Donald Trump uses eve of inauguration to celebrate return to power

President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania watch fireworks at Trump National Golf Club on Saturday night (Alex Brandon/AP)

US President-elect Donald Trump is spending the eve of his inauguration at a series of Washington events that celebrate his return to power and his “Make America Great Again” movement as he prepares to move back into the White House at a time of deep national political divisions.

Washington has prepared in unprecedented ways to keep the unfolding events safe and secure. But unlike when Mr Trump helped spark a mob of his supporters to attack the Capitol and tried to retain power in 2021 after his loss to Democrat Joe Biden, officials are not expecting massive protests, unrest and violence this time.