Trump supporters, protesters head to inauguration

World Today

Trump supports, protesters head to inauguration

Around 800,000 people are expected to attend Donald Trump’s Presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. on Friday.

Hundreds of thousands more are likely to hold demonstrations on the sidelines.

CGTN’s Steve Mort spoke with two Americans who are traveling to the U.S. capital. One to celebrate, the other to protest.

Given awards by Donald Trump for his efforts, Randy Ross said he campaigned tirelessly to help the Republican win the battleground state of Florida.

Now, he felt it’s important to travel to Washington to witness Mr. Trump’s swearing-in as U.S. President.

Ross is a member Orlando’s gay community, which was hit hard by last year’s mass shooting at a gay nightclub here. He admits he’s concerned about security at the inauguration. He said the mass protests being organized, combined with the threat of terrorism, give him pause.

While many Donald Trump supporters in Florida said they’re excited about the inauguration, the Republican won this state by just 1.2 percent in November. And many of those who voted against him say they’ll also be going to Washington but for very different reasons.

Hillary Clinton supporter Emma Collum is organizing travel for hundreds of people from Florida to Washington who will march against Trump the day after the inauguration. Hundreds of thousands are expected to join the protest organized by American women.

As an employee of a manufacturing firm, Collum said she’s worried about a potential trade war with China, and Donald Trump’s comments on women and immigrants.

Collum said she wants to hear a unifying message from Donald Trump in his inauguration speech.

She’s just one of hundreds of thousands of Americans making the pilgrimage to Washington who’ll be looking to the address to set the tone for the next four years.


Preparations for Trump inauguration in final stages

Nearly one million people are expected to descend on the U.S. Capital for the inauguration.

As CGTN’s Jim Spellman reports, security will be tight as police prepare for both supporters and protesters.

The marching bands are rehearsing and the stand-ins for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence are running through what will be a well-choreographed presidential inauguration.

After the ceremony, the new president will participate in the traditional parade along Pennsylvania Avenue, past his newly-opened Trump hotel to the White House.

In the evening, black tie balls will be held throughout Washington D.C. All that as protesters and counter-protesters will try to make their voices heard.

Preparations are well underway on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Crews are laying down this flooring where the thousands of spectators will stand in a few days. These speakers are set up along the mall and stands have been built for spectators and the press.

Security is a top priority. Officials are concerned about everything from drones in the sky to cyber-attacks to a Nice or Berlin style attack where someone uses a vehicle as a weapon. The barricades have been constructed around the site of the inauguration and along the parade route. Washington, DC is accustomed to hosting high profile events, and officials say there is no specific credible threat to the inauguration, but they must remain vigilant.