Donald Trump resumed his former position as president of the United States on Jan. 20, and over 80 community members joined the Columbia County Republican Party for a screening of his second presidential inauguration.
The high-energy group eagerly watched the transition of power streamed live on Fox News, and community member Ginger Hurmance said that the feeling in the room was a blend of optimism and hope.
“We are breathing a sigh of relief,” she added.
Hurmance believes that the tide is changing as Americans regain their voice.
“We have been underprivileged by not being heard by our leaders in our state and our country,” she said.
Further, she believes that Trump’s momentum – for instance, his plan to sign a plethora of first-day executive orders – will set the Republican party’s momentum.
“I think people will stay engaged,” she said. “I think that President Trump, that’s what his main message is, for the people of this country to stay involved and stay engaged in their communities because nothing can change unless we do it at a community level.”
Republican party chair on hopes for the next term
“It’s been a lot of work, a lot of hard work getting to today,” said Joe Edlemon, the Republican party’s chairman. “A lot of boots on the ground to make it happen. We are just so excited about this new page in history for America and for all the hardworking people in America.”
Edlemon said a challenge he believes still needs to be faced is the American court system.
“In the first Trump administration, the court system played a big part in kind of stonewalling his accomplishments,” he said.
Edlemon also wants to see a closed border, economic growth, oil independence, and lowered grocery prices over the next term.
Extended inaugural festivities
The Columbia County Republican Party capped off Monday’s festivities with another inauguration get-together on the night of Jan. 20, for those who worked that morning and were unable to attend the watch party.
