Tens of thousands of President Trump supporters gathered Saturday in Washington echoed claims of voter fraud and urged him not to concede to President-elect Joe Biden -- then were rewarded by an appearance from Trump himself.
The president and his motorcade drove past the supporters, some of them waving Trump flags and holding signs saying "Stop the Fraud" and "Best Prez Ever." The crowd chanted "Four More Years!" as Trump gave a thumbs up Saturday morning.
Trump hinted Friday on Twitter he may attend the rally, calling the support "heartwarming," but his motorcade Saturday was headed to his Virginia golf course instead. As he returned to the White House shortly after 3 p.m., he drove by to more cheers and whoops from flag-waving supporters.
Supporters of President Donald Trump cheer as his motorcade drives past a rally of supporters near the White House, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Trump retweeted images and videos of the sea of Trump supporters and reiterated that he has no intention of conceding any time soon.
"Hundreds of thousands of people showing their support in D.C.," Trump wrote. "They will not stand for a Rigged and Corrupt Election!"
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Twitter labeled the tweet with a warning that Trump's fraud claims are disputed. His campaign has yet to provide evidence of the systemic fraud he has alleged.
Trump added: "We will WIN!"
The latest vote tallies from the Nov. 3 election show massive turnout and influx of mail-in voting due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden has garnered more than 78 million votes -- a record -- compared to Trump's more than 72 million. The former vice president is on track for more than 290 electoral votes, compared to Trump's 232. Georgia is the one state Fox News has not called, but Biden is winning in the Peach State as a hand recount is underway.
A motorcade carrying President Donald Trump drives by a group of supporters participating in a rally near the White House, Nov. 14, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
In Washington Saturday, the "March for Trump" demonstration organized by Women for America First started at Freedom Plaza and headed to the Supreme Court. An estimated 10,000 people were anticipated, according to a park permit, and crowds filled the streets all around the White House.
Enthusiastic Trump supporters delivered a series of fiery speeches from Freedom Plaza repeating Trump's unfounded claim of widespread election fraud and that Trump actually won. Some talked of more specific ways to stop Biden from becoming president, including legal challenges, election audits and urging states to appoint pro-Trump electors who would defy the popular vote results in their states.
"This election was stolen from us," Courtney Holland, a conservative activist from Nevada, told the crowd, a line that was often repeated. She then led a chant of "Stop the Steal!"
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Other speakers included "My Pillow'' guy Mike Lindell and Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.
Demonstrators came from various corners of the country -- including Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Florida, Pennsylvania and Maryland -- and were largely peaceful. The Trump supporters were partying, live streaming, singing and chanting “Stop the Steal," "Four more Years" and “USA.” Upbeat supporters said Trump has been a fighter for America and now it's time to stand up for him as he fights for four more years.
"President Trump: We have your back," said Scott Presler, a conservative activist.
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Another pro-Trump demonstration called "The Million MAGA March" was set for Washington. The far-right Proud Boys indicated on social media they would attend, and a group with Proud Boys vets and hats was seen walking in the crowd.
Supporters of President Donald Trump cheer as his motorcade drives past a rally of supporters near the White House, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
"The Million Maga March will be the greatest Trump rally in history," the group tweeted. "We demand a transparent election process, free of fraudulent ballots."
Some counterprotesters were also demonstrating, dubbing Trump a "loser" and bashing his attempts to overturn Biden's victory. Refuse Fascism organized near the White House to demand "The Trump/Pence Regime Must Go," organizers said.
The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington doesn't provide crowd estimates, but the police told Fox News that 10 people were arrested related to the demonstrations as of 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Four people were arrested for firearms violations, two for simple assault, two for disorderly conduct, one for no permit and one for assault on a police officer.
A WTOP FM news reporter tweeted a video of police arresting a counterprotester.
The reporter also caught video of Trump supporters surrounding a TV news reporter, yelling "Fake News!"
There also were some clashes between Trump supporters and counterprotesters. One video posted showed a fight break out that required police to intervene.
Rich Edson contributed to this report.
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