The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
To see history in the making
Distance to hail their hero – as opponents converge to condemn ‘schoolyard bully’
“I was very involved in the campaign in my area so in order for me to have the understanding of who Donald was, I had to be there so I could hear what he wanted to do with my own ears.
“I became a believer early, early on. He’s a very strong man and I’m thankful he’s not a politician.
“He’s a man that has so much intelligence. I can’t even imagine what goes on in his brain because he’s 18 to 20 steps ahead of anyone around him.”
Michele Kinson, from southern California, also travelled to DC for the occasion.
The 46-year-old, who describes herself as a quarter Scottish, said she voted for Mr Trump because he will put America first, and referred to the wall on the Mexican border Mr Trump has promised to keep out illegal immigrants.
She added: “I want a wall. He’s going to be looking out for the interests of America.”
As well as supporters, protesters also flocked to the city to demonstrate over the weekend.
Kieran McLean, 21, a waiter from Pennsylvania, said he is opposed to a Muslim registry, mass deportations, climate change denial and the “ethical corruption of government and business”.
“I think Trump has unleashed a wave of our worst, most savage and cruel instincts, both in his policies and his specific personality which is that of schoolyard bully made president.
“I’m here to make my voice heard against that.”
Barbra Bearden, 36, who also wanted to make a statement, decided to do her workout at Thursday’s Make America Great Again concert at the Lincoln Memorial wearing a “Love Trumps Hate” bib.
It was part of the official programme which began with a wreath-laying by the president-elect and vicepresident-elect at the military cemetery at Arlington in Virginia, just outside the DC boundary. Among the headline acts were country star Lee Greenwood and rock band 3 Doors Down.
Actor Jon Voight, a vocal supporter of Mr Trump throughout the campaign, also took part. Addressing the huge crowds in Constitution Gardens and The Mall, he said to cheers: “We will be part of history, all of us. And President Lincoln who sits here with us I’m sure is smiling knowing America will be saved by an honest and good man who will work for all the people – no matter their creed or colour.
“So let us rejoice that, from this time on, we will see a renewed America.”
Channelling his campaign slogan, Mr Trump, who later spoke from the stage, said: “We’re going to make America great for all our people.” It would have been impossible to spend even a minute in the city over the last week and not witness the preparations for the presidential inauguration.
Security railings and red, white and blue bunting have been going up in equal measure.
And by Thursday morn- ing the Capitol area and inaugural parade route were in lockdown.
But even if you had spent the last few days on Mars, the sirens alone – sounding repeatedly throughout the night – would have been clue enough that something significant was about to happen.
Stepping out of my hotel at 5.15am the city was already alive with people filing off coaches after long journeys from all points America.
Less than five yards away, a group of US soldiers directed traffic.
They were also posted at every Metro station, on hand to assist the tens of thousands of police and secret service officers amid fears of a terrorist attack.