Trump transition highlights: Trump holds rally ahead of inauguration

Tomorrow afternoon, just hours after Trump is inaugurated, Senate committees will begin meeting to send his cabinet nominees to the full Senate for them to be confirmed.

It would take an agreement from all senators to be able to vote to confirm any nominees tomorrow, but Senate Republicans are hoping to get that agreement for Sen. Marco Rubio’s nomination to be Trump’s secretary of state and potentially for John Ratcliffe’s nomination to be CIA director.

Without an agreement, a nomination would take a couple days to get a full Senate confirmation vote.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other members of the U.S. business community in Washington, the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

Han "welcomed Tesla and other U.S. companies to seize opportunities and share the fruits of China's development while contributing to the advancement of China-U.S. economic and trade relations," the ministry said in a statement.

Musk's extensive business interests in China — including EV maker Tesla, whose biggest production base is in Shanghai — have raised hopes that he could have a moderating effect on Trump, who has vowed to impose tariffs of 60% or more on all imports of Chinese goods, threatening trade between the world's two largest economies.

An attorney who worked on Jan. 6 cases as a federal prosecutor shared thoughts with NBC News today about recent news developments about Trump’s potential pardons of Jan. 6 defendants.

“It was always recognized that Trump might return to power and pardon the Capitol Riot defendants. And we all pressed ahead anyway. We did so because political considerations should not play any part in the Justice Department’s evaluation of facts and law, which showed that these were crimes — some of them terribly serious crimes — that warranted prosecution," the attorney said.

"If there are mass pardons, we can talk then about how I feel about it. But I expect my answer, and that of pretty much all my colleagues, too, is that I have no regrets about having pursued these cases. I fully believe that the effort remains highly consequential," the attorney added.

Trump said in remarks to supporters at the National Building Museum that Republican senators have been very understanding about his picks for Cabinet positions.

Trump laid into the Biden administration with familiar criticisms, referring to his predecessor's administration as a failure. Trump also said he would sign "close to 100" executive orders tomorrow.

"We will not waste a single moment in delivering on our promises to the people," he said.

There are fewer than 24 hours before Trump is sworn into office.

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain wrote in an opinion piece that his union is "ready to work with Trump."

"The corporate class rigged the deck and dealt American workers a losing hand. It’s time to reshuffle the deck and fix our broken trade deals for workers everywhere," Fain wrote in an article published today by The Washington Post. "The UAW stands ready to support any politician or administration that takes on corporate greed to do exactly that."

Fain was a staunch critic of Trump during the campaign, calling him a "scab" and referring to the Trump-Vance ticket as "lapdogs for the billionaire class who only serve themselves." The UAW endorsed Harris, and Fain vocally supported her.

Trump plans to sign more than 50 executive orders tomorrow — and possibly more than 100 — on the first day of his second presidency, according to a person in his transition operation.

Trump, who is scheduled to take the oath of office inside the Capitol at noon, intends to sign several of the orders in front of a crowd at an event in Capital One Arena in Washington later in the afternoon. The inauguration-related events were moved indoors because of inclement weather in the nation’s capital.

Read the full story here.

Vice President-elect JD Vance was scheduled to speak during Trump’s pre-program this afternoon but ended up never taking the stage or making an appearance in the arena.

Vance did not speak at today’s rally because the speaker schedule got moved around a bit and he had a hard out, or an inflexible time of when he had to leave the arena, two sources familiar with the program and logistics said. Vance also wanted to ensure that Trump was able to deliver his remarks on time, one of the sources added. 

Others in the pre-program original scheduling who spoke included Stephen Miller, Megyn Kelly, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Dana White.

Elon Musk also addressed the crowd, joining Trump midway through his speech. NBC News reported last week that Musk would speak at the rally.

Trump returned to Blair House before he's scheduled to head to the National Building Museum — which is less than a block from Capital One Arena — for a candlelight dinner.

Trump concluded his speech after about an hour, which was in line with the typical length of his campaign speeches.

"What a great victory for everybody," he said, thanking his supporters as he backed away from the mic.

A live performance of "Y.M.C.A." then prompted Trump to do his signature dance move when the song plays.

Trump said he will visit Los Angeles on Friday in what is likely to be the first trip of his second term.

Trump shouted out the city of Los Angeles, where wildfires are still burning, during his rally, and he also acknowledged North Carolina, which suffered widespread damage from hurricanes last year.

Trump shouted out his picks for top administration positions, including Pete Hegseth, who was nominated for defense secretary despite controversy. Hegseth has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

Supporters cheered loudly when Hegseth's name was called out.

"They like you, Pete," Trump noted.

Trump also gave shoutouts to other nominees, including Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Pam Bondi.

Trump brings up the “racehorse theory” to describe why he thinks Elon Musk’s son X is also very smart. Trump has promoted the idea for years, which is basically the idea that bloodlines determine success and intelligence.

