Image of people gathered at Trump’s inauguration by Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – They come from New York and Washington, North Carolina and Southern California, New Jersey and Newcastle, and even Europe and China.

Many have been long-time supporters of incoming US President Donald Trump, rallying patriots wearing MAGA hats who firmly believe they will “make America great again”. Some had never heard Trump speak and were curious.

Some were not particularly political but wanted to see history in the making. Some thought a convicted felon had no right to be in the White House and were protesting against him.

They were there to witness Trump’s second swearing-in on Monday, albeit on screen — to push for limits on executive power, deport millions of immigrants, secure punishment for his political enemies and change his role. America on the world stage.

Perry Burnett, 56, was at his first graduation. He was wearing red and sporting a MAGA cap.

“I couldn’t wear all this gear in public in Southern California,” he said. Expectations were high. “My wife cut the ticket on the day of the election, saying, ‘We have to be there for this, because this will change the world.’

For Doyle Williams, 61, in his fourth term, the focus has been on the economy and inflation — issues that polls indicate are key to Trump’s November election victory and a concern of many voters.

“I love bacon. I love bacon at $7 a pound. Right now, bacon is $13.50 a pound,” he said.

Grace Sun traveled from Shenzhen, in southeast China, and Trump hoped to herald better relations between Washington and Beijing. milli Ed (EPA:) A high school teacher from Texas wants her students to know that “this country is beautiful.” She wrapped herself in a giant yellow poncho to ward off the harsh weather.

Two old friends, who gave their names only as Alex and James, dressed as Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, met in the US capital for the event and admitted they were not into politics.

“We’re just here to have a good time,” they said.

An image of resistance

Not everyone was happy with the prospect of the next four years. Although the anti-Trump protests in 2016 Although fewer than in 2017, thousands of activists staged a ‘people’s rally’ on Saturday, while others took to the snow to protest on Monday.

Cameron White, 27, of Manassas, Virginia, attended Monday’s event. He said he is an organizer of the Socialism and Freedom Party.

“We’re not an anti-Trump protest. Trump is just a representative of a larger system. And that’s the system we’re organizing and trying to fight,” White said.

Morgan Artyukina, from Washington, was nervous about what was to come. Like others at the protest, she expressed concern about what a Trump presidency would mean for immigrants, the poor and LGBTQ people.

But she said she felt a sense of solidarity from people like her who opposed the policies.

“Our message is really not to be divided by their hateful messages, to stand together and stand up for each other,” she said.

As the others left, Artyukhina, wearing boots and a bobble hat, braved the cold. For the first time in 40 years, the celebration was moved indoors due to the cold weather.

Michael Vasquez, 58, of North Carolina was waving an eight-foot (2.4 m) blue and white “TRUMP” sign.

“The sign here warms me,” he said. “It warms Americans and it warms people all over the world.”

We won, we came back, so I’m excited.