On inauguration eve, protesters in masks, lighting posters of Donald Trump on fire made their stance clear

Kaylen Tanner/Rare

WASHINGTON — On the eve of the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, protesters converged outside the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to holler at supporters of President-elect Donald Trump who were attending an event inside.

Videos by Rare

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Inside the press club, the DeploroBall, a pro-Trump celebration featuring white nationalist members of the Republican Party was taking place, and the hundreds of protesters gathered outside made sure their voices were heard.

Kaylen Tanner
Kaylen Tanner

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A heavy police presence calmed some of the more violent protesters, though there were several arrests and pepper spray and rubber bullets were briefly deployed.

Protesters who agreed to appear on camera told Rare that they believe President-elect Trump would bring on a new age of fascism in the United States, where only those close to him would benefit.

“Work for the people not against us. You are violently opposing the people in this country, other than the elite,” an anonymous protester told Rare.

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Others on the scene couldn’t believe what they were seeing, and shouted back at protesters to give Trump a chance. One man, who would only identify himself as Phil, wore an American flag suit and a “Make America Great Again” hat as he explained to Rare what he would say to the protesters.

“Grow up,” Phil said, as protesters hollered insults at him from a few feet away.

When asked what advice he would give to protesters, Phil explained that they needed to give Trump a chance.

“Give them a chance…He’s not perfect, an imperfect guy and an imperfect messenger, he’s world’s better than anyone we’ve had recently.”

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Phil then went on to say that Trump would be the best president since former President John F. Kennedy. If that doesn’t happen, Phil said he would be the first person in line to protest the regime.

“If I’m wrong, if he turns out to be Hitler, you’ll catch me at the front of the line marching toward the White House,” he explained.

Others were not so optimistic.

A man identifying himself as John Patrick of the Revolutionist Communist Party told Rare that people need to “get off the sidelines and get in the game.”

“Wherever you at, stand up! Take it to the police stations and into the streets!”

By the end of the night, the crowd had dispersed, the embers had burned, and those attending the DeploroBall continued to celebrate the man who they believe will make the United States great again.

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