Elon Musk has taken the stage with his son after Trump name-checks DOGE, the new Department of Government Efficiency, soon to be helmed by the billionaire tycoon. "We're going to do great things here," Musk says.

The crowd booed at Trump's mention of ABC News anchor David Muir. Muir moderated the only debate trump had with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump said he spoke to Apple CEO Tim Cook about an unspecified investment by the company.

"Today, I spoke with Tim Cook of Apple. He said they're going to make a massive investment in the United States because of our big election," he said.

Trump didn't elaborate on any plans by Apple, and Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cook is the latest in a long line of tech executives to speak with or meet with Trump on the eve of the inauguration.

Trump says he still has a "throbbing feeling" in his ear from when a bullet hit it in July, when a gunman attempted to take his life.

Trump celebrated the return of TikTok, which went dark for U.S. users late last night.

"As of today, TikTok is back," Trump says. "I like TikTok."

When the app came back online today, the company thanked Trump in a statement: "We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.”

During Trump's first term, he was a strong supporter of banning the app. He reversed his position on the campaign trail.

The start of Trump's speech took on a very similar tone to those of his traditional campaign rallies, but this time, he also bragged about winning the election.

He reiterated comments about wanting to "take back" the country, railed against "radical left woke ideologies" and shouted out loyal supporters who frequented many of his campaign events.

He also suggested baselessly that "they tried" to rig the election but were swamped by a large number of Trump votes.

Trump entered the arena as Lee Greenwood sang signature walk-on song, "God Bless the USA."

Trump walked down an aisle where he was surrounded by supporters. Fans took pictures and cheered, with Trump within arm's reach.

The pre-Trump speaking program appears to have been cut down considerably. Not only did Elon Musk not make an appearance, but others, including Hulk Hogan and even Vice President-elect JD Vance, seem to have been skipped over.

Donald Trump Jr. kicked off his remarks by asking, "Has anyone ever been this excited for Monday morning to roll around?"

Trump Jr. said that with the knowledge of the first Trump administration and Biden's administration, "we can truly make a difference forever."

He introduced his daughter Kai to thank supporters, as well. Kai Trump, the president-elect's granddaughter, spoke at the Republican National Convention over the summer.

Eric and Lara Trump took the stage after their two children recited the pledge of allegiance, prompting members of the crowd to stand up.

Eric Trump succinctly summarized his view of what his father’s taking office tomorrow means for the country: “The nonsense ends. The bulls--- ends.”

Lara Trump, Donald Trump's daughter-in-law, was a co-chair of the Republican National Committee during the 2024 election. She announced last month that she was stepping down.

Trump supporters have traveled from all over the country to Washington to celebrate ahead of the inauguration tomorrow. Photos captured by NBC News show his supporters at and around Capital One Arena, where he will soon address the crowd.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s incoming special envoy to the Middle East, said in his remarks that he just received photos of the first three Israeli hostages who have been released from Hamas captivity as part of the ceasefire deal.

Witkoff played a key role in getting the deal over the finish line last week, working with others in the negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal.

He praised Trump's stance on the Middle East, saying Trump's "efforts have strengthened alliances, encouraged economic growth and ensured that America remains a trusted partner on the global stage."

Under a flurry of snowfall, Trump’s motorcade is en route from Blair House to Capitol One Arena, where he is scheduled to speak on the eve of his inauguration. The program began this afternoon.

Thousands of supporters are gathered for Trump’s rally at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington. NBC News’ Gary Grumbach details the heavy security surrounding Trump’s second inauguration. 

Biden today delivered what are likely to be his last public remarks before he leaves office, addressing a crowd at the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina.

He urged people to stay engaged and involved on the eve of Trump’s inauguration.

Biden said he has tried to be a "link" between America's history and its future, between its "dreams and possibilities." Biden said he was honored to serve with the first Black president, referring to former President Barack Obama, and with the first female vice president, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump’s soon-to-be deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, promised to put a swift end to Biden’s policies on immigration, the economy and more as Trump takes office tomorrow.

NBC News has reported that ICE was planning a major enforcement operation in Chicago shortly after Trump's term begins.

Puerto Rican singers Anuel AA and Justin Quiles took the stage to support Trump. Anuel AA thanked members of the Spanish community who supported Trump, and Quiles said it was his first time voting for president.

At one of Trump's last rallies in deep-blue New York City, a comedian referred to Puerto Rico as "a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean." The comments generated fierce criticism and put a spotlight on Trump's relationship with Puerto Rican communities.

Jon Voight, whom Trump just named as one of his “special envoys” to Hollywood along with fellow actors Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone, took the stage at Trump’s victory rally and spoke briefly: “I’m proud to call the president of the United States my friend. Our friend. My hero. Our hero. A man who never gave up on the American people. And we, the people, never gave up on him.”

Voight did not mention his recent appointment.

One of the upper levels has mostly filled in during musical performances. The uppermost level is still almost completely empty, though people are still trickling in. As people entered, they mentioned long lines outside the arena.

