Trump shines bright at inaugural events

There wasn’t much dancing, despite the best efforts of the performers, who rattled off an array of largely Christian-focused music

Working-class voters are credited with delivering Donald Trump his victory, but it was a high-heel-and-tuxedo crowd featuring Republican donors and a smattering of celebrities led by Caitlyn Jenner who celebrated the 45th president at the Liberty Ball in the Washington Convention Centre on Friday night.

The crowd was decidedly older than the ones that boogied at Barack Obama’s first inaugural balls. They entered a 150,000-square-foot meeting space to dine on tortellini, cheese, fruit, and red, white and blue cupcakes. The tiny paper plates and plasticware brought a blue-collar feel to the black-tie affair.

Dozens of people stood in line to have their photos taken in front of a presidential hedge and Oval Office backgrounds. Two white stages reaching the ceiling were situated at one end of the room in front of a blue carpet.

Every guest was greeted with four $5 (Dh18.36) drink tickets, all of which were needed for a single glass of champagne. Presentation of colours by a military brass band began at 7.42pm, followed by the national anthem.

Music wasn’t the focus here; the Trumps were. There wasn’t much dancing, despite the best efforts of the performers, who rattled off an array of largely Christian-focused music.

It remained mostly a cocktail party with background music as people waited for the real star. And when he arrived, he didn’t stay long.

Trump and the first lady were announced after 9pm during the welcome speeches.

The crowd cheered and held up their cellphones to video chat with friends and family.

“We began this journey and they said we — we and me — we didn’t have a chance,” Trump told the crowd. “But we knew we were going to win, and we won. And today we had a great day. People that weren’t so nice to me were saying that we did a really good job today. They hated to do it but they did it, and I respect that.”

Then Trump put down his mic and the first couple began awkwardly stepped side-to-side to My Way. When they left, so did a lot of the party.

Minutes later, they all repeated the ritual at the Freedom Ball, concluding with Trump leading the crowd in a chant of “U.S.A!”