By Abby Potter

“I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear—” With these words, the 45th President of the United States began the oath of office.

As Trump’s voice boomed from speakers along Pennsylvania Avenue, a chant began to drown out his voice:

“The people united will never be defeated!”

“That I will faithfully execute,” Trump’s disembodied voice continued.

“THE PEOPLE UNITED,” demonstrators roared back.

“The office of President of the United States.” “WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED!”

This was just one of many chants ringing out along the inauguration parade route in Washington D.C. Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.

Hundreds of demonstrators filled up Navy Memorial Plaza, overflowing to sidewalks from 7th to 9th St. on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The anti-Trump protest was organized by the ANSWER, Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, Coalition.

Despite chilly temperatures and intermittent rain, protestors chanted and waved signs for hours before and after the inauguration.

A series of musicians and speakers took the mic, advocating for the rights of workers, immigrants, people of color and members of the LGQTBQ com- munity. One speaker, Greg Capillo from Lexington, represented the Kentucky Workers League. Capillo’s speech reminded demonstrators that resistance is not limited to big cities like D.C.

“Folks in Kentucky […] have a proud history of resistance,” Capillo said. “The organizers who are heirs to this tradition must love the people better than our politicians. We must serve the people and organize them to fight the power that we can plainly see exists only to exploit and steal from us.”

The ANSWER Coalition protest was just one of many demonstrations throughout D.C. on inauguration day. While this protest was under way, thou- sands of demonstrators made their voices heard outside the fences and security checkpoints surrounding the Washington Convention Center and the parade route.

Walter Smolarek of the ANSWER Coalition said the official estimate was 5,000 protestors at Navy Memorial Plaza.