A series of speakers and performances are still expected ahead of Trump's speech tonight. Trump rallies typically have long preprograms leading up to his speeches.

Kid Rock, a prominent Trump supporter who performed at star-studded fundraisers during Trump’s campaign and took the stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last year, is onstage at Capitol One as Trump’s rally gets underway.

A recorded clip of Trump addressing his supporters briefly interrupted the performance. 

Trump’s rally has kicked off at Capital One Arena with a national anthem performance by singer Kiley Dean. There’s a long list of speakers before Trump himself takes the stage.

MyPillow founder and Trump ally Mike Lindell is here and taking photos with Trump supporters on the floor of Capitol One Arena.

Lindell has been a longtime Trump supporter. In the wake of Trump's 2020 loss in that year's presidential election, Lindell falsely claimed that he actually won. Lindell was hit with a defamation lawsuit by a voting machine company that said he falsely accused it of rigging the election against Trump.

With about 10 minutes to go before Trump’s inauguration-eve rally begins with preprogram speakers, most of the upper levels at Capital One Arena remain empty, with seats still available in the lower bowl.

Capital One Arena typically seats 20,000, and with the seating arrangement on the floor, it could likely accommodate another thousand or so more today.

Shortly after their visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, Trump and Vance visited the cemetery's Section 60, which is largely reserved for the deceased veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The president-elect and vice president-elect are visiting four graves with honored guests and their families.

This part of the cemetery was the site of controversy in August, when Army officials accused Trump's campaign aide of "abruptly pushing aside" an employee who was trying to enforce restrictions on taking photos and videos in Section 60.

Vice President-elect JD Vance met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Washington ahead of the inauguration, the Trump transition team said in a press release.

The two "discussed a range of topics including fentanyl, balancing trade, and regional stability," the release said.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington told NBC News last week that Han is attending Trump's inauguration as "President Xi Jinping’s special representative." His attendance marks the first time a senior Chinese leader will attend a U.S. president's inauguration.

On his final full day in office, Biden spoke to congregants at a church in Charleston, the same church where he spoke in February 2020, during his presidential campaign.

"On my final full day as president, of all the places I wanted to be was back here with you,” Biden told worshippers.

He also told those in attendance, "It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president, the highest honor for Jill and our family. As I close out this journey with you, I’m just as passionate about our work as I was when I was a 29-year-old kid when I got elected. Wasn’t old enough to serve yet. I’m in no ways tired."

Trump and Vance have arrived at Arlington National Cemetery to lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

They're accompanied by their wives — Melania Trump and Usha Vance — as well as several of Trump's Cabinet picks including director of national intelligence pick Tulsi Gabbard, defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth and secretary of state pick Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.

Members of Trump's family, including his children Ivanka, Donald Jr. and Eric, are also in attendance.

President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday clarified his stance on TikTok, writing in a post on Truth Social that he’d like to bring the app back online in the U.S. as soon as possible, even if there’s no deal yet for a U.S.-based company to buy the app.

“I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.”

Read the full story here.

Elon Musk, Hulk Hogan and Dana White are among the speakers expected to honor Trump at a rally in Washington's Capital One Arena later today.

The rally is also expected to include performances by Kid Rock, the Village People and Billy Ray Cyrus.

He was Donald Trump’s man in the room as the ceasefire and hostage release deal was forged between Israel and Hamas, but Steve Witkoff is no diplomat despite his appointment as the president-elect’s special envoy to the Middle East.

Instead, he brought to the negotiating table decades of experience clinching some of New York’s biggest real estate deals, as well as opening up about his very personal loss during the arduous talks.

Born in the Bronx, the billionaire real estate developer could hardly have a more different profile from those of the American diplomats who usually craft complicated international agreements. Witkoff, 67, was raised in Long Island and trained as a real estate lawyer before charting a path in the rough-and-tumble world of New York real estate development.

He has known Trump for decades, is a Republican donor and served on one of Trump’s Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. He’s also going to be one of the speakers at Trump’s pre-inauguration rally Sunday, alongside Hulk Hogan, Megyn Kelly, Elon Musk and others.

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Biden and first lady Jill Biden are en route to Charleston, South Carolina, for the president's last trip before the end of his term tomorrow.

Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the president and first lady plan to attend a church service in the city and tour the International African American Museum.

Leaders of several sanctuary cities where officials had prominently rejected Donald Trump’s first-term immigration policies are shifting their tone as he prepares to take office again and carry out his mass deportation plans.

Some local officials have softened on how closely they want their cities to be identified with the “sanctuary city” label and have pledged to work with federal immigration authorities. But others have doubled down on their cities being sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants and reject any notion that they’d cooperate with a Trump administration seeking to deport millions of them.

Read the full story here.

Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama are all expected to attend the swearing-in tomorrow, their offices have confirmed.

While former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton are also slated to attend, Michelle Obama will not, according to the Obamas’ office. No reason was provided.