Make America Great Again baseball caps tilted forward and hands adorned with red nail polish clasped in prayer Monday as local Republicans watched the second inauguration of President Donald Trump on the big screen at Champy’s in East Ridge.
Heaters whirred and servers doled out baskets of tamales, fried jalapenos and chicken tenders between bursts of heavy applause from watch party attendees. Shouts of “amen” and “yeah, baby,” echoed throughout the room as Trump took the oath of office.
Bill Thomas, an attendee, said he watched Trump’s first inauguration in 2017 at home and recalled jumping up and down and clapping by his lonesome. He said he was happy to watch Monday’s ceremony with like-minded people.
“I feel relieved and excited, and I feel very hopeful for the future of my grandchildren,” Thomas said in an interview, donning a visor with Trump-esque blonde hair sprouting from the top.
Thomas said he is looking forward to Trump’s management of the border and the elimination of what he referred to as woke government programs, citing diversity, equity and inclusion programs and critical race theory.