Silke Jasso
WASHINGTON — One day before Donald Trump officially became president of the United States, people were flocking to Washington, D.C. from all over the country to show support for the incoming administration and to give a last farewell to the one that’s leaving. After what was a very divisive, anger-fueled election season, the streets of our nation’s capital — while buzzing with excitement from one side and anxiety from the other — were still surprisingly peaceful.
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Laura Millard from Long Island, New York traveled down with her family to come see the man they’ve “supported since day one,” purchasing Donald Trump souvenirs from a street vendor outside of the White House because she’s behind the then president-elect “100 percent.” While she did have a bone to pick with the media’s coverage of Trump, she also insisted that he won’t let it stop him from doing what’s best for the nation.
“I think that he’s been treated very unfairly, but I think that he will rise above it and he will do what’s right for the country,” Millard said. “He didn’t need to [run for president]. He’s doing it for the country, and for that he’s going to be rewarded greatly. He’s going to make America great again.”
One way she thinks Trump will “rise above” negative media coverage? His Twitter account.
“He should continue to Twitter because he’s reaching the American people, and that’s what this country is about.” she said before getting into her car, which was plastered with Make American Great Again signs. “It’s about the American people and the American dream. He’s going to bring it back for us.”
Just around the corner from the White House, Maryland woman Tina Fraley and her young daughters held “Thanks Obama” signs to wave goodbye to a president whom they have wholeheartedly supported for the past eight years.
“We made the signs last night, and I just wanted to show my kids and a family member that we can still progress and move forward even without, you know, Obama as our president,” she said, adding that she wanted to thank then President Obama for “everything” he’s done and admitting that the new administration has her worried for her children’s future. “I was a little bit worried about bringing my kids, what other people might say to my kids…but hopefully, I mean, everyone’s been very respectful today so far.”
Another “Thanks Obama” sign holder echoed Fraley’s comments and shared that even though she has concerns about the next four years, she’s still hopeful.
“To me, Barack Obama will always be my president. I want to thank him for making our nation good, proud, protected,” she said. “I’m a little scared, but I know we can get through it no matter what as long as we all stick together as a nation, as one.”
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Russ, a passerby decked out in Trump gear (hat and all), reaffirmed that hope for unity when he took a look at the groups’ signs and, rather than insulting them, he exclaimed, “That’s great!”
“I think it’s beautiful,” Russ, who is from New York, said of their demonstration. “I think everybody has a different opinion, and it’s really nice. They’re peaceful. They’re being so nice.”
Though the setting of the sun sparked several heated clashes between Donald Trump supporters and protesters, most of Washington D.C.’s visitors remained peaceful and respectful in the daylight, offering their promise of a truly United States tomorrow.
