United States President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Washington on Saturday, ahead of his upcoming inauguration, marking the beginning of his return to the presidency.
Accompanied by his wife Melania and other family members, Trump landed at Dulles International Airport and proceeded to attend a private event at his golf club in Virginia, which included a fireworks display.
Speaking with NBC News earlier on Saturday, Trump revealed his plans to sign an unprecedented number of executive orders immediately after delivering his inaugural address on Monday. “The number of orders I will sign will be record-setting,” he stated, adding that while the total figure is not yet finalised, it will likely “exceed 100.”
Trump also confirmed his intention to roll back numerous policies implemented by the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden. His plans for the first day of his new term include initiating a mass deportation program aimed at undocumented immigrants.
“The expulsion of undocumented migrants will begin very, very quickly,” Trump told NBC News. “I can’t say which cities because things are evolving. And I don’t think we want to say what city. You’ll see it firsthand.”
Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” addressed speculation about the administration’s immigration strategy, including reports of a significant raid planned in Chicago on Tuesday. Speaking to The Washington Post, Homan stated that the team was reassessing its initial approach after media leaks about the operation.
“The administration hasn’t made a decision yet,” Homan said. “We’re looking at this leak and will make a decision based on it.” He dismissed speculation about why Chicago was mentioned in reports, reiterating that from “day one,” arrests would target those deemed public safety threats.
“We’ll be arresting people across the country, uninhibited by any prior administration guidelines,” Homan added.
In a shift from recent inauguration ceremonies traditionally held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol overlooking the National Mall, Trump announced that Monday’s event would be moved indoors due to forecasts of severe cold weather. “I think we made the right decision,” Trump told NBC. “The weather was really looking bad in terms of the coldness, and I think it would have been dangerous for a lot of people.”
On Sunday, Trump is expected to participate in several activities leading up to the inauguration, including laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, addressing a dinner event, and attending a rally of his supporters in Washington.
Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Washington on Saturday, protesting against Trump’s policies.