See inside the ornate Mar-a-Lago ballroom where guests wearing 'Ultra MAGA' hats crowded in as Trump announced his 2024 presidential bid
Mar-a-Lago was packed ahead of Former President Donald Trump's announcement of his presidential bid.
Guests took videos in a blue MAGA booth and interacted in a ballroom covered in gold decor.
Trump's supporters, including Roger Stone and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, were in attendance.
Former President Donald Trump said he had a "special announcement" on Tuesday at Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida.
The billionaire and now-Florida resident would go on to announce his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election in the private club's grand ballroom. The room had golden seating set up for an estimated 500 people, though much of the crowd would be standing.
Security instructed reporters to be in the room no later than 6 p.m. Broadcasters such as CNN and Fox News would end up carrying much of the speech live.
Trump-supporting guests, some of them wearing MAGA hats and others wearing gowns or business suits, began flowing into the ballroom around 6:30 p.m.
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell spoke to reporters earlier in the evening, saying he expected Trump would deliver a "great message of hope."
Blake Marnell, a supporter from San Diego, told Insider's Kimberly Leonard that he had come to Mar-a-Lago once before for a Kari Lake fundraiser.
Russell Vought, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget during the Trump presidency, was one of the earlier guests to arrive.
In typical Trump fashion, the entire room — from the ground ceiling — was decked in gold.
Trump supporters used this studio-like space to take photos and film videos.
Guests Graham Allen (left) speaks to Alex Bruesewitz, co-founder and CEO of X Strategies near the MAGA video booth.
Meanwhile, members of the press sat in the back, with risers dividing the room between media and guests.
Organizers provided reporters with a beverage station of caffeine and water — all branded with Trump.
As the night went on, more guests crowded the event space. Background music included "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John.
Former Trump adviser Roger Stone was also in attendance.
Trump walked in and took the stage. One notable absence was his daughter Ivanka Trump, who said she'd be stepping back from politics to focus on her children. Jared Kushner was present for the announcement.
Trump made his White House run official, cracking very few jokes and saying he'd avoid using the phrase "fake news" because he wanted the evening to be "elegant." The former president kept his focus on President Joe Biden rather than potential GOP rivals for the 2024 nomination, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
Guests didn't linger long after the hourlong speech, but voiced their support for Trump's 2024 announcement as they exited the ballroom
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