Inside Trump's 2017 Inaugural Celebrations: A Weekend of Exclusive Gatherings
Donald Trump's inauguration weekend in January 2017 was marked by a series of lavish celebrations that drew wealthy donors, political allies, and celebrities to Washington, D.C. The inaugural events raised approximately $107 million, setting a new record for inaugural fundraising.
The weekend featured three official inaugural balls, significantly fewer than previous administrations. The main event, the Liberty and Freedom Ball, was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where the newly sworn-in President and First Lady Melania Trump performed their first dance to Frank Sinatra's 'My Way.'
Notable attendees included casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who contributed $5 million to the inaugural fund, and numerous corporate donors who gave six- and seven-figure amounts. The guest list featured prominent Republican politicians, business leaders, and select celebrities, though many A-list performers declined to participate.
The Salute to Our Armed Services Ball, dedicated to military personnel and first responders, was held at the National Building Museum. This event maintained the tradition of honoring service members during inaugural celebrations, with active duty military and veterans receiving free tickets.
Private events included the Chairman's Global Dinner at Union Station, which attracted foreign diplomats and influential supporters. The candlelit dinner showcased Trump's international business connections and political alliances.
While the celebrations were marked by their grandeur, they also drew criticism for their high ticket prices and exclusive nature. Standard tickets to the main balls started at $50, while VIP packages reached up to $1 million.
The weekend's events set a distinctive tone for the Trump presidency, emphasizing wealth, luxury, and the merging of business and political interests that would characterize his time in office.
