Nevada’s political and business leaders gathered Monday for Donald Trump’s second inauguration as President of the United States, with the ceremony moved indoors due to severe weather conditions.
Notable Attendees and Reactions from Nevada’s Political Figures
Among the prominent attendees, Dr. Miriam Adelson, majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands Corp. and a significant Trump campaign donor, was seated behind former President Bill Clinton. Adelson, whose family owns both the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, had contributed $100 million toward Trump’s re-election effort.
Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island and Trump’s business partner in the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, watched the proceedings from his position behind former President Joe Biden. Ruffin, who also owns Circus Circus, has indicated plans to sell that property and acquire a different one.
UFC CEO Dana White, a vocal Trump supporter who introduced the president at the Republican National Convention in July, was positioned behind former President George W. Bush during the ceremony.
Dana White being seated behind all the former US presidents is the funniest part of the inaguration. pic.twitter.com/rRFy09cwb1
— Las Vegas Locally (@LasVegasLocally) January 20, 2025
Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, a longtime Trump ally, adapted his plans when the ceremony moved indoors, joining other Nevadans to watch from a hotel.
Anthony said:
“I’ve been to several events the last four days, and people are just very excited and really ready for a better four years than the last four years. And President Trump gave a great speech this morning on what’s going to happen the next four years.”
Anthony expressed particular interest in Trump’s public safety agenda and the potential release of federal land in Nevada for development.
Disruptions Due to Weather and Impact on Local Participation
The weather disruption affected more than just the ceremony location. The Las Vegas Police Protective Association had planned to participate in the presidential parade, but those plans were canceled due to the indoor relocation. “We understand. These things happen,” said Steven Grammas, president of the association.
Today is Inauguration Day! President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president at a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. We look forward to working with his administration to advance policies that prioritize the men and women of the law enforcement profession. pic.twitter.com/yci4ntFKSK
— Las Vegas Police Protective Association (@LVPPA) January 20, 2025
Responses to Trump’s Inaugural Address
Dr. Markus Kemmelmeier, a political science professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, offered analysis of Trump’s inaugural address, noting its departure from traditional speeches.
Kemmelmeier said:
“He clearly knows what he wants. He has a clear program and clear outline in much greater detail. Much better planning than last time. At the same time, it is missing grace,”
The professor also noted Trump’s religious references, stating:
“He was not shy to say that God put him here and allowed him to survive the assassination attempts that undoubtedly occurred, and as a result, he is here on a divine message.”
Democratic response came swiftly, with Roger Lau, Deputy Executive Director for the Democratic National Committee, criticizing the speech’s tone:
“What we heard today was a campaign speech; it was not the typical inauguration speech where we had an incoming president talk about their forward-looking vision for the American people and how they’re going to help them.”
The response from Nevada Republican leadership was overwhelmingly positive. Nevada Republican Assembly Minority Leader Gregory Hafen II, who traveled from Pahrump to attend the historic event, said:
“Nevadans and Americans as a whole are happy. Are excited. This is what the American people have asked for,”
Hafen continued:
“For Nevadans as a whole, this a big day. President Trump has been working with Lombardo to get BLM land released, which we desperately need to address the housing crisis in both Northern and Southern Nevada,”
Looking ahead, Dr. Kemmelmeier noted that compared to 2016, Trump’s 2024 executive orders appear better crafted and potentially more resilient against legal challenges, suggesting a more prepared administration ready to implement its agenda.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
