Gabriel Milby Photography - Inauguration 2025

On the day before the 2025 Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C., I wanted to get a sense of the atmosphere around the Capitol. I walked around, taking photos of everything I saw.

I found my way to the line to get into President-elect Donald Trump’s rally. I was shocked to see the diversity and amount of people waiting to get inside. When I asked people why they were there on such a cold day I got very interesting answers. Some just began to believe in Trump’s presidency and some who had been supporting him for years.

One woman, Jane Jin, stood out to me in particular.

Jane Jin, a Chinese immigrant and president of a chinese democracy and human rights alliance expresses her love for Trump while waiting in line at Washington DC’s Trump rally on Jan. 19, 2025. Her love for Trump derives from when she lived in China during Tiananmen Square Massacre and was injured, leading to her escaping to America and living her life as an anti-communist.

Susan Campbell Reneau attends her 11th trump rally the day before the inauguration at the Washington D.C. Trump rally on Jan. 19, 2025. “I’m thrilled he’s our president again,” Susan said.

DJ Captain Love embraces a fellow Trump supporter at the Washington DC’s Trump rally while waiting in line on Jan. 19, 2025.

A group of people at the Washington DC’s Trump rally hold up a cutout of trump and then crowd serf it while waiting in line on Jan. 19, 2025.

Derek Torstenson protests against Trump at the Washington D.C. Trump rally on Jan. 19, 2025. “He’s a criminal and does not deserve to be in the White House,” Derek said.

Terence L. Fowler Sr. celebrates Trump’s win over Harris at the D.C. Trump rally on Jan. 19, 2025.

On Inauguration Day, I spent a good bit of time at a protest at Malcolm X Park called “We Fight Back,” hosted by DSA Democrats the Democratic Socialists of America.

When I was there, I could feel constant hesitancy and anger through those around me. While several didn't want to give me their names, they were very open to criticizing the new presidency. They stood for what they believed in and weren’t afraid to say they hated Trump.

It was impactful to see so many people come together to peacefully assemble, using their First Amendment right.

Raf H protests at the “We Fight Back” protest at Malcom X Park on Jan. 20, 2025. Raf said he attended the protest to “Support my family and Palestine.”

Jodie Evans protests at the “We Fight Back” protest at Malcom X Park on Jan. 20, 2025. Jodie says, “I’m here with my comrades who stand for peace and Justice.”

An anti-Trump sign is carried by protestors during the “We Fight Back” protest in Malcolm X Park on Jan. 20, 2025.

Alex protests at the “We Fight Back” protest at Malcom X Park on Jan. 20, 2025. “I’m here to see people unite against the top one percent,” Alex said.

Cheese protests at the “We Fight Back” protest at Malcom X Park on Jan. 20, 2025. “I’m here because trans rights are under attack at the federal level,” Cheese said.

Diana protests at the “We Fight Back” protest at Malcom X Park on Jan. 20, 2025. “Resistance is everywhere.” Diana said.

A statue picturing Donald Trump as a demon is carried through the crowd at the “We Fight Back” protest at Malcolm X Park on Jan. 20, 2025.

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