Trump supporters descend on Washington ahead of inauguration

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(Americas Today Thursday 19 January 2017)

Trump supporters descend on Washington ahead of inauguration

A rehearsal for the inauguration ceremony taking place at the United States Capitol.

President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in tomorrow night. Photo: Reuters

Fewer official balls, less glitz and celebrity talent to welcome the new commander-in-chief

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Published: 4:00 AM, January 19, 2017

WASHINGTON — Republican Linda Cools journeyed from Chicago to Washington to be a part of history: The upcoming inauguration of her favourite candidate Donald Trump to be the United States’ 45th President.

“I’m very excited. It’ll be wonderful to see a new transition, a peaceful transition that does not happen globally,” the 50-year-old public relations writer told AFP as she shopped for Mr Trump inauguration souvenirs just a stone’s throw from the White House.

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Mr Trump’s supporters are converging on the nation’s capital ahead of tomorrow night’s swearing in, keen to bear witness as the political novice takes the reins of US government — and eager to see his legions of critics proven wrong.

As the authorities fenced off parts of the inaugural parade route and viewing area, the weather was not obliging the city’s visitors as rain drenched the US Capitol grounds and Washington Mall, where some 800,000 people are expected to gather tomorrow night.

But several visitors were already soaking up the patriotic spectacle that accompanies the transfer of power every four years.

Ms Vasi Gaua and her husband travelled from San Bernardino, California for the inauguration, and despite the rain and frustrations with catching a city tour bus, they remained optimistic about tomorrow’s “historic moment”.

“I was always a big fan” of Mr Trump, she said. “I like how he’s forward with people, tells it like it is.”

Ms Gaua, 35, helps with her family’s landscape business back home. But she and her husband were spending the week in Washington, thrilled that they snagged inauguration tickets through their congressman.

Ms Gaua recognised the divisions exposed during the campaign, but suggested the coming days be for healing, not protests.

Like those who came before him, Mr Trump will take his oath on the steps of the US Capitol building and lead a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, but there will be fewer official balls and less glitz and celebrity talent to welcome in the new President.

At least 50 US House Democrats have announced they will not attend the inauguration.

Several singers — including Elton John and Charlotte Church — declined invitations to perform at inaugural events.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, singer Jackie Evancho and the Rockettes dancing troupe are among those slated to perform, although individual Rockettes will be allowed to opt out of performing if they so choose.

Mr Trump’s inaugural committee has said it is intentionally avoiding top entertainers.

“We’re fortunate in that we have the greatest celebrity in the world, which is the President-elect,” Mr Tom Barrack, inaugural committee chairman, told reporters at Trump Tower in New York last week.

“So what we’ve done, instead of trying to surround him with what people consider A-listers, is we are going to surround him with the soft sensuality of the place,” he said.

Mr Trump, who is entering office with unusually low approval ratings, has repeatedly pushed back against reports that his inauguration may be lacking in star power or have low attendance.

Just 40 per cent of Americans said they had a favourable view of Mr Trump versus 55 per cent who had an unfavourable view, according to a Gallup poll taken from Jan 4 to Jan 8.

“People are pouring into Washington in record numbers,” Mr Trump said on Twitter on Tuesday. “Bikers for Trump are on their way. It will be a great Thursday, Friday and Saturday!”

Besides Mr Trump’s supporters, Republican sceptics have also arrived, hoping their new commander-in-chief can dial back his confrontational rhetoric, heal a divided nation and focus on leading the world’s biggest economy.

“I’m trying to get on the bandwagon, but it’s a challenge,” admitted Mr Peter Kelly of New York, as he took in the splendour of the American flag-draped lobby of the new Trump International Hotel blocks from the White House.

“I want to hear him give a speech of inclusiveness, and what America’s importance in the world is, and not take an arrogant tone about it.”

Outside the US Capitol, some Democratic visitors were refusing to let the election’s outcome ruin their plans.

Ms Angie Norton, who works in pharmaceuticals in northern California, joined her sister-in-law Eden Arnold, and Ms Arnold’s two children and mother for a major trip to Washington.

As Mrs Clinton supporters, instead of celebrating Mr Trump’s rise, they are set to join protests against a man that Ms Norton insists “instils hate”.

“We came for Hillary Clinton’s inauguration and this other guy was elected,” Ms Norton quipped.

Her family had been looking forward to seeing the first woman ascend to the Oval Office. Instead, they will witness the dawn of the Trump era.

“We did not want to cancel the trip,” Ms Norton insisted. “Everything was paid for.” AGENCIES