Trump lays wreath at Arlington National Cemetery






One day before his inauguration, future US President Donald Trump took part in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington. The 78-year-old Republican laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Sunday. Wearing a black coat and black gloves, he stood next to future Vice President JD Vance. Trump’s wife Melania and other family members also attended the event.

The dignified ceremony contrasted with Trump’s previous visit to the national cemetery in August, when he was a presidential candidate. The US Army had criticized his campaign team for “pushing away” a military cemetery employee who tried to enforce a law banning political activity at the cemetery.

Trump’s relationship with the military has not been untroubled in the past. While he often publicly expressed support for the armed forces, he privately mocked war dead as president, according to his former chief of staff.

After the ceremony in Arlington, Trump plans to hold a rally in front of supporters in Washington in the evening. Long queues were already forming in front of the Capitol One Arena.

In addition to Trump, speakers include Vance, billionaire Elon Musk, former wrestling star Hulk Hogan, actor Jon Voight and the head of the US martial arts association UFC, Dana White. The program also includes performances by the band Village People and singers Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday in Washington. The ceremony (starting around 11:30 a.m. local time, 5:30 p.m. CET) will take place inside and not in front of the Capitol due to the predicted cold.

Strict security precautions apply in the capital, and more than 25,000 police and soldiers are on duty. The 78-year-old Trump replaces Democrat Joe Biden and begins his second term as US President.

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