Trump returns to Washington for second inauguration

Inauguration Day on Monday will begin with a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, followed by a tea at the White House with outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Due to freezing temperatures, the swearing-in ceremony will move indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.

Opera singer Christopher Macchio, who will perform the national anthem, expressed disappointment about the change but called the event a “tremendous honor.” The Rotunda can only accommodate 600 people, a sharp contrast to the original plan of 250,000 attendees on Capitol grounds.

Protests have already begun across the city, with demonstrators addressing issues such as abortion rights, immigration, and the Israel-Hamas war. However, the scale is smaller than in 2017, when Trump’s first inauguration sparked massive protests, including the historic Women’s March.

The march, now rebranded as the People’s March, has shifted its focus to broader goals like reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and climate issues. Organizers anticipate a turnout of 50,000 people, significantly fewer than the half-million who participated eight years ago.

After taking the oath of office, Trump will sign several executive orders and address supporters at an indoor parade. The day will conclude with glitzy inaugural balls featuring musical performances.

Trump’s presidency begins with a return to the Capitol where his departure in 2021 followed an unprecedented storming of the building by his supporters.

(With inputs from AP)