The U.S. Capitol has ramped up security as it prepares for President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. With 30 miles of tall black fencing and over 25,000 law enforcement officers deployed, Washington is bracing for an event of political ceremony guarded with heightened security measures.
The presidential inauguration, scheduled for Monday, will take place on the Capitol steps facing the Washington Monument. This location holds a deep historical and symbolic significance. However, it also reminds many of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. Heavy barricades and concrete barriers will enforce a secure perimeter, closing major portions of downtown Washington to vehicular traffic as part of preparations.
After a turbulent campaign season marked by two attempts on Trump’s life and two New Year’s Day attacks on civilians, officials are concerned about potential lone-wolf threats. One attack involved a U.S. Army veteran driving a truck into New Orleans revelers, killing 14, while another involved a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump-branded hotel in Las Vegas. Both incidents have heightened fears of violence during the inauguration.
The city will host 7,800 National Guard troops and 4,000 additional officers from across the country to mitigate risks. Despite the absence of any coordinated threats, security agencies such as the Secret Service and Capitol Police have underscored the importance of maintaining vigilance.
Washington residents, many of whom voted overwhelmingly against Trump, are preparing for a weekend of disruption. The divide is reflected in the number of hotel bookings, with about 70% occupancy for the event, compared to 95% for the Trump inauguration in 2017 and 78% for Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013.
Protests and rallies will dominate the weekend, with the anti-Trump “People’s March on DC” expected to attract about 25,000 participants, though significantly fewer than the massive Women’s March following Trump’s 2017 inauguration. Meanwhile, Trump supporters will gather at events such as a rally at the Capital One Arena, seating 20,000.
Experts believe the city’s security measures are thorough and have been designed to prevent worst-case scenarios, with Homeland Security analysts noting that the preparations aim to address potential threats proactively, ensuring the event proceeds without major disruptions.
While the city braces for heightened tensions, officials and residents alike hope for a smooth inauguration day, marking a significant moment in the nation’s political timeline.
