TRUMPED UP
GARDEN GNOME: Magdalena Kammermeier completes a snow sculpture of US president-elect Donald Trump in her garden in Wenzenbach near Regensburg, Germany
WASHINGTON is turning into a virtual fortress ahead of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration today, as the US capital braces for more than 250 000 protesters expected during the Republican’s swearing-in.
Police have forecast that about 900 000 people, both supporters and opponents, will flood Washington for the inauguration ceremony, which includes the swearing-in on the steps of the US Capitol and a parade to the White House along streets thronged with onlookers.
Many of those attending will be protesters irate about the New York real estate developer’s demeaning comments about women, immigrants and Muslims, a vow to repeal the sweeping healthcare reform law known as “Obamacare” and plans to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.
His supporters admire Trump’s experience in business and view him as an outsider and problem-solver.
About 28 000 security personnel, kilometres of fencing, roadblocks, street barricades and dump trucks laden with sand will be part of the security cordon clamped around 8km² of central Washington.
About 30 groups that organisers claim will draw about 270 000 protesters or Trump backers have received permits for rallies or marches before, during and after the swearing-in. More protests are expected without permits.
By far the biggest protest will be the Women’s March on Washington, which organisers expect to draw 250 000 people.
Interim police chief Peter Newsham said officers were prepared to carry out mass arrests, though authorities hoped that would not be necessary.
Police and security officials have said repeatedly they are committed to guaranteeing protesters’ constitutional rights to free speech and peaceable assembly.
Today’s crowds are expected to be less than the two million who attended Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, and in line with the million who were at his second, four years ago.