Trump inauguration makes history

The world was shocked Nov. 8, 2016 when businessman Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States after losing the popular vote against Hillary Clinton. Now, the world is prepared for the inauguration of Trump as former President, Barack Obama, says his farewell during his last week in office. The stage was sat for Trump’s commencement at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. on Jan. 20.

Washington D.C. was filled with crowds and activities as Trump, along with Vice President-elect Mike Pence, were seen everywhere on Inauguration Day. Both Trump and Pence were sworn around noon at the Capitol Building and traveled through Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade, arriving at the White House. Later that night, Trump made  his appearance at the inaugural ball.

“Inauguration Day is a pretty important day for not only Trump, but also the public,” junior Ammie Faunce said.

According to UPI News, Trump’s inauguration was estimated to cost between $175-$200 million. The swearing-in ceremony itself cost $1 million and half of the cost was paid for security and cleanup.

Although the ceremony did not include “A” list celebrities who appeared in Obama’s inauguration such as Beyoncé and Yo-Yo Ma, many other musicians and singers performed for the ceremony. The Talladega College’s marching band or Talladega Marching Tornadoes, The Rockettes, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, former “America’s Got Talent” contestant Jackie Evancho, country singers Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood, and the rock band 3 Doors Down were all those who were scheduled to perform at the inauguration for Trump according to CNN.

Despite performing that day, many of those who were ask to were not in absolute agreement to the idea. Speaking out to MarieClaire.com, the Rockettes revealed the complication surrounding their surprised inauguration performance and their inability to express their disapproval. They were told to tolerate intolerance from their work and appreciate the opportunity they were given by the Madison Square Garden executive James Dolan.

Others were in refusal to perform for Trump. As stated by Vox, Broadway singer Jennifer Holliday, who had performed in previous inauguration, were among them. She believed singing at Trump’s inauguration will draw misinterpretation and negative responses from the public: they may believe she is performing a political act against her own belief  and that she is a Trump and Pence supporter.

“Even though the inauguration is a huge event, many are still having mixed feelings in Trump’s presidential abilities,” stated junior Kirin Scott.

Despite the momentous purpose of the inauguration ceremony, many still refuse to accept Trump as their new president. Thus, more than 5,000 protesters planned to ruin Trump’s inauguration across the nation, or specifically in Washington, on Jan. 20 as stated by an Anarchists group, DisruptJ20, who are leading the demonstrations to Washington’s Top News. One part of their plan includes blocking any entry into the District of Virginia by closing highways and stopping trains headed toward the city.

Since anti-Trump protests are still occurring across the nation, security at his inauguration was expected to be extremely tight as Trump makes his public appearance. As stated by Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson in the National Public Radio, around 28,000 officials and 7,800 National Guard troops plan to provide security at the inauguration. Even before the big day, the Secret Service were willing to to take the extra measure to protect Trump and his family at his house, the Trump Tower, as reported by CNN.

Coming into office, Trump released his plan to CNN for his first 100 days, focusing on cleaning up Washington by implementing term limits on Congress, protecting American workers, and restoring rules of law. He has many other objectives including his plan to withdraw from the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and to replace it with fair bilateral trade deals.

He is also persistent in his goal to reduce environmental restrictions. According to Trump’s statement, he plans to cancel restrictions on the production of American energy and instead create more high paying jobs. Not only this, Trump wishes to cut regulations on businesses by ending the Dodd-Frank Act.

Trump will establish a cyber-review team made up of members from the military. His main intention is to have the ability to examine the security of the federal government’s computer systems and strengthen the hacking division in the U.S. military. He also wants to be able to respond appropriately to prevent any attacks from state or non-state threats using  well-developed offensive cyber capabilities.

When it comes to the topic of immigration, Trump also outlined his plan in investigating all the abuses found in the visa programs that are undercutting the American workers. His aim is to end illegal immigration and prevent immigration from terror problem regions. Trump called for a two-year obligatory minimum federal prison sentence for those who enter the U.S. illegally and for a five-year minimum prison sentence for those who enter with a criminal background.

“It will be interesting to see how well his plans will go,” said junior Julianna Mathew.