Polarized reactions to President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming swearing-in
As Donald Trump prepares to assume office once again, Washington, DC, is witnessing a curious phenomenon: a mass exodus of residents seeking to avoid the city during the inauguration. For many, Trump’s return symbolizes a divisive chapter in American politics.
Avoiding “hostile negative energy”
With just two days remaining until the inauguration, some DC residents are making plans to be far away. Alejandra Whitney-Smith, a longtime resident, told The Guardian that she will spend the week in a remote cabin without technology.
“Inauguration weekend coincides with my birthday, which I usually spend in DC, but after the election, I told myself, ‘Oh no, I can’t be here,’” she said.
Whitney-Smith views Trump’s re-election as a reflection of America’s “ugly side,” highlighting her concerns rooted in events like the January 6th Capitol attack, which deeply affected her family. Her mother, who was working at the Library of Congress during the riots, had to endure the chaos firsthand.
During the inauguration weekend, Whitney-Smith plans to focus on self-reflection and vision-boarding, choosing to channel her energy elsewhere.
Whitney-Smith also expressed disappointment in the country’s failure to elect Vice President Kamala Harris. “I had faith people would not regress after Trump’s first term. But I also knew America wasn’t ready for a Black woman president, especially against someone with a near-cult-like following like Trump.”
Trauma of past events influences decision-making
For some residents, the memories of January 6th linger. Tia Butler, another DC local, shared her apprehensions: “I remember the pro-life protesters after the 2020 election and the riots at the Capitol. I don’t want to be in the city during the inauguration.”
Butler’s disillusionment runs deep. “It feels like we’d rather have a criminal leading the country than a person of color or a woman,” she remarked, referencing her contrasting views with Trump supporters.
Excitement on the other side
While many residents plan their escape, Trump’s supporters are eagerly arriving in the capital. Hotels are reportedly 70% booked, with rates ranging from $900 to $1,500 per night. For conservatives, the inauguration is a celebration of their candidate’s resilience and return to power.
Trump’s strained relationship with DC
Despite the enthusiasm among his base, Trump has often criticized Washington, DC. He previously referred to the capital as a “filthy and crime-ridden embarrassment to our nation” and has promised sweeping changes, including a radical rebuild of the city. His plan involves recruiting billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk to reduce the federal workforce.
As the nation braces for another Trump presidency, Washington, DC, becomes a microcosm of the deep divisions in American society. While some residents flee the city, others arrive to cheer on their leader, underscoring the polarized emotions surrounding his return to power.