In a night filled with music, political promises, and a touch of spectacle, one unexpected star stole the show at pre-inauguration rally on Sunday: toddler, X Æ A-12.
The lively event, held at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC, drew thousands of Trump supporters and featured performances from Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the iconic Village People, but it was little X who became the talk of the night.
Decked out in a vibrant red jersey that nodded to Trump's party colours, the toddler delighted the crowd by making an impromptu appearance on stage alongside his father.
Mr Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had taken the podium to outline ambitious plans for a collaboration with Trump's administration, but quickly stole the spotlight with his enthusiastic fist-pumps and cheerful waves to the audience.
"Little X just followed me on the stage here!" Mr Musk quipped with a laugh, clearly caught off guard but amused by his son's unscripted entrance. The crowd erupted into cheers, amplifying the toddler's moment of fame.
Mr Musk used his speech to champion a vision of innovation and reform , including plans to streamline the federal government through technology. Musk said: "We're looking forward to making a lot of changes," adding, "Together, we will do great things and make America strong for centuries to come."
The evening wasn't just about policy and future ambitions. It also featured a star-studded lineup of musical acts that kept the energy high. Kid Rock delivered a fiery rendition of "We The People" and his summer anthem, "All Summer Long," undeterred by the mix of rain and snow that began to fall during his set. Billy Ray Cyrus brought a dose of country nostalgia with his iconic hit, "Achy Breaky Heart," much to the delight of the crowd.
The highlight for many, however, was the Village People's performance of their 1978 disco classic, "YMCA." As the familiar beat filled the arena, Trump himself couldn't resist breaking into his signature two-step dance routine, to the crowd's raucous applause. The moment served as a lighthearted counterpoint to the weighty political messages of the evening.
X Æ A-12's unexpected cameo onstage was hailed by some as a symbol of the rally's focus on family values and the future.
Meanwhile, Mr Musk's growing role in Mr Trump's administration has sparked significant interest. , Mr Musk promised to leverage his expertise in technology and innovation to drive efficiency and progress. "It's time for a government that operates at the speed of SpaceX," he remarked during his speech.
As the rally came to a close, discussions about Mr Musk's partnership with Mr Trump and the unique dynamics of the evening continued to dominate social media. Many attendees praised the fusion of entertainment and political discourse on social media, while others speculated about Mr Musk's influence in shaping the policies of the coming years.
For one night, at least, it wasn't just the politicians, celebrities, or even the music that captivated the audience-it was a toddler named X Æ A-12.