Trump Attends More Balls to Close Inauguration Day: NPR

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump dance at the Liberty Ball, part of the 60th presidential inauguration, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington.

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Evan Vucci/AP

President Trump attended several balls on the night of his second inauguration with messages that he will make the military the strongest it has ever been and bring “common sense” back to office.

The festivities began after Trump issued a flurry of executive orders and actions, including pardoning about 1,500 defendants charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and sweeping changes to the nation’s immigration system.

His first stop of the night was the Commander in Chief Ball, where he addressed the nation’s military.

President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance dance with service members during the Commander-in-Chief Ball on Monday.

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“It’s only fitting that we also honor the men and women who keep us safe, and that’s what you are,” he said. “Your bravery inspires us, your service unites us, and your sacrifice and spirit protect us all.”

He promised to restore the military to the strength he says it had during his first term.

Kid Rock speaks with Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth at the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball on Monday.

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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

“We want to make our military so strong that we don’t have to use it. Wouldn’t that be great?” he said. “They’ll look at us and they’ll say, ‘There’s no way we’re going after that’.”

He virtually spoke to soldiers stationed in South Korea, who congratulated him on his victory.

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump dance to The Battle Hymn of the Republic during the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Monday.

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PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

The President was joined on stage by First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance. The couples danced on stage, and Trump and Vance ended their performance by using swords to cut into a cake after an airplane.

First Lady Melania Trump laughs as she watches President Trump cut with a saber into a cake representation of the new Air Force One design during the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC on Monday.

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Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

The Liberty Ball featured performances by Jason Aldean, Billy Ray Cyrus and the Air Force Band before the Trumps and Vances took the stage. This time they were joined by several of Trump’s children – including Donald Jr., Eric, Ivanka and Tiffany – and their spouses.

“I like to say we are a great nation,” Trump said. “We’ll soon be the biggest we’ve ever been, and it won’t take long… just watch what happens, there will be great progress.”

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump look on as the Village People perform during Liberty’s Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Monday.

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Trump closed his appearances at both balls by dancing to “YMCA” by the Village People, who performed the song live at the Liberty Ball.