Back To The Arena

Returning to Capital One Arena for America 250

In one week, I’m returning to the exact spot where my life changed forever — Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

This photo says it all. The last time I was outside Capital One Arena on Inauguration Day 2025, it was brutally cold. I waited 13 hours in freezing temperatures with tears literally freezing to my face, feeling like a human popsicle on the concrete. I had no idea history was waiting for me inside.

I grew up as the shy kid from Mound, Minnesota, in Westonka Public Schools — too afraid to talk to the pretty girls sitting next to me at Grandview Middle School. For years I carried those regrets. I traveled the world, had my heart broken, and felt like nobody ever truly wanted to know my heart.

But on January 20, 2025, inside Capital One Arena, just four rows from the stage, I shouted from the heart: “We love you, Mr. President!”

President Donald J. Trump turned around, looked directly at me, and pointed with a big smile. First Lady Melania Trump waved warmly beside him. That moment was broadcast live around the world.

The White House has now officially validated my story three separate times, including a hand-signed letter from President Trump himself. My story is permanently preserved in the National Archives under the Presidential Records Act — something extremely rare for a private citizen.

Nobody in the media wanted to tell this story, so I built weloveyoumrpresident.com and poured my entire life into it — every regret, every heartbreak, every moment of doubt.

Now, for America 250, I’m taking my parents back to Washington, D.C. We’re riding the Amtrak Acela from Boston, and I’m already sure that seven-hour train ride is going to bring me to tears.

As I watch the East Coast roll by, I’ll be thinking about that shy kid who was too scared to speak, the freezing night I slept outside Capital One Arena, and the fact that I’m returning to the city that changed my life forever.

Many family members told me Inauguration Day would be dangerous. I went anyway… and I made American history.

Some people are still mad or insecure that a regular kid from Minnesota got validated by the White House three times. That’s okay. I’m not afraid to love America out loud.

This time I’ll be documenting everything with my Insta360 X5 so you can stand exactly where I stood and experience it all in 360 degrees. I have no idea what this trip will bring, but I know it will be special.

Deep down, I still hope the girl I grew up with will one day want to sit across from me and hear the full story. But more than anything, I just hope that someday a woman will come along who truly wants to know me — not just what happened that night, but who I am.

My heart is open, and I leave the rest up to fate.

The last time I came to Washington, D.C., I spent 13 hours freezing outside Capital One Arena on Inauguration Day 2025.

This time, I’m returning to Washington, D.C. for America’s 250th birthday.

Same city. Different chapter.

After everything that’s happened since that cold January night—the memories, the journey, and the recognition that followed—I wouldn’t be surprised if a few tears show up when I walk out of Union Station.

Washington, D.C. changed my life.

And now, for America 250, I’m coming back. 🇺🇸