Work on the presidential inauguration platform commenced at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, as congressional leaders drove the first ceremonial nails into the stage—a gesture symbolizing America’s dedication to the peaceful transfer of power. The event marked a stark contrast to the violent breach by Donald Trump’s supporters in 2021, where materials from the inauguration stage were used to attack law enforcement and disrupt the democratic process.
Though the January 6, 2021 attack was not directly addressed, the memory of the event loomed large, especially amidst concerns of potential violence in the upcoming election after a recent apparent assassination attempt against Trump. Sen. Amy Klobuchar emphasized the significance of the workers laying the groundwork for the peaceful transition of power, framing the inauguration as a moment to celebrate democracy and national unity.
The violence that unfolded during the last inauguration became intertwined with the Capitol riots, with rioters overrunning the stage and press platform. Workers had to evacuate and later repair the damage caused by the siege for President Joe Biden’s inauguration. The six congressional leaders, against the backdrop of George Washington laying the Capitol’s cornerstone, hammered a few of the 500,000 nails securing the stage.
The platform, set to host nearly 1,600 individuals, will accommodate the president and vice president-elect, former presidents, foreign dignitaries, judges, and lawmakers to mark the commencement of a new administration. Five American flags will fly above the ceremony, including one for the current flag, two with 13 stars representing the original colonies, and two bearing the number of stars when the president’s home state joined the union.
The platform will feature either a 31-star flag for Vice President Kamala Harris’s California or a 27-star flag for Trump’s Florida, reflecting the next presidency’s historical significance. The incoming president will make history as the first Black woman and South Asian American to hold the office or the second to succeed in a comeback bid to the White House.