The article explores the dynamic atmosphere of presidential inaugurations, particularly focusing on the stark contrast between dedicated supporters and elite attendees. It highlights how the physical presence of various stakeholders—from passionate voters to corporate executives—visibly demonstrates the power dynamics in Washington. Specifically during Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the weather forced indoor ceremonies that excluded many supporters, revealing deeper implications of power and privilege. Voters felt both marginalized and acknowledged through the gestures from corporate sponsors, portraying complexities in the relationship between public support and private power.
The optics, in a country with an increasingly untenable concentration of wealth, are never great: the loyal voters... shivering on the National Mall... while the elites are whisked past security lines.
For Trump, the world is made up of binaries of domination and submission, and every Trump supporter standing outside... could read the subtext of the black-tie receptions hosted by the likes of Mark Zuckerberg.
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