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A photographer frames a shot of the Capitol as Proud Boys look on.
A photographer frames a shot of the Capitol as Proud Boys look on.
Benjamin Austin

In downtown Washington, President Trump’s supporters celebrate, shiver and gloat

Thousands endured long lines and frigid temperatures celebrating Trump’s second inauguration.

Thousands of Trump supporters gathered in downtown Washington on Monday for President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.

In a city where less than 7% voted for the Republican, Trump supporters stood out. Many visitors wore merchandise branded with Trump’s name, face and slogans.

Among the newcomers, the Proud Boys, a right-wing extremist organization with a history of political violence, drew attention.

According to footage captured by documentarian Ford Fischer, the group marched from downtown Washington, through Judiciary Square and to Union Station before dispersing. They paused three times to take group pictures: once in front of the District of Columbia Superior Court where Jan. 6 rioters were charged, once with a group of anti-Chinese Communist Party protestors and once on the stairs of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Many supporters waited in a long line for the Inaugural Parade, which was relocated from Pennsylvania Avenue to Capital One Arena in Gallery Place because of the cold weather. The temperature fell as low as 17, according to Accuweather.

Long lines of people also queued for the three Inaugural Balls happening that evening at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Vendors sold Trump and inaugural memorabilia from tables, steadily lowering their prices as the night progressed and the streets emptied.

Diners eat at Carmine’s. Trump supporters gathered to eat at the restaurant and watch the ceremony on inauguration day. (Ben Ackman)
A security checkpoint on the way to Capital One Arena. (Benjamin Austin)
A Trump supporter imitates a photo of Trump taken after he was shot near Butler, PA. (Benjamin Austin)
A member of the Proud Boys holds a banner reading “Congratulations President Trump.” (Ben Ackman)
Two members of the Proud Boys march with a banner. (Ben Ackman)
A counter-protester shouts at Metropolitan Police Department officers while recording on his phone. (Ben Ackman)
An anti-Chinese Communist Party demonstrator chants as the Proud Boys reposition for a photo. (Ben Ackman)
Proud Boys assemble for a group photo on the stairs of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. (Benjamin Austin)
Guests of an Inaugural Ball queue in line blocks away from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. (Benjamin Austin)
A street vendor displays a Trump-branded sneaker on sale for $150. (Ben Ackman)

 

Trump supporters leave Capital One Arena after the Inaugural Parade. A handful wore confederate symbols. (Benjamin Austin)
Guards inspect a car at a security checkpoint near Capital One Arena. (Ben Ackman)
A Trump supporter dances near a portable stage. (Benjamin Austin)
A Trump supporter poses while a man holds a sign with an anti-Trump slogan behind him. The other side of the sign read, “F— Biden.” (Ben Ackman)
Hats with Trump’s signature catchphrase, “Make America Great Again,” sit on a railing. (Ben Ackman)
Street vendors pack up their merchandise. (Ben Ackman)
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About the Contributors
Ben Ackman
Ben Ackman, Multimedia Producer
Ben Ackman (he/him) is a sophomore from Jersey City, NJ. He enjoys reading, writing, and working out and aims to bring back blogs in 2025.
Benjamin Austin
Benjamin Austin, Staff Editor
Benjamin Austin (He/Him) is a junior studying journalism. He enjoys biking, skiing, camping, and reading.