US Capitol Struck by Lightning on NYE Seen as God's 'Message' by MAGA

Donald Trump supporters on social media speculated over whether a divine message was being sent after lightning strikes reportedly hit the U.S. Capitol Building and Washington Monument in Washington D.C., and the One World Trade Center and Empire State Building in New York City, on New Year's Eve.

Footage and images shared online purportedly showed all four buildings being struck as revelers gathered across the United States to see in the New Year, with thousands gathering in New York's Times Square for the iconic ball drop despite heavy rain being forecast.

Why It Matters

The speculation takes place against the backdrop of a febrile political mood in the United States, with President-elect Donald Trump due to be inaugurated for the second time on January 20 in Washington D.C.

During the 2024 presidential election campaign, Trump promised radical change if returned to the White House, including the mass deportation of illegal migrants, allowing companies to "drill, drill, drill" for fossil fuels, and an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

What To Know

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the America First Post, a Trump-supporting media outlet, shared three videos it said showed lightning strikes on the Capitol Building, Washington Monument and Empire State Building on New Year's Eve.

Christian Ziegler, a Trump supporter and former Republican National Convention delegate, shared the Capitol Hill lightning footage adding: "U.S. Capitol Building struck by lightning as we close out 2024 and head into 2025. God is sending us a message."

The post was widely shared, receiving more than 440,000 views on the platform.

Jack Posobiec, editor of the pro-Trump conservative publication Human Events, shared Ziegler's post to his 2.9 million X followers, adding: "Soon."

Stock photo showing the U.S. Capitol Dome on October 24, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Trump supporters have speculated over whether they were sent a divine message after the Capitol Building, and other prominent landmarks, were... Win McNamee/GETTY

Utah Senator Mike Lee shared footage of the Capitol lightning strike, commenting: "Feels like an omen. What's it telling us?"

The Sovereign Brah X account, which has 170,000 followers and says it's dedicated to "Pursuing truth, liberty, Jesus Christ" also shared a video of the lightning strikes on the Capitol building and One World Trade Center, and a still photograph of the Empire State Building being hit.

They said: "The US Capitol, World Trade Center, and Empire State Building were all struck by lightning tonight, on the final evening of 2024. Feels like an omen. I wonder what God is telling us."

Natalie Danelishen, an X user with 124,000 followers who has posted in support of Trump, commented: "The US Capitol building getting struck by lightning is a solid sign going into 2025."

What People Are Saying

CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane shared a video of lightning in Washington D.C., commenting: "Wow Not sure if this is a metaphor of some sort Lightning appears to have struck the Washington Monument tonight."

What Happens Next

After Trump is inaugurated as president for his second term on January 20, he will come under pressure from supporters to deliver on his election commitments.

Trump's MAGA movement ended December with an internal row over H-1B skilled migrant workers, which tech billionaire Elon Musk argues is a boost to the U.S. economy whilst some nativist campaigners claim they harm American workers.