President-Elect Donald Trump took the Oath of Office on January 20 in Washington D.C., in the presence of former Presidents Obama, George W. Bush, Clinton, and Carter, after what many have recognized as the most polarizing election ever.
The polarization did not end with the inauguration of President Trump. It was noticeable at the ceremony that the attendance appeared significantly smaller than at previous inaugurations, and a large number of people in attendance were in Washington D.C. to protest the inauguration of the president rather than to celebrate it. NBC4 in Washington D.C. reported that nine times as many buses carrying protesters than buses carrying supporters arrived in D.C. for the inauguration. A few protesters were even removed from the ceremony for attempting to stop President Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
Around noon, it was official that United States will be under a new regime and the Obama era had come to an end. Soon after, the new first family walked the former President and First Lady to their awaiting helicopter which transported them out of Washington D.C.
Following the ceremony, the streets were flooded with both supporters and protesters who were either celebrating or attempting to disrupt the event. Salesmen filled the streets selling inauguration merchandise on a gloomy, cloud-covered day in Washington D.C. The entire city was shut down for the event and military personnel patrolled every inch of the mall and surrounding streets as the protesters got violent. Demonstrators damaged news stands, glass bus-stops and the windows of a black limousine, which eventually was set on fire. Over 200 protesters were arrested during the day. Police officers resorted to the use of their batons, pepper spray, and flash bangs to subdue the crowds, and three officers were injured during the process.
The president, First Lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, took part in the iconic parade from the Capitol to the White House while very briefly making an appearance at the front of the Trump Hotel. The parade and celebrations continued into the night for the Inaugural Balls where the couple took their first dance as President and First Lady.
Protesters at the 2017 Presidential Inauguration of Donald J. Trump. (Photo courtesy of Nikhil Ghosh-Dastidar)