Summary
Inauguration Eve, with the final day of the Obama presidency and the Make America Great Again Welcome Celebration, ended with fireworks of the American flag and spelling “USA” above the Lincoln Memorial.
Is it just us or does that "USA" firework look suspiciously like "USR?" #TrumpInauguration pic.twitter.com/4zktBfYArv
— Full Frontal (@FullFrontalSamB) January 19, 2017
Here’s a wrap up of our coverage today:
- Trump spent the day laying a wreath at the Arlington Cemetery and then bopping along awkwardly to B-list musicians at his Lincoln Memorial concert.
- On Obama’s final day in office he commuted 330 prison sentences, the most in one day of any US president. Sabrina Siddiqui wrote about Obama’s last hours as president - including a letter to Donald Trump.
- Meanwhile, Obama supporters spent his last day in office paying tribute t the 44th president. Many supporter have written letters to Obama: farewelling the hope and change president.
- Here’s a look at the up-and-coming leaders of the Trump resistance in Washington
- Same-sex couples have been rushing to get married before a Trump presidency.
- And tomorrow it begins. Tune in live coverage all day of the inauguration of Donald J Trump as president. It’s a day, as David Smith writes, that few expected would come - and many fear. Here’s your guide to the events in Washington tomorrow.
Review: second half of the inauguration concert
Read the review for the first half of the inauguration concert here.
The Piano Guys struck a more conciliatory note, announcing at one point “it’s time to put all our differences aside. When we do, it’s going to be okay.” Like Trump the foursome rose to power outside the usual system, initially using YouTube as their path to success rather than the major labels.
The act lived up to its reputation for squeaky-clean family entertainment, offering an instrumental take on One Direction’s bubble gum hit “That’s What Makes You Beautiful.”
For a flash of showmanship, three of the four members plucked the inner strings on the grand piano, making it seem less like a musical performance than a team sport.
The show’s headliner - Toby Keith - struck a balance between outreach and outrage.
At the end of his first number, “American Soldier,” a sincere salute to America’s veterans, he thanked outgoing President Obama for “his service.” But his four song set culminated in a hit that represents the most bellicose brand of patriotism possible.
“Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American),” presents America as an engine of vengeance with lyrics like:
You’ll be sorry that you messed with
The U S of A
Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass
It’s the American way!
Updated
Same sex couples have been rushing down the aisle to get married before Donald Trump becomes president, reports Amber Jamieson:
Ever since the 2015 US supreme court decision legalized same-sex marriages nationwide, partners Alicia Verdier and Erin Hansen had planned to get hitched.
But the four and a half years of their relationship had been busy. Then Hillary Clinton lost the election.
Verdier went to bed on 8 November heartbroken and awoke hours later, at 3am, in a state of panic. “All I could think was there was a possibility, with new supreme court nominees, we might lose our right to get married,” she said.
She wasn’t alone. “I have so many friends who’ve gotten married in the last two months,” said Verdier. “Whatever else Trump may think he’s done, he’s caused a lot of gay people to get married.
“I’m sure that wasn’t his plan, but that’s what he gets as his inauguration gift: all the gay people are getting married.”
Read the rest here.
On his final day as president, Barack Obama throws some shade on the incoming Trump administration using the White House Twitter account.
Thanks to your grit and determination, American businesses have produced the longest stretch of job creation in our history. pic.twitter.com/Yp35U8Hczp
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 19, 2017
Together, we made sure that health care is a right, not a privilege. More than 20 million Americans have gained coverage thanks to the ACA. pic.twitter.com/802pPtJaq9
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 19, 2017
In 2009, @POTUS bet on American autoworkers. And today, our auto industry has come roaring back. pic.twitter.com/NmQVqobDm1
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 19, 2017
Because you fought to make it happen, marriage equality is the law of the land, and we made progress on ensuring that all are created equal. pic.twitter.com/uebl0FrP9C
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 19, 2017
You were the change. Because of you, America is better poised to lead in the 21st century than any other nation on Earth. pic.twitter.com/6yMkkZ5KzX
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 19, 2017
Trump voters: 'You don’t become a billionaire by losing'
David Smith reports from the inauguration concert:
At last the president-elect appeared, his wife Melania at his side. He stood before the giant statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln and gave a military salute. He then turned and waved to the cheering crowd as Melania smiled.
