WASHINGTON — Cheers, horns and rumbling from distant gun salutes filled the air in front of the Capitol shortly after noon, where dozens of President Donald Trump’s supporters gathered behind fencing to celebrate his inauguration.
“USA! USA! USA!”
Some people pumped their fists in the air while others raised their phones, filming the moment.
“We’re braving the cold!” California native Suzy Gallup said. “But, we’re out here!” her sister, Brenda Jones, added.
The sisters are the only supporters of President Trump in their family. Gallup called her brother and other sister “socialists” and took pride in her differing viewpoint –– a subject of contention that has resulted in estrangement, she said.
With over 30 miles of fencing around the National Mall, thousands of would-be inauguration attendees were forced to watch the indoor ceremony elsewhere. For televised viewings, many places across the city opened their doors to the public.
“Welcome! Welcome to Florida House on Capitol Hill!”
Robert Weissert, executive director of Florida House, greeted “Floridians at heart,” including Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-Fla.), as they stepped into one of many ongoing watch parties for the inauguration.
Like Florida House on Capitol Hill, restaurants, hotels and other establishments offered respite from the record-cold weather.
Kory Newsom was among those who watched the ceremony from The Capital Burger, a restaurant downtown. After leaving the bar, Newsom said his plan was to walk by the White House and meet President Trump.
“I will eventually see Donald Trump. That is a fact,” he said. “Not everyone understands.”
He offered a motto that he believes Trump follows, one which led him to cut off his family and friends: “Don’t listen to the people with the negative vibration who tell you, ‘No.’”
