Thousands to Protest in Washington, DC Before Donald Trump’s Inauguration | US News
On Saturday, thousands are expected to assemble from three different locations around Washington DC in anticipation of Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
The event, known as the People’s March, serves as a renewed iteration of the 2017 Women’s March, where over 500,000 participants filled the streets of DC at the beginning of Mr Trump’s first term, while many more joined various local marches across the nation.
Multiple national activist organizations are spearheading the marches, which the incoming president referred to as “the most important weekend, plus, in American history” on his Truth Social platform.
However, this year’s march is projected to attract roughly one-tenth of the participants compared to the inaugural event, especially following Democrat Kamala Harris’s significant defeat to the Republicans. Organizers have expressed difficulty in rallying the same enthusiasm as seen in 2017.
“The truth is it’s challenging to replicate such a unique moment,” acknowledged Tamika Middleton, managing director at the Women’s March.
“In 2017, it was an unprecedented situation; we hadn’t yet experienced a Trump presidency and the hostility that accompanied it.”
Protesters hold up anti-Trump sign
Ms. Middleton stated that the march, rebranded to be more inclusive, is not solely focused on Mr. Trump this time, but instead addresses a wider array of issues, including women’s and reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, climate change, and democracy.
“We’re viewing the march as part of a larger picture,” she indicated.
“Our objective is to engage those who attend and integrate them into organizations and their political communities so that they can continue advocating for change over the long term.”
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In London: Women march ahead of Trump’s inauguration
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Meanwhile, Mr. Trump is commencing his inauguration weekend celebrations at Trump National Sterling, just outside of DC, as reported by Sky News’ US affiliate, NBC News.
The day’s agenda includes a reception for the president-elect and a fireworks display, as per the schedule released by Trump’s inauguration committee.
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The committee also announced plans for a Cabinet reception and dinner for the vice president-elect on Saturday.
As the marches differ from those in 2017, Mr. Trump’s swearing-in ceremony on Monday is also set to be different—it is expected to be held inside the US Capitol Rotunda rather than outdoors due to chilly weather conditions.
Another protester at the march on Saturday
This shift in venue means approximately 250,000 ticket holders who planned to view the inauguration from the Capitol grounds will be unable to do so.
Thousands more are still anticipated to be present in general admission zones or to line the pathway from the Capitol Building to the White House.
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Preparations under way for inauguration
Mr. Trump has mentioned that the Capital One Arena in Washington will be opened for live viewing of his swearing-in event and for hosting the Presidential Parade.
He also stated he would join the onlookers at Capital One after the swearing-in, marking the first indoor ceremony in four decades.