They descended the steps once graced by Martin Luther King when he delivered his ‘I have a dream’ speech, watched by a far smaller crowd than that day. Some chanted: “Trump! Trump! Trump!” The couple sat with other family members behind protective glass to enjoy country music and rock band 3 Doors Down against a backdrop of patriotic images on big screens. But for the public the music was marred by some sound system glitches.
Chris Lehman, 55, a maintenance supervisor from Belmar, New Jersey, said:
It’s thrilling to be here today. This is a historic event. We’ve got a president again who’s proud of the country and will bring jobs back to the country. It’s a good feeling. He’s brought jobs back even before he’s taken the keys to the office yet. Unfortunately he’ll probably spend the first 20 days undoing the garbage President Obama did at the end to slow him down.
Lehman, 55, booked his hotel in nearby Baltimore before the election because he was so confident of Trump’s victory.
“You don’t become a billionaire by losing and not knowing what you’re doing. He speaks his heart and he speaks his mind. You know what he’s saying is the truth and you’ve got to love a president like that. He doesn’t owe anybody anything. He can come in and do this right,” he said.
Shannon Wilburn, 48, who runs a Christian youth centre, had travelled with a friend from Roby, Texas, for her first visit to the American capital. “We just wanted to be here as patriotic Americans. It’s a bucket list thing to see a swearing in of a president. I do believe Donald Trump is a Christian. One of the biggest things is his pro-life stance and, as a Christ follower, it’s very hard to accept someone who’s not.”
Wilburn said she doubted that Trump will be able to bridge the partisan divide in his inaugural address on Friday. “They’re not even going to give him a day. Look at the Democrats boycotting it. He can’t get one day of grace. That’s a little frustrating, I think.”
Trump Family applauds at feet of Abraham Lincoln as fireworks spell out U-S-A. pic.twitter.com/N42taXOlau
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 19, 2017
David Smith reports from the inauguration concert on the contrast between the Lincoln Memorial and the rhetoric from some Trump supporters.
Some observers found the juxtaposition with Lincoln, who won the civil war and helped end slavery, jarring. Keith Stiggers, 25, who is African American, said: “When I saw that I was like, wow! Probably a lot of his supporters don’t like Lincoln and his legacy for the country. Is he going to uphold that legacy or is he going to do what he can to step on it?”
Stiggers, a law student, had come with his fiancee out of curiosity. “We wanted to see an inauguration before life takes off for us, before we have kids. We’re here supporting the peaceful transfer of power.”
The inaugural address will be crucial, Stiggers added.
“I think he should definitely build bridges. He got a lot of support from the alt-right and now he should make it clear he is governing for all Americans. His speech is going to be very important; it’s going to dictate the pace of his presidency.
“I think we should give Donald Trump a chance to lead and see where he takes the nation. The campaign is over. Candidate Bush and candidate Obama were different from President Bush and President Obama. A lot of people talk but now we’ll see him as actual leader.”
Now the Trump family stand on stage, while “Glory Glory Hallelujah” plays and red and white fireworks go off over the Lincoln Memorial.
U.S. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters
“I’ll see you tomorrow. I don’t care frankly if it’s going to be beautiful or if it’s going to rain like crazy, makes no difference to me. I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be beautiful,” declares Trump.
He leads the crowd in a chant of “make America great again”, adding “and I’ll add, greater than ever before”.
He finishes with the immortal words “enjoy the fireworks!”
He talks about going around the country with huge rallies in the final months of his campaign.
“There was never an empty seat, like tonight,” says Trump.
“We all knew that last month of the campaign... we knew that something special was happening,” he says.
“The poll stared going up up up but they didn’t want to give us credit. Because they forgot about a lot of us,” he says, focusing on the campaign.
“Well, you’re not forgotten any more,” he says to cheers.
He then thanks his supporters, promising to work “so hard” and to bring jobs back, and not let other countries take US jobs any longer. It’s similar rhetoric to what you’d hear on a campaign rally: strengthen borders, jobs etc.
Trump takes to stage at Lincoln Memorial
“I’m just the messenger,” he begins.
“This started out tonight of being a small little concert and then we thought of the idea of doing it in front of the Lincoln Memorial and people came by their thousands and thousands and here we are tonight, all the way back.
“It’s a movement that began. It’s a movement like we’ve never seen anywhere in the world they say... it’s something that’s very very special,” says Trump.
“The phrase, you all know it, half of your wearing the hat: Make America Great Again,” says Trump.
