American’s pride themselves on their democracy. They’re so proud of it, they spent an awful lot of money, resources and lives attempting to impose it on mineral and oil-rich countries across the world. They refer to the US general election, which happens on the first Tuesday in November every four years as ‘the greatest exercise in democracy’, their Capitol, where the second seat of