45 becomes 47: Trump takes victory lap at packed DC arena on eve of historic inauguration

President-elect Donald Trump held a massive rally in DC Sunday, mere hours before taking the oath of office as the 47th US president.Throngs of supporters jammed the 20,000-seat Capital One Arena downtown for the “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” on inauguration eve.Many waited in line for hours outside the arena, braving near-freezing temperatures so they could get a good seat for the final rally before the new administration begins.“We just came here to celebrate,” said Ying Tan, 34, of New York City.Tan said she’s been involved with the Asians for Trump movement since 2020, and was part of a group that volunteered in Pennsylvania ahead of the 2024 election.“We want to put America first because right now, they put all the resources to the migrants,” she said, arguing veterans and homeless American citizens should be the ones getting help.“We want to have a president to put the resources back to our people,” she said.“We have to put our own first,” she said.Others trekked cross-country for the occasion.“I’m looking forward to hearing his speech and talking about how he wants to implement change,” said Lorenzo Alvarado, who traveled from Fresno, California.He hoped to be there for Monday’s swearing-in ceremony before it was moved indoors due to the frigid weather, but took the disappointment in stride.“It is what it is,” Alvarado, 45, told The Post.

“Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, we’re going to be there.”As for the issues he hopes to see Trump tackle first, Alvarado also cited the southern border.“Unfortunately, taxpayers are having to pay for [illegal immigrants] … our crime rate is skyrocketing … so definitely looking forward to getting the border closed,” he said.Mike Poole, of Palestine, Texas, was lined up outside Capital One Arena since 9:30 Sunday morning with his wife, Shonda — the first Trump rally the couple has attended.He said Trump’s second ascent to the presidency represented a politica...