WASHINGTON — As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office on Monday within the Capitol Rotunda, the political landscape in Washington is markedly different from eight years ago.
Back in 2017, during his inaugural address that included dark themes of “American carnage” delivered in a downpour, many congressional Republicans were ready to counter his extreme agenda and scrutinize his past. However, the current atmosphere sees Republican lawmakers standing resolutely behind him. Key global leaders and corporate heads who once hesitated to align with Trump are set to attend the ceremony, willing to brave the chilly weather to demonstrate their support before plans were shifted indoors.
The city also recalls a stark contrast to four years ago, when President Joe Biden’s inauguration stage had to be swiftly repaired following a violent uprising from Trump’s supporters just weeks prior. The rioters had dismantled parts of the structure to use as projectiles against law enforcement officers who attempted to control the situation as they stormed the Capitol in an effort to disrupt the certification of Biden’s election victory.
During the chaos, the Rotunda was filled as rioters broke through the main entrance, clinging to statues and demanding the presence of lawmakers while engaging in clashes with police.
Trump opted not to attend Biden’s inauguration, prompting many Republicans to initially conclude that Trump’s political journey might be at an end. Instead, he made a comeback, reinvigorating his influence over Washington. “The excitement level among party members is significantly greater than it was eight years ago,” stated Republican Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota. “This represents a victory for the new populist Republican Party.”
This second inaugural ceremony will also differ from the past due to the decision to hold it indoors, a necessary adjustment prompted by biting winds and frigid temperatures. The meticulously prepared platform on the West Front of the Capitol will remain unused while Trump takes the oath inside.
Biden’s inauguration in 2021 was also exceptional, as it occurred with few attendees in light of COVID-19 precautions. Guests were spaced apart rather than crowded together, lending an unusual but more intimate feel to the event. Cramer, who attended, noted it felt “weird” with the sparse attendance, recalling the substantial teleprompter and screen used during Biden’s address.
When reflecting on Trump’s future participation in a second inauguration after being largely ostracized after the January 6 attack, Cramer recalled, “That possibility always existed.”
Senator Mike Rounds from South Dakota emphasized that while Trump was a wild card in 2017, Republicans in Washington have since gained insight into his operational methods. “They know he’ll make provocative statements and test boundaries. But ultimately, they trust he’ll seek advice before making decisions,” Rounds indicated.
Despite solid backing from his party and a semblance of unity in Washington, Trump faces significant hurdles during his second term. The challenges include managing a slim majority in the House and varying opinions within the party as they aim to tackle substantial initiatives such as tax cuts, immigration enforcement, and energy expansion. A test of his influence came in December when Congress turned down his attempt to attach a debt ceiling increase to year-end spending legislation.
In his final hours as president, Biden made several anticipatory pardons, including those for members of the January 6 committee and officers who testified about the events of that day.
For Democrats, the atmosphere is charged with tension. “The divisiveness in our country is profound and transcends the presence of any single person in the Oval Office,” expressed Andy Kim, a rookie senator from New Jersey. He underscored the need for bipartisan legislation that promotes unity, such as initiatives in civics education or a national service program, particularly as the U.S. gears up to celebrate its 250th anniversary.
Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine, noted that Trump’s Cabinet selections differ significantly from those eight years ago. He believes many nominees are loyalists rather than professionals with distinguished credentials. King, who attended Trump’s initial inauguration, recalled feeling struck by the stark nature of Trump’s declaration, “American carnage.” During that address, Trump painted a picture of despair for many Americans affected by impoverished conditions, deindustrialization, and societal issues, asserting, “This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.” King noted that these sentiments returned throughout Trump’s presidency, describing that moment as “jarring.”
