This video contains graphic content and language. Protests erupt outside Thursday’s “DeploraBall,” a Washington event celebrating Donald Trump’s election.
WASHINGTON — As the nation’s capital prepares to welcome Donald Trump into the White House on Friday, protests here that may ultimately include tens of thousands of people — or more — have already begun.
Trump, who fell more than 2.8 million votes short of his opponent in the popular vote and enters the Oval Office with historically low approval ratings for an incoming president, has inspired a wide range of voices to rise up against him, and the first signs of dissent erupted Thursday night outside the National Press Club.
An anti-fascist group, Refuse Fascism, protested a gathering of what it called “the Alt-Reich” outside the “DeploraBall” at the press club, where many figures associated with the white nationalist “alt-right” movement were assembled to celebrate Trump’s victory.
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“Americans in favor of competent, America-first leadership were insulted, harassed, and assaulted for holding views contrary to those of the bicoastal, bipartisan ‘elites,’” ball organizers said on their Internet invitation to the party. “This was our election. We emerged victorious.”
Outside the building, the crowd briefly scuffled with the police, with some protesters throwing paper signs and what appeared to be firecrackers at officers.
Protesters outside the “DeploraBall” at the National Press Club in Washington, where many figures associated with the white nationalist movement celebrated.
(John Minchillo / Associated Press)
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Demonstrators chanted “Nazi scum, off our streets!” as well-dressed celebrants entered the building. The crowd booed as one man in a tuxedo walked in and displayed his middle finger to those outside.
“They are white supremacist fascists,” group volunteer Desba Rojas said in an interview, referring to Trump and his vice president-elect, Mike Pence. “They are about to reinstate a fascist government.”
Rojas said her goal was “to stop them from getting into office, and if they get into office, sopping them before they can consolidate” power.
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On Wednesday, hundreds of LGBT activists shut down the streets around Pence’s home to protest his conservative record on gay rights as the governor of Indiana. They protested by dancing, bearing rainbow flags flapping in the breeze.
Leftist protesters are also planning to disrupt Inauguration Day, with a coalition called DisruptJ20 planning a march and other actions to disrupt security checkpoints. A different antiwar and anti-racism group, the ANSWER Coalition, was planning to hold permitted #InaugurateTheResistance demonstrations near the inaugural parade route.
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President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up alongside first lady Melania Trump at the Salute To Our Armed Services Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. At left is Army Staff Sgt. Joseph A. Medina and second from left is Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Catherine Cartmell.
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President Donald J. Trump dances with U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Catherine Cartmell while first lady Melania Trump dances with U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Medina during the Armed Forces Ball at the National Building Museum on Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
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President Donald J. Trump dances with first lady Melania Trump during the Armed Forces Ball at the National Building Museum on Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
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First lady Melania Trump watches as President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are helped by Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Babot as they cut a cake at the Salute To Our Armed Services Inaugural Ball on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington. Karen Pence watches at right.
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President Donald Trump talks with soldiers and Marines via video link during the Armed Forces Ball at the National Building Museum on Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
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Members of the U.S. military cheer for U.S. President Donald Trump during the Armed Forces Ball at the National Building Museum on Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
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President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, his wife Karen Pence and their families thanks guests during the inaugural Freedom Ball at the National Building Museum on Jan. 20, 2017 in Washington, D.C.
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President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence dance at the Freedom Inaugural Ball in Washington on Jan. 20, 2017.
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President Donald Trump dances with first lady Melania Trump at the Freedom Ball at the Washington Convention Center Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington.
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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump dance at the Liberty Ball on Jan. 20, 2017.
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President Donald Trump, right, dances with first lady Melania Trump as Vice President Mike Pence dances with his wife Karen Pence at the Liberty Ball on Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington.
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President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and their families attend the Liberty Ball in Washington on Jan. 20. 2017.
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President Donald Trump waves as he walks with first lady Melania Trump and his son Barron, left, during the inauguration parade on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2016.
