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Seeing the Change Up Close | January 22, 2025

On Saturday morning, Kristine and I flew from Los Angeles to Washington Regan National Airport. The aircraft was filled with supporters of President-Elect Donald Trump, many wearing Trump hats, shirts, and paraphernalia. The sense of anticipation for a new administration was palpable.

Having attended a previous inauguration, Kristine and I were aware of the crowds and confusion we would encounter in Washington, DC. Over the past ten years, I’ve learned some ins and outs of negotiating the city which was a help. Those visiting the city for the first time were trying to take in the sites, carry their luggage, and figure out how to get around town.

After getting Kristine settled into our hotel, I took the subway to Capitol Hill to visit congressional offices and begin delivering my notes of encouragement. The law enforcement presence was intense and included transit police, DC Metro Police, and National Guard troops.

Typically, congressional offices would be closed on a Saturday but many were open to distribute tickets for the inauguration to visiting constituents. Of course, the tickets had no value except as a memento of the event since the actual ceremony had been moved into the Capitol Rotunda. Many with tickets were hoping to attend the event at the Capitol One Center after the official ceremony in the Capitol.

The halls of the Cannon Building were filled with visitors just wandering the halls. While there is open public access to the office buildings, the tunnels leading to the actual Capitol building have check points and visitors were restricted from entering those areas.

I ran into a congressional staffer who had a distraught look on her face. She explained how she had to inform countless constituents who had made the trip to Washington, DC, that they would not be among the very few to actually sit in the Rotunda or even in the overflow space in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitors Center.

On Sunday, I delivered more notes to House offices and the made my way to the Capitol to deliver notes to offices of leadership.

I was able to observe preparations in the Rotunda for the next day’s festivities. I knew that it would be virtually impossible to enter the Capitol the next day due to security restrictions. Once again, some offices were open to greet constituents visiting for the inauguration.

On Sunday evening, Kristine and I attended the Turning Point USA Inaugural Eve Ball where I opened the event singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless the USA.”

As expected, the event was jammed with people. Even getting to the hotel where the ball took place was challenging as many streets were blocked because of security concerns.

The halls and various rooms surrounding the ballroom were filled with the attendees and the music was blaring. It was hardly a place to carry on a conversation. Those in attendance included leaders from the political and cultural worlds.

For me, it was an honor to meet Tammy and Jordan Peterson (pictured). Other notables in attendance included Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance, Glenn Beck, Tom Homan, Vivek Ramaswamy, Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, Ben Shapiro, Riley Gaines, and a host of others.

While we hear that the party went on until 3:00 am the next morning, Kristine and I left early to avoid the crush as we wanted to be rested for the next day. Click here or on the image below for a video of me singing our National Anthem and “God Bless the USA” at Turning Point’s event.

On Monday morning, knowing the streets would once again be packed, Kristine and I used the subway to head back to Capitol Hill. Our plan was to watch the inauguration ceremony on television from a congressional office. I knew I had several from which to choose.

We watched the ceremony from the office of Congressman Pete Session of Texas. His office is always welcoming and hospitable and has a great view of the Capitol.

Attendance at the ceremony was limited to members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and other VIPs and dignitaries. Congressional spouses would typically be included but most watched on television from Emancipation Hall or other locations.

Before heading back to our hotel, I completed delivering my notes to all of the House offices, chatting with staff and members of Congress I saw along the way. Following the ceremony, the atmosphere among the Republicans was upbeat. Response to the President’s speech was overwhelmingly positive.

Tuesday morning, Kristine and I headed to the National Cathedral for the traditional prayer service. Having attended this event eight years ago, we went with anticipation of an inspiring and meaningful time.

Getting to the cathedral was a chore as it is located in a residential neighborhood with homes, churches, and schools.

For security purposes, there was a specific drop-off location which was a nightmare with road closures and security check points. We ended up exiting our Uber ride and walked the final distance to the cathedral in the frigid air. As with all of the events, going through magnetometers was required and security was tight.

Several aspects of this year’s Prayer Service seemed to be less organized or planned than before. A congressional spouse told us that she had only learned of the service that morning. The lack of promotion may have accounted for the attendance which seemed to be less than our previous experience.

The service is held at the National Cathedral which is the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, and includes participants from many religious traditions including Buddhists, Hindus, American Indians, Muslims, and Christians.

While the orchestra, choir, and organ music were wonderful, I found the service to be less than inspiring and the closing remarks by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde were totally inappropriate.

i sat in the cathedral shaking my head as her remarks that were supposed to be about unity and mercy were decidely partisan. What could have been a true call for mercy and unity was divisive. It may be time for a new prayer service tradition to be established.

Before heading to the airport to return to California, I made final visits to Senate offices. As I turned the corner in the Russell Building, I could see Senator John Fetterman in his trademark hoodie and shorts giving an interview.

Entering one office, the staffers alerted me that Tulsi Gabbard would be arriving soon for a meeting with the senator. Approving the nominees to the cabinet was still in process. Establishing the new government was moving at a rapid pace.

Continue to pray for the nation. Pray for the President for safety, wisdom, and discernment. Pray for members of Congress, their families, and staff. Pray for truth to reign on Capitol Hill and throughout our land.

I’ll be returning to the Hill in a few weeks to continue this mission of encouragement and to start our Wednesday evening worship services once again.

God bless.

Steve

 

 

 

 

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