Faith, flags, and frozen streets: Trump fans travel far and wide for victory rally braving snow, rain and hailstones

Thousands of supporters of US President-elect Donald Trump braved lengthy queues in harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow and freezing temperatures, to attend a "victory rally" in the US capital, expressing their eagerness to see him begin his work.

"I'm happy to be here to support (him)," said Loren Stephenson, 40, using an American flag to protect herself from hailstones. "It's been a long day but people are generally in good spirits," she told news agency AFP.

Stephenson arrived at 6.00 am, before sunrise, to secure her place inside for Trump's celebration of his November victory.


Supporters formed lengthy queues around Washington's Chinatown district, with military personnel directing crowds towards the Capital One arena, which seats 20,000 and hosts the city's basketball and ice hockey teams.

A performer in colonial-era costume sang as onlookers swayed, while Christian preachers quoted scripture at fold-up tables, receiving positive responses from the crowd.

Some attendees wore American flags, whilst others donned capes featuring Trump's image from a failed assassination attempt, with "Fight! Fight! Fight!" printed on them.


Vendors reported strong sales of Trump-branded winter wear, particularly scarves and woollen hats, as temperatures dropped.

Due to severe weather conditions, with snow and high winds forecast for Monday, Trump's inauguration was relocated indoors from the US Capitol steps.


Another person named Thomas Zacher, travelled from Wisconsin for the rally. He said, "We missed out on the inauguration so I want to at least see the guy if I drove out here." "His charisma, his energy," he added. "To be honest if it wasn't for Trump, I think politics is kind of in the back seat of a lot of people's brains."