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Vice President Mike Pence waves with his wife Karen Pence during the 58th Presidential Inauguration parade for President Donald Trump in Washington on Jan. 20, 2017.
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U.S. President Donald Trump gestures after getting out of his car in front of the White House on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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A parked limousine burns during a demonstration after the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2017. Protesters registered their rage against the new president Friday in a chaotic confrontation with police who used pepper spray and stun grenades in a melee just blocks from Donald Trump’s inaugural parade route.
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People line the inaugural parade route after Donald J. Trump took the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC on Jan. 20, 2017.
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US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden walk through the Crypt of the Capitol for Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2107.
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Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump arrive for the Presidential Inauguration of their father Donald Trump at the US Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Police and demonstrators clash in downtown Washington after a limo was set on fire following the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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President Donald J. Trump rides in the Presidential Limousine along Pennsylvania Ave. during the Inaugural Parade after he was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017.
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People watch the parade Jan. 20, 2017 along Pennsylvania Avenue after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
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The presidential limousine drives up Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House surrounded by security detail after inauguration ceremonies on Capitol Hill for US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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A protester takes a picture while holding a sign that reads “IMPEACH” in downtown Washington following the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Police use shield to block bricks thrown at them as they confront protesters after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Police confront demonstrators during a protest against the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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The presidential limousine leaves Capitol Hill grounds and drives up Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House surrounded by security detail after inauguration ceremonies for US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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A man puts on a poncho as people wait for the parade to begin on Jan. 20, 2017 along Pennsylvania Avenue after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
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Members of the US Marines march during the 2017 Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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he presidential limousine pulls up after U.S. President Donald Trump, with first lady Melania Trump, Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence reviewed troops on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up in front of House Speaker Paul Ryan after being presented a photo of his inauguration during the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol following his inauguration as the 45th President of the United States, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., hugs his wife Jane O’Meara Sanders, during the inaugural luncheon in honor of President Donald Trump at the Statuary Hall in the Capitol on Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington.
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Police check on a protester after he was pepper sprayed during a demonstration on the day of President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.
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President Donald J. Trump leaves after being sworn in followed by first lady Melania Trump on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017.
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US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y, as he is joined by the Congressional leadership and his family while he formally signs his cabinet nominations into law, in the President’s Room of the Senate, at the Capitol in Washington,DC on January 20, 2017. From left are Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence, Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr., and Ivanka Trump.
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President Donald Trump turns to House Speaker Paul Ryan as he is joined by the Congressional leadership and his family as he formally signs his cabinet nominations into law, in the President’s Room of the Senate, at the Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 20, 2017.
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President Donald Trump waves after taking the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts, as his wife Melania holds the Bible, daughter Tiffany, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington.
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First lady Melania Trump stands with President Donald Trump as former President Barack Obama kisses the hand of his wife Michelle Obama, during a departure ceremony on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 in Washington.
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Former President Obama waves from the helicopter he departs the US Capitol after inauguration ceremonies in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017.
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Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle walk to an Air Force jet to depart Andrews Air Force base in Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.
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A supporter waves a flag Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 during the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump,former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama at the US Capitol after inauguration ceremonies at the in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017.
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President Donald Trump waves as Vice President Mike Pence and First Lady Melania Trump applaud on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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A Trump supporter yells at protesters on Jan. 20, 2017 after the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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Supporters and others watch and cheer during the swearing-in Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 at the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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Supporters and others watch Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 during the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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Supporters celebrate Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 during the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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President Donald Trump pumps his fist after delivering his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 45th president of the United States during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.
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President Donald Trump and former president Barack Obama exchange words at the U.S. Capitol with First Lady Melania Trump and Michelle Obamal on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Supporters and others bow their heads for a prayer on Jan. 20, 2017 during the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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Police officers pepper spray a group of protestors before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Former US President Barack Obama (R) watches as President Donald J. Trump is embraced by his family after taking the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC, January 20, 2017.