Barrack turns to paying tribute to Trump.
“Along the road we’ve had men who have left their footprints and the fingerprints and through the mortar and in the middle of this tidal basin... as you have expectations before you, I would like you to pay tribute to the courage, to the stuate, to the strengrth, to the loyalty of this man.
“To the diversity, to put the campaigns behind us and united behind one man.“We can argue we can fight and tomorrow at 1130 we are one country and he will be the 45th president of the United States Donald Trump,” said Barrack.
He takes to the stage.
Toby Keith finishes and Tom Barrack, president of the Presidential Inauguration Committee, takes to the stage.
“This is the most incredibly structures and setting I’ve ever seen, apart from the ones president-elect himself built,” said Barrack.
He kicks off the with the song American Solider.
Trump bops along in his seat.
I’m an American soldier, an American,
Beside my brothers and my sisters
I will proudly take a stand,
When liberty’s in jeopardy
I will always do what’s right,
I’m out here on the front lines,
So you can sleep in peace tonight.
American soldier, I’m an American.
US Army band play a few marching band hits and then Toby Keith is introduced as “one of the most popular artists in history”.
“It’s time to put all our differences aside,” said The Piano Guys.
He has the whole crowd singing along to the song “It’s going to be OKAY” (the lyrics reflect the title).
Review: first half of the Inauguration concert
Stalwart patriotism, showy entertainment, and flagrant nostalgia rule the day at the Make American Great Again! Welcome Celebration inaugural concert in Washington on Thursday.
The performers aptly mirrored the sensibility Trump so deeply tapped into. CBS-TV news correspondent Chris Van Cleef described the audience in the ticketed seats for the event as “not particularly diverse.”
The free show, which proceeded at a glacial pace, began with the U.S. Army Band pumping out traditional instrumental marching music, followed by “The Star Spangled Banner.” More historic music came from The United Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp, who performed a medley of songs from the 18th and 19th century, while decked out in period military pomp.
The first pop performer to take part - DJ RaviDrums (ne Ravi Jakhotia) - stressed the athletic side of percussion rather than the soul or groove of it. The Vegas-friendly star, who has served as a personal DJ for Hugh Hefner, bashed a drum set sprawling enough to entirely entrap him, while multiple screens flashed the names of every US state.
A brief segment in his one-song set interpolated “America The Beautiful” as if it were being performed at a rave.
Classic soul singer Sam Moore, of Sam & Dave legend, echoed Jakhotia’s song choice. He performed the anthem in a gospel-soul arrangement, recalling Ray Charles’ famous take on the song. Moore, best known for boomer touchstones like “Hang On, I’m Coming,” sang the song gamely, first with a lone piano accompaniment, then with a fine gospel choir backing him.
A cobbled-together group (“The Frontmen of Country”) appeared, sifting together members of three second tier Nashville acts - Little Texas, Restless Heart and Lonestar.
They offered a medley of songs saluting great American places - three of them set in Texas, all of them honoring the South. The songs including “The Bluest Skies of Texas,” “Amy’s Back In Austin,” “God Bless Texas,” and “Walking In Memphis,” a cover of the old Marc Cohn hit. The Frontmen’s set melded into a performance by 74 year old Lee Geenwood of his touchstone “God Bless The U.S.A.,” which brought the crowd to its feet. The song implicitly presents patriotism as something disfavored and, so, in need of defense against unmentioned foes.
The sole rock act to appear qualifies for that genre to the same flimsy degree that Nickelback does. The band’s opening song called for people to “stand up and take back your world today” - a clear rebuke to the earlier administration.
During a long lag between the performers, the sound system pumped out recordings by The Rolling Stones, including (bizarrely) “Let’s Spend The Night Together” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (which Trump had used during his campaign stops).
Early in the event, a speech broke up the musical entertainment. Actor Jon Voight presented Mr. Trump as a victim of a “grueling year,” fueled by a “barrage of propaganda” and all the “negative lies” fired his way. For an event meant to unite, Voight couldn’t have leaned harder into America’s wide divides.
A fourth song! Here Without You.
Weirdly I seem to know the lyrics of these songs.
This is their slower, more melancholic hit. Trump sways from side to side.
People may laugh at 3 Doors Down now, but they won't be laughing when 3 Doors Down becomes president in four years
— Benjy Sarlin (@BenjySarlin) January 19, 2017
#Inauguration pic.twitter.com/9cKYv0Vfd1
— Celeste Katz (@CelesteKatzNYC) January 19, 2017
Another song from 3 Doors Down?
