Lightning strikes on iconic U.S. landmarks during New Year’s Eve spark divine message speculation among Trump supporters.
At a Glance
- Lightning reportedly struck major U.S. landmarks on New Year’s Eve
- Videos of the strikes went viral on social media platforms
- Trump supporters interpreted the events as potential divine messages
- The phenomenon coincides with Trump’s upcoming second inauguration
- Meteorologists and officials have not confirmed all reported strikes
Unexpected New Year’s Eve Spectacle
As the clock approached midnight on New Year’s Eve, an extraordinary phenomenon captivated the nation. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show lightning striking iconic American landmarks, including the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building, and Empire State Building. These striking images quickly gained traction online, with some TikTok videos amassing tens of thousands of views and an X post garnering over 190,000 views.
The timing of these reported strikes, coinciding with the final moments of 2024 and the anticipation of Donald Trump’s upcoming second inauguration, has led many of his supporters to speculate about potential divine messages. The event has sparked lively debates on pro-Trump social media platforms, with many interpreting the lightning as a sign of significant change to come.
Lightning striking One World Trade on New Year’s Eve—a breathtaking display to close out the year. Nature’s own fireworks over NYC! pic.twitter.com/OUlAA8wFeO
— Max Guliani (@maximusupinNYc) January 1, 2025
Speculation and Interpretation
The remarkable footage has ignited a flurry of interpretations among Trump supporters. Christian Ziegler, a prominent Trump backer, shared footage of the alleged Capitol lightning strike on social media, suggesting a heavenly communication. “US Capitol Building struck by lightning as we close out 2024 and head into 2025. God is sending us a message,” Ziegler said.
“It might be a sign,” some users commented on social media platforms, according to MassLive.
Utah Senator Mike Lee also weighed in on the phenomenon, posting, “Feels like an omen. What’s it telling us?” The sentiment was echoed by many online, with some viewing the lightning as a harbinger of positive change, while others saw it as a warning of turbulent times ahead.
Meteorological Reality Check
Despite the widespread circulation of these videos and the fervent speculation they’ve inspired, meteorologists and officials have yet to confirm all the reported strikes. Kyle Pallozzi, a meteorologist, stated that the closest detected lightning strike was in Arlington, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. The National Weather Service has not confirmed any lightning strike on the Empire State Building.
“Wow. Not sure if this is a metaphor of some sort lightning appears to have struck the Washington Monument tonight,” Scott MacFarlane, a CBS News correspondent, said.
Experts note that while the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol are indeed tall structures that could attract lightning, such strikes are less common in winter. This unusual timing has only added to the intrigue surrounding the event.
Political Implications
The lightning phenomenon occurs against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House. Set to be inaugurated as the 47th president on January 20, Trump faces high expectations to fulfill his campaign promises. These include significant policy shifts on border security, energy production, and international relations.
As Trump prepares to take the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, his supporters view the New Year’s Eve lightning as a potential divine endorsement of the changes to come. However, the MAGA movement enters the new year with some internal disagreements, particularly over issues such as H-1B skilled migrant workers and their impact on the U.S. economy.