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Protesters wear shirts that spell ‘Resist’ as President-elect Donald J. Trump delivers his Inaugural address after taking the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC, January 20, 2017.
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President-elect Donald J. Trump (L) takes the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC, January 20, 2017.
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President-elect Donald J. Trump (L) takes the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States while First Lady Melania Trump (R) holds a bible in Washington, DC, January 20, 2017.
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Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump looks on during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.
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US President elect Donald Trump (R) and Vice President elect Mike Pence seat during the swearing-in ceremony on in front of the Capitol in Washington on January 20, 2017.
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President-elect Donald Trump waits to stop out onto the portico for his Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.
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A moving van pulls into the back of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017.
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U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (L) takes the oath of office from Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (R) as his wife Karen Pence holds the Bible, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Donald Trump, Jr., (L) and Eric Trump (R) attend the Presidential Inauguration of their father Donald Trump at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 20, 2017.
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US President Barack Obama (R) greets President-elect Donald Trump as he arrives on the platform at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017, before his swearing-in ceremony.
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President-elect Donald J. Trump (C) arrives to be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC, on Jan. 20, 2017.
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Cheryl Edmondson cries as President-elect Donald Trump appears for his inauguration, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington.
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Supporters react as President-elect Donald Trump appears for his inauguration, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington.
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U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Melania Trump and President Barack Obama arrive on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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President-elect Donald Trump kisseshis wife Mlania as he arrives at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017, for his swearing-in ceremony.
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President Elect Donald Trump arrives on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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President-elect Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with President Barack Obama before the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.
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President-elect Donald Trump arrives during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20, 2017.
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Melania Trump straightens son Barron Trump’s tie on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today’s inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States.
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U.S. President Barack Obama (C) greets (L-R) Melania Trump, Karen Pence, Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump, Jr. and Ivanka Trump on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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President Barack Obama, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Vice President Joe Biden arrivei on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Former President Jimmy Carter (L-R), Rosalynn Carter, Former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton and Former President George W. Bush wait for the 58th Presidential Inauguration to begin at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.
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The presidential motorcade drives down Pennsylvania Ave towards the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Former President Bill Clinton and former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton arrive on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Melania Trump arrives on the platform of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017, before the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump.
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US President Barrack Obama arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected US President Donald Trump in front of the Capitol in Washington on January 20, 2017.
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Former US President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter arrive for the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 20, 2017.
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Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and former US President Bill Clinton arrive on the West Front of the US Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Demonstrators hold signs before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura arrive for the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Donald Trump in Washington on Jan. 20, 2017.
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A man polishes the presidential limousine at the US Capitol before Donald J. Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC on Jan. 20, 2017.
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US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome Preisdent-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania to the White House in Washington, DC on January 20, 2017.
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People arrive on Jan. 20, 2017 before the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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US Senator Ted Cruz arrives for the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 20, 2017.
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Former US Senator Bob Dole arrives for the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump at the US Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) arrives on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Merchandise for sale on Jan. 20, 2017 during the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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Students on a school trip wait Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 for the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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Protesters rally outside a checkpoint near Pennsylvania Avenue on Jan. 20, 2017 during the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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President-elect Donald Trump gives a thumbs up, as his wife Melania Trump and First lady Michelle Obama speak, upon arriving at the White House on January 20, 2017, in Washington, DC.
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US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome Preisdent-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania to the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017.
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Inaugural attendees move through demonstrators attempting to block people entering a security checkpoint on Jan. 20, 2017, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington.
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Spectators wait in the rain on the National Mall in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, before the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump.
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Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, center, arrives for the presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Photographers crowd on a photo platform in front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Former President George W. Bush and wife Laura Bush arrive near the east front steps of the Capitol Building before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in at the 58th Presidential Inauguration on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 2017.
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Members of the US Army Herald Trumpets gather before the Inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 at the Capitol in Washington, DC.
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Supporters walk by a viewing screen in an empty area near the Washington Monument on Jan. 20, 2017 before the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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People arrive on Jan. 20, 2017 before the inauguration of President Donald Trump on the National Mall.