The crowd does not seem to be feeling this as much as the country songs from earlier.
Wait, this is Kryptonite. What song were they playing earlier? Are they just playing the same song again? These songs sound the same.
Updated
The crowd really feeling it as 3 Doors Down plays pic.twitter.com/yscyEHNTNE
— Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) January 19, 2017
Now this is the closest Trump’s inauguration concert is going to get to a mainstream hit being performed live by the performer who wrote it: 3 Doors Down plays its hit from 2000, Kryptonite:
Trump bops away in his seat to the song.
The band kicks off with their 2016 song The Broken:
This is the call to the broken.
To all the ones who’ve been thrown away.
This is the call to the broken.
Stand up and take back your world today.
Trump gets up from his seat to thank the performers.
Now, 1990s nobodies 3 Doors Down begin.
From David Smith, who is reporting from the Lincoln Memorial:
The Make America Great Again! welcome celebration has just started with a military band playing on the Lincoln Memorial.
Trump will speak: quite a juxtaposition with the statue of Abraham Lincoln and the spot where Martin Luther King gave the ‘I have a dream’ speech.
There are thousands of people here but space for many, many more – it’s not a huge turnout.
A lot are wearing ‘Make America great again’ baseball caps and other regalia like at the rallies.
Trump, who is known for being a Rolling Stones and Andrea Bocelli fan, seems to be enjoying the concert as he bops in his seat, but doesn’t seem to know the songs.
Then, Lee Greenwood appears to sing his hit I’m Proud to Be An American.
Trump joins in to sing the words “god bless the USA”.
“Let’s take things up a notch here”, one of the musicians yells, as he breaks into God Blessed Texas:
I’ve seen a lot of places
I’ve been around the world
I’ve been seen pretty faces
Been with some beautiful girls
After all I’ve witnessed
One thing still amazes me
Just like a miracle, you have to see to believe
Trump is awkwardly bopping in his chair, while the country band Frontmen of Country play cover tunes such as Walking in Memphis and Amy’s Back in Austin.
Pres-elect Trump salutes Abraham Lincoln, then walks down the steps of the Memorial with Melania. pic.twitter.com/dErwlbySgY
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 19, 2017
Trump and wife Melania arrive at Lincoln Memorial
Donald Trump and Melania announced to the crowd, coming out to the soundtrack of Rolling Stone’s Heart of Stone.
He and Melania walk down the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
They wave to the crowd, as everyone takes photos and claps.
The image of Trump and Melania in front of the Lincoln memorial was a very powerful one, just in case anyone was still in disbelief that this is happening. Will post as soon as available.
Trump stands next to his family, pumping his fist at the crowd.
Army Old Guard band played classic Americana marching bands songs.
Now we’re waiting for Donald Trump to appear, with Rolling Stones’ Let’s Send the Night Together playing (just a recording, obviously, the band. Apparently they were Trump’s top pick to play, but they refused).
Now Trump rally regular, The Stones’ Can’t Always Get What You Want is playing, which seems particularly poignant today.
That was a pretty great version of America the Beautiful.
Now it’s a military band, US Army Old Guard Fife and and Drum Corps, in revolutionary era outfits.
Very “traditionally American”.
Updated
Now Jon Voight, actor and father of Angelina Jolie, appears.
“This is some day,” he begins.
“He certainly didn’t need this job. And yes, God answered all our prayers,” he says, speaking of Trump.
“And president Lincoln who sits here with us is smiling knowing we will be lead by a honest and good man, who will work for all their people no matter their creed or color”,” says Voight.
He introduces soul singer Sam Moore to sing America the Beautiful.
(so far all the performers, minus Voight, have been people of color, I stand corrected).
Now it’s time for the “rhythmic beats” of DJ Ravidrums, a party DJ and former musical director of the 2009 NBC series Howie Do It.
His soaring drumming is accompanied by screens showing the stars and stripes and names of the states.
Vermont!
Virginia!
A very chipper version of the national anthem just sung by an Asian man in military marching band uniform, one of the few performers of color we’ll see today.
After some warm-up numbers by a military band, it’s now time to rise for the presentation of colors and the national anthem.
The Trump family - Eric, Donald Jr, Ivanka and Tiffany, plus spouses and the older grandkids - have taken their seats for the inauguration concert.
