For the first time since President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in 1985, America’s new commander-in-chief took the oath of office inside away from the crowds — and I went anyway.
The quick 48-hour trip to Washington, D.C., began after I received tickets from my grandma’s congressional representative. Learning the inauguration had been moved inside felt like a punch in the gut. But we had already made plans, booked hotels, and rented a car.
While I was unable to see many of the moments normally open to the public, and frankly spent the entire day walking around in the cold, the conservative community has never felt so vibrant. The silent majority is no more, and 2025 is the year for open fellowship among like-minded people.
When we hopped off the Capitol South Metro Station stop, we realized everyone else had the same idea — let’s go experience the inauguration anyway. The streets were flooded with Donald Trump supporters, decked out in iconic red “MAGA” hats, cowboy boots, American flag scarves, and Trump-inspired wigs.
Since his election, there seems to have been a shift in what it means to be on the Right. Eight years ago, the consensus was that normal Americans didn’t support Trump. Attendees at this year’s inauguration defied that stereotype. The energy in D.C. on Inauguration Day reflected that change. Every type of person, young and old, was in the streets celebrating a victory for America. It was reminiscent of a liberation.
Paired with a palpable joy you could feel radiating through the streets were the most depressing and intimidating fences and trunks blocking almost every street from Foggy Bottom to Capitol Hill. The structures looked dystopian, a weird feeling when the inauguration was a joyful day for so many Americans. No one in attendance seemed discouraged by the obvious discrepancy between past inauguration experiences and what was happening this time around.
I didn’t see a single person protesting the new president or administration. Even police officers had huge smiles on their faces. Although I didn’t attend any official inauguration ceremony or event, I felt — on the ground — how most Americans truly feel. They are excited about the new president, regardless of what the corporate media might say in contrast.
Walking down the street, we kept hearing, “I don’t care that I didn’t get to see anything, I’m just glad Trump and America are safe.”
After so many people remained silent for so many years in fear of being criticized or canceled, Jan. 20 felt like the first victory for freedom in a long time.
Attending the inauguration with no plan or event tickets may seem delusional, but I experienced the 2025 vibe shift firsthand. It unlocked a sense of patriotism I never knew was possible — and a new America that is here to stay.
Kamden Mulder is a senior studying American Studies.