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President Barack Obama walks from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, before the start of presidential inaugural festivities for the incoming 45th President of the United States Donald Trump.
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President Barack Obama departs the Oval Office for the last time as president, at the White House in Washington, DC on January 20, 2017.
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The crowd on the National Mall about two hours before Donald J. Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017.
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People gather on the National Mall prior to the inauguration on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump is being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States.
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Protesters are watched by police during an anti-Trump demonstration on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Protesters attempted to block an entrance to the inauguration ceremony.
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US Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill welcome Vice-president elect Mike Pence, left, and his wife Karen, right, to the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017.
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President-elect Donald Trump waves as he walks to his vehicles at a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington on Jan. 20, 2017.
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President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania speak with Reverend Luis Leon as they leave St. John’s Episcopal Church on January 20, 2017, before Trump’s inauguration.
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A worker cleans steps on the inaugural stand on January 20, 2017, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
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President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrives for a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Jan. 20, 2017, on Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day.
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Demonstrators protest against US President-elect Donald Trump before his inauguration on January 20, 2017, in Washington, DC. Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th president of the United States Friday -- capping his improbable journey to the White House and beginning a four-year term that promises to shake up Washington and the world.
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People gather to watch the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2017, in Washington, DC.
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Young members of the National Cathedral Choir wait below the Capitol dome in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017, before the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump.
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Police try to remove demonstrators to let people into an inauguration gate in Washington, Jan. 20, 2017, ahead of the President-elect Donald Trump inauguration.
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A U.S. Marine stands on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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The sun begins to rise behind the Capitol dome several hours before Donald J. Trump takes the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC, January 20, 2017.
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The Capitol Building is illuminated against the sunrise before the presidential inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington.
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People begin to arrive on the National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument several hours before Donald J. Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC.
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A military helicopter lands at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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Two U.S. Marines walk between chairs set up on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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A supporter rides the metro towards the National Mall for the inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.
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The White House on the last night of the Obama presidency Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017.
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Vice President-elect Mike Pence, left, and his wife Karen, second from left, applaud as President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive for a VIP reception and dinner with donors, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Washington.
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President-elect Donald Trump, right, holds the hand of Kellyanne Conway, his campaign manager, as she takes a bow during a VIP reception and dinner with donors, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Washington.
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President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a welcome celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on January 19, 2017.
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President-elect Donald Trump speaks during the inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial January 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. Trump will be sworn in as president tomorrow morning. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected tomorrow for Trump’s inauguration as the 45th president of the United States.
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Luke Gwinn of West Virginia and other supporters of President-elect Donald Trump attend a welcome concert on Jan. 19, 2017 on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial.
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Anti-Trump protesters tangle with police outside of the Deplora Ball at the National Press Building, on Jan. 19, 2017, in Washington.
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Anti-Trump protesters gather outside of the Deplora Ball at the National Press Building, on Jan. 19, 2017, in Washington.
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US President-elect Donald Trump gestures during a welcome celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on January 19, 2017.
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President-Elect Donald J. Trump, his wife Melania Trump and his family stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at the end of the ‘Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration’ a day before Trump is to be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC on Jan. 19, 2017.
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epa05732499 Attendees are seen during the 58th Presidential Inauguration Welcome Celebration in Washington, DC, USA, 19 January 2017. Trump won the 08 November 2016 election to become the next US President. EPA/JOHN TAGGART ** Usable by LA, CT and MoD ONLY ** (JOHN TAGGART / EPA)
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US President-elect Donald Trump and wife Melania look at the Abraham Lincoln statue as they arrive for a welcome celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on January 19, 2017.
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A military band performs during a welcome celebration for President-elect Donald Trump and wife Melania at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on Jan. 19, 2017.
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President-elect Donald Trump attends a pre-Inaugural “Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration” at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017.
