RantCrush Top 5: January 20, 2017

Today is the presidential inauguration of Donald J. Trump. Almost 1 million people are there to witness the transfer of power and there have already been clashes between protesters and supporters. Last night police had to use pepper spray to keep protesters at bay as they filled up the area outside the National Press Club, where the pre-inaugural ball, nicknamed the “DeploraBall,” took place. There were at least four fights between protesters and guests attending the ball and people threw water bottles and debris.

Powerful Movement for Black Lives has kept this #inauguration access checkpoint shut down for hours. pic.twitter.com/7FvsAu3u9u

— ✊ #DisruptJ20 ✊ (@DisruptJ20) January 20, 2017

Trump spent the night in the Blair House, located across the street from the White House, and went to church in the morning for a short prayer service. The inaugural program started at 11 a.m. At 3 p.m. the inauguration parade will begin, which is expected to last for about 90 minutes, making it the shortest one on record. Overall, the affair may end up being notably low key. Trump has had a hard time finding artists to perform at the ceremony itself, and Trump’s team has aimed to keep the prices of inaugural ball tickets low so that they’re accessible to working class people.

It all begins today! I will see you at 11:00 A.M. for the swearing-in. THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES – THE WORK BEGINS!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2017

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.