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Inaugural ball attendees, many of whom worked to help get the president re-elected, said they have a lot of hope for the next four years.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Supporters and people who worked to help get President Donald Trump re-elected celebrated on Inauguration Day at the First Coast Inaugural Ball in Jacksonville.
The event took place at Jacksonville’s Southbank Hotel and included a dinner and dancing with a live band between two large screens broadcasting festivities from Washington, D.C. There was also a toast to the new president and vice president.
An announcement part way through the night that Trump pardoned about 1500 criminal defendants charged in the January 6 Capitol attack received cheers and applause.
Many attendees said they have a lot of hope for the next four years.
“I hope we can put the hatred aside and really unite as the United States of America,” said Jenell Flynn, who attended the ball.
Flynn, like Karyn Morton, the committee chairman of the First Coast Inaugural Ball, said they believe another Trump presidency will bring unity.
“When we got to the point where he was actually taking the oath, I started crying,” Morton said. “It was incredible. It’s like, ‘Okay, yes, we’re here, it’s real and we’re really going to turn this country around.’ And that’s really all that matters. It’s good for everybody. Whether they think so or not, it’s good for everybody.”
They, like Charles Barr, chair of the Duval County Republican party, are eager for change and support Trump’s executive orders and initiatives to reduce inflation and crackdown on illegal immigration.
“Protecting the boarder, that’s one of the big ones,” said Barr. “Getting oil and gas going again. We’ve gotta get the economy going.”
“I have a very dear friend, Representative Kiyan Michael, that her son was killed by an illegal alien and her story is just heartbreaking,” Flynn said.
“Better prices,” said Morton. “People are going to be able to afford their groceries now.”
Florida Representative Dean Black was in Washington, D.C. and said Trump’s inaugural speech was one of unity.
“Remember that we’re all one people and although we have some disagreements, we agree on most things,” Black said. “And I think that’s what you should focus on when you listen to President Trump’s inauguration.”
“I’m just excited for the next four years,” said Flynn.
Attendees described Monday as a “turning point” for the country.