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Attendees are seen during the 58th Presidential Inauguration Welcome Celebration in Washington, DC on Jan. 19, 2017.
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President-elect Donald Trump, left, and his wife Melania Trump arrive to the “Make America Great Again Welcome Concert” at the Lincoln Memorial, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Washington.
(Evan Vucci / AP)
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President-elect Donald Trump and family pose at the end of the inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial Jan. 19, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
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President-elect Donald Trump stands with his family during the “Make America Great Again Welcome Concert” at the Lincoln Memorial, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Washington.
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President-elect Donald Trump looks on during the inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial January 19, 2017 in Washington, D.C.
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Members of the American Tap Company warm up before performing at the Voices for the People inaugural musical event on Jan. 19, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
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President-elect Donald Trump, accompanied by Vice President-elect Mike Pence places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., ahead of Friday’s presidential inauguration.
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Crowds of President-elect Donald Trump supporters cheer during a welcome concert Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Crowds of President-elect Donald Trump supporters arrive for a welcome concert Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial.
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Crowds of President-elect Donald Trump supporters arrive for a welcome concert Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
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Crowds of President-elect Donald Trump supporters arrive for a welcome concert Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
Also significant is who won’t be there: dozens of congressional Democrats who, concerned about Trump’s agenda and possible Russian interference in the election, followed the lead of lifelong civil rights activist Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) in refusing to attend Trump’s swearing-in. The liberal advocacy group MoveOn.org had collected more than 100,000 names on a digital petition in support of an inauguration boycott, which stated that “any politician who attends Trump’s inauguration is normalizing and legitimizing a presidency that should only be resisted. Denounced. Defied. Boycotted.”
Security will be extraordinarily high, with large bags, signs with poles and long umbrellas banned. (Guns are not allowed to be carried openly in Washington, and concealed carry is allowed only if the gun owner has a license issued by the district.)
The local American Civil Liberties Union chapter said it planned to print 10,000 copies of a “know your rights” pamphlet for activists. As with many events expected to draw large protests, the National Lawyers Guild, a radical legal collective that provides legal support to protesters, has been recruiting legal observers to monitor protests, help jailed protesters and provide legal representation in court.
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“The jail support team will handle hotlines, track arrests and assist people as they are released,” the guild said on its website.
Paranoia has been running strong on both the left and the right, with signs of subterfuge already evident. Conservative activist James O’Keefe published undercover video of left-wing activists discussing how to disrupt the inauguration, presumably in an effort of his own to disrupt their plans. A mysterious new website called “Demand Protest” recently sprinkled Internet ads in cities around the U.S. claiming that it secretly hires paid protesters on behalf of the powerful — except there was nothing to suggest the program was genuine.
The big march of the weekend is scheduled for Saturday, when thousands of women — and men — will amass for the Women’s March on Washington. Simultaneous rallies were planned all over the country.
Ellison Langford, a 29-year-old employee of the University of Florida in Gainesville, couldn’t find a cheap hotel around the District of Columbia, so she planned to board a chartered bus Friday night, ride all night to Washington and then protest after arriving on Saturday morning. She’ll ride back that night — a long trip, but worth it.
“I moped for a couple days after the election results were announced, but then I resolved I didn’t want to find myself in a position down the road where I wished I’d done more to resist the incoming administration,” Langford wrote in a direct message on Twitter.
She said “a LOT” of her friends were going too, with some planning to drive themselves.
“We’re going a bunch of different ways,” Langford said, “but we’re determined to get there.”
Matt Pearce was a reporter for the Los Angeles Times from 2012 to 2024. He previously covered the covering internet culture and podcasting, the 2020 presidential election and spent six years on The Times’ national desk, where he wrote stories about violence, disasters, social movements and civil liberties. Pearce was one of the first national reporters to arrive in Ferguson, Mo., during the uprising in 2014, and he chased Hurricane Harvey across Texas as the storm ravaged the Lone Star State in 2017. A University of Missouri graduate, he hails from a small town outside Kansas City, Mo.
