Washington DC's young Republican elite dressed in their finest attire, sporting imitation MAGA hats, as they mingled in search of romance before the ceremonial arrival of greasy McDonald's fare and a performance by rapper Waka Flocka. The "MAGA is in the Air" Republican Valentine's Day celebration, packed with Trump administration staffers, Capitol Hill aides, and self-described patriots, saw a crowd predominantly in their twenties using LED wristbands to indicate their relationship status. Green bands signalled availability, while red denoted those already taken. Throughout the ornate, two-story downtown club, ruby bracelets were frequently observed in close proximity as couples embraced, while singles with emerald bands practiced their most compelling pick-up lines.
A Conservative Oasis in a Democratic Stronghold
This event served as a temporary sanctuary for the capital's conservative minority—a small but growing community that has flourished during periods of Republican control of the White House, Congress, and arguably the Supreme Court. Approximately 300 to 400 attendees filled the venue according to guest estimates, with young men in tuxedos and women in elegant gowns crowding together, often clutching drinks including champagne distributed at the entrance. Nevertheless, Republicans frequently encounter difficulties in the dating scene within the nation's capital, where Democrats constitute an overwhelming 92 percent of voters based on 2024 DC election results.
CJ Pearson's Mission to Fix the Dating Imbalance
Enter CJ Pearson, a 23-year-old conservative influencer and Generation Z advisor for the GOP, who has assumed responsibility for addressing the skewed dating demographics confronting DC Republicans. Republican branding permeated the black-tie optional gathering: a prominent "MAGA is in the air" banner overlooked the dance floor throughout the evening, while red and white Trump-style hats bearing slogans like "Make America Party Again" and "Cruel Kids XOXO" circulated among guests. Matchboxes featuring the president's image were scattered across tables for attendees to collect.
Pearson emphasized that Democrats remain entirely welcome at these functions. "Oddly enough, these parties are for everyone," Pearson informed the Daily Mail. "You'd be surprised by the number of Democrats requesting invitations because they recognize that MAGA attendees enjoy themselves more and leave their pronouns and political sensitivities at the door." The Valentine's Day celebration represents the latest in a series of events organized by Pearson, a frequent Fox News commentator who has hosted multiple GOP-backed parties since President Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025.
Signature Elements of Pearson's Gatherings
Pearson's parties consistently incorporate McDonald's cuisine, known to be among Trump's preferred dining establishments. During Friday's festivities, substantial quantities of burgers, Big Macs, and fries were delivered midway through the event in customary fashion. Previous Pearson-organized events included a Fourth of July celebration featuring rapper Soulja Boy where guests wore all white, and a Halloween party where Rick Ross performed for fifteen minutes as costumed attendees cheered and recorded on their smartphones.
Political Crossroads and Celebrity Appearances
Rapper Waka Flocka delivered an energetic performance of "No Hands" that compelled the Republican audience to sing along enthusiastically. The artist, familiar with GOP crowds after performing at Pearson's January 2025 inauguration party, disclosed to the Daily Mail at an after-party that he maintains an open perspective regarding his political future and would contemplate pursuing public office. With a smile and strategically vague responses, Flocka deftly avoided specifying whether he would run as a Republican or Democrat, suggesting he might possess the diplomatic skills suitable for political candidacy.
On the dance floor, young Republicans endeavored to create impressions while seeking either romantic connections or professional opportunities. White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf and Republican Congressman William Timmons of South Carolina conversed nearby, alongside numerous Trump officials, Capitol Hill aides, and GOP influencers such as Students for Trump Founder Ryan Fournier. As wristbands of matching colors intermingled, many young Republicans appeared successful in their pursuit of companionship, with couples observed dancing, kissing, exchanging contact information, and generally experiencing the type of enjoyment anticipated at nightclub venues.
The Unmistakable Atmosphere
Notorious Trump aide Edward Coristine, recognized for intervening in an altercation to defend a woman the previous year and colloquially known as "big balls," received commendation for his courageous actions. Whether attributable to the hundreds of attendees, the abundant McDonald's provisions, or the continuous flow of cocktails, an unmistakable energy permeated the atmosphere—something beyond mere political allegiance was undoubtedly present in the air.
