enterprise, all the things that Democrats at least seem to be against.” [and] There is a deep state and I think people can see through it. ”
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Some said they noticed a shift in the energy in their communities, with more people openly agreeing with and supporting Trump and his policies.
“Everything is better than what I've had in the last four years,” said Levi, a young man from Wisconsin. “My friends, liberals and hardcore leftists, are now saying, 'You know what? Something has to change here.'”
“The past four years have been embarrassing. There was no one in charge, no one to run the show,” said Deanna, who is from Illinois. “America now has someone in charge.”
