The 58th presidential inauguration on Friday marks the beginning of Donald J. Trump’s four-year term in office. Here are six things to expect regarding the big day and other ceremonies throughout the week.
1. Business as usual — Despite the unfamiliar nature of this election and of the president-elect's historic win, the inauguration will likely unfold as usual. It is possible that the new president could have a few surprises up his sleeve, but the celebration is planned months in advance by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. More details are available on the inaugural website.
2. Boosted D.C. economy — The inauguration will draw impressive crowds to the nation's capital. An increase in spending and consumption in the city will be the natural result of perhaps a million extra guests. Airbnb hosts in the area are expected to earn $3.5 million over the weekend, according to NBC Washington. Not all of the crowds, however, will be there to celebrate.
3. Record protests — President-elect Trump’s inauguration is expected to attract a record number of protestors. A permanent demonstration space near the White House is in the works for Anti-Trump activists, and the “ANSWER” protest website claims to have 20,000 RSVPs. According to VOA news, increased security measures are already in the works.
4. Inaugural address seeking to mend division — Presidential inaugural addresses are tailored to the tenor of the times. Reaching out to all Americans and quelling concerns about election campaign rhetoric are likely to be prevalent themes.
5. The Rockettes and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir — These groups have agreed to perform during the Inauguration Day ceremonies, USA Today writes. They're both scheduled to perform during President-elect Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
6. A guest list in limbo — One month before the ceremony, “Jimmy Carter is the only former president to RSVP,” Politico reported. But other former presidents soon said they'd be attending, including Bill and Hillary Clinton and George W. Bush and his wife Laura. George H. W. and Barbara Bush will not attend. The former president sent a note to Trump even before he and his wife were hospitalized this week.
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