Some nice behind the scenes pics from Bloomberg reporter Justin Sink:
view from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial shortly before Trump concert kicks off pic.twitter.com/Mj5nZA4371
— Justin Sink (@justinsink) January 19, 2017
Jon Voight hanging out backstage at the Lincoln Memorial pic.twitter.com/FfFldY0aTG
— Justin Sink (@justinsink) January 19, 2017
Trump’s Make America Great Again: Welcome Celebration, also known as the concert no big name performer wanted to attend, kicks off in five minutes.
The artists who will play include country singer Toby Keith, 90s rock band 3 Doors Down, Republican country star Lee Greenwood and YouTube stars The Piano Guys (no, we don’t know who they are).
Lots of stars, including Elton John and Andrea Bocelli, declined to perform.
When asked why Kanye West, the highly influential hip hop star who created controversy amongst fans with his visit to Trump Tower in December, wasn’t asked to perform, a spokesman for Trump said West wasn’t “traditionally American” enough.
“He’s been great, he considers himself a friend of the president-elect, but it’s not the venue... It’s going to be typically and traditionally American,” said Tom Barrack, chairman of the Presidential Inauguration Committee on CNN.
West was born in Chicago and has won 21 Grammys.
This West song, a duet with Jay-Z, would have been a pretty great inauguration song, regardless of the president.
Updated
Photos of Trump and Pence during the ceremony at Arlington Cemetery.
A military musician performs the Last Post.
Trump and Pence then turn, face the Trump family and is led away in silence.
Concert crowd cheers as Trump wreathlaying ceremony at Arlington is aired live on concert screens pic.twitter.com/q66iWx3cbx
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) January 19, 2017
Now president-elect Trump and Mike Pence are laying a white wreath of flowers on the tomb.
They stop and stand back, in silence.
Trump is wearing a blue tie, Pence is in red.
A military drummer starts playing and the pair raise their arms across their hearts.
The Trump children and grandchildren have all appeared (but not Barron, the youngest Trump son).
Updated
Video: Trump lays wreath at Arlington
Now live: Donald Trump and VP-elect Mike Pence is about to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
After today’s senate confirmation hearings, Senator Tim Kaine, who was Hillary Clinton’s veep pick, says he opposes Tom Price, Trump’s nominee for Health secretary.
Tim Kaine says he will support Nikki Haley’s nomination, oppose Tom Price, and await ethics paperwork before deciding on Betsy DeVos.
— Sabrina Siddiqui (@SabrinaSiddiqui) January 19, 2017
Price has been drilled in the hearings over his stock trades in health companies.
Can Donald Trump make America great again?
Donald Trump has just left the President’s Guest House, as known Blair’s House, and is driving over to Arlington National Cemetery for the wreath-laying ceremony.
Seems like government has really gone to the dogs.
Who did @SecKerry bring along to final briefing today? His pup! pic.twitter.com/YjRRSEePQV
— Kylie Atwood (@kylieatwood) January 19, 2017
After Donald Trump’s comments on the weekend saying that civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis should focus on his “falling apart” district rather than criticize Trump, reporter Jamiles Lartey headed down to Atlanta to examine Lewis’ district:
Writes Lartey:
On a quiet stretch of Georgia road, a red Ferrari zips by a golf course and past a string of well-appointed brick colonials with ornate driveway pillars – the kind that sometimes feature stone lions atop standing guard.
Up the road, by a Starbucks and a bookstore, more fancy cars line the parking lot as a diverse, well-dressed crowd filters through.
“This is Buckhead,” said Alexander Johnson, who runs a media training company and lives nearby. “It is not crime infested, nor is it falling apart.”
Read there rest here.
Breitbart News reporter Charlie Spiering is already in position for the inauguration concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial today.
At least someone is excited for Toby Keith!
Ready for @TobyKeith #maga concert pic.twitter.com/q05uXjhIEj
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) January 19, 2017
Perry: 'I think we found our Saturday Night Live soundbite'
Perhaps the only genuinely funny moment in the entire Senate nomination hearings: former Texas governor Rick Perry, Trump’s pick for Energy Secretary, told Senator (and former Saturday Night Live comedian) Al Franken that he hoped “you’re as much fun on that dais as you were on your couch”.
PERRY: I hope you're as much fun on that dais as you were on your couch.
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) January 19, 2017
FRANKEN: Well.
PERRY: May I rephrase that please?
FRANKEN: Please. pic.twitter.com/fiLWD6qTOK
In less amusing Perry news, Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders tried - and failed - to get Perry to admit climate change was a “crisis”.
The former Dancing with the Stars contestant also said he “regrets” his past calls to nix his Energy Department he’s now been asked to lead.
All aboard Cathy’s Train! Molly Redden interviewed Cathy Heller, who in October came forward in the Guardian to accuse Donald Trump of forcibly kissing her. She was the ninth woman to publicly accuse him of unwanted sexual contact, and after seeing Trump win the election, was spurred into attending the Women’s March on Washington this Saturday.
As Redden explains:
Cathy Heller was looking for transportation to the Women’s March on Washington when she kept running into the same problem. On the morning of the march, every train leaving New York Penn Station for DC was sold out.
A few phone calls later, she found herself entreating an Amtrak salesperson: how many women would she have to organize before Amtrak agreed to add another car?
... About a week after Amtrak alerted her that they had added more cars, she had commitments from 43 women (and a few men) ready to travel with her to Washington.
They’re calling themselves Cathy’s Train.
Read the rest here.
Schoolchildren from Brooklyn, New York, read letters they wrote to Donald Trump ahead of his inauguration.
Where is this? This is a gorgeous room. A total genius must have built this place.
-- Donald Trump on the “Presidential Ballroom” (yes that its name) during a luncheon for his top donors at the Trump International Hotel in DC.
Today Trump hosted a luncheon for top donors, with many of his cabinet nominees in attendance. The event took place, of course, at the new Trump International Hotel in DC.
“We have by far the highest IQ of any cabinet every accepted,” said Trump, although only a handful of the nominees have been confirmed following senate hearings.
Trump mentioned several of his cabinet picks by name, pointing out Education Secretary pick Betsy DeVos, who has been grilled by Elizabeth Warren, Chris Murphy and Bernie Sanders this week in intense senate hearings.
Trump said he and DeVos share “a different take” on education than past administrations.
“It’s called: we want our children educated,” said Trump, to laughter from the crowd.
Donald Trump won’t be sworn in as the 45th president of the United States until tomorrow, but the inauguration ceremonies kick off today, with a wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery at 3.30pm ET.
Then, at 4pm, it’s time for the Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration, the inauguration concert that Trump has struggled to get any A-list stars to agree to perform at.
Country singer Toby Keith and 90s rock band 3 Doors Down will be there, and there are rumors of other performers attending but keeping it quiet, presumably not wanting to attract the criticism that caused Tony and Grammy-award winning singer Jennifer Holliday to back out (she called it a “lapse of judgement” and noted that she didn’t want to upset her LGBT fans).
Nicole Puglise has put together this comprehensive guide to the next few days’ events. She adds:
Numerous unofficial galas and balls will take place, both celebrating Trump and saying goodbye to Obama (though attendees be warned: you may have trouble finding a “great dress” to wear if you haven’t bought one already, the president-elect told the New York Times). Some are planned for inauguration eve. The country band Big & Rich will perform at the Great America Alliance Inaugural Gala, Rolling Stone reported. The DeploraBall will include an event on Thursday at the National Press Club as well as a gala event on Friday at the William F Bolger Center in Potomac, Maryland. At the Garden State Presidential Inaugural Gala, hosted by the New Jersey State Society, the B Street Band, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, was slated to play – but they’ve since bowed out of the event.
Peace Ball, organized by Busboys and Poets, will be held at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and “What To DO When You’re Expecting The WORST”, hosted by Jezebel and Fusion, at the Josephine Butler Parks Center, according to the Washington Post.
On Facebook, more than 40,000 people have said they will attend a “Thanks, Obama” event on his last day in office. The original idea was for attendees to gather outside the White House and clap to show their appreciation for the outgoing president, but because of inauguration logistics, the event has moved to a private venue in the district, DCist reported.
How celebrities will protest around Trump’s inaugurationRead more
Also on Thursday evening: Common, the National, and others will perform at “Show Up!”, an event supporting Planned Parenthood.
Reporters Lauren Gambino, Sabrina Siddiqui, Ben Jacobs and David Smith will be dropping in to as many of these events as they can, and speaking to Trump supporters and anti-Trump protesters, as the latter start to arrive in DC ahead of the Women’s March on Saturday.
Follow along as we live blog it all right here.
