AlterNet - DC hotel bookings way down for Trump inauguration as even protesters decide to skip

Travis Gettys
January 14, 2025

Hotel bookings are way down ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration next week, and applications for protest permits are also off pace compared to the last time he took office.

The president-elect's first inauguration sparked furious protests that led to violence and arrests in January 2017. This year the National Park Service has fielded far fewer requests for permits and law enforcement officials don't anticipate trouble managing any crowds that do converge to oppose the incoming president, reported the Washington Post.

“The ‘Never Trump’ universe was bigger then,” Patrick Mara, chairman of the D.C. Republican Party, said of the last time Trump was inaugurated.

Hotel occupancy rates for next Sunday hovered at about 70 percent as of last week, according to Smith Travel Research. That's compared to 95 percent the night before Trump's first inauguration eight years ago and 97.2 percent for Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009. That rate plunged to 78 percent for his second inauguration in 2013.

Trump's inaugural committee has raised a record $170 million to go toward a parade, swearing-in ceremony, a "victory rally" at Capital One Arena on Sunday and a national prayer service Tuesday at Washington National Cathedral. Information about other events are "forthcoming," according to the inauguration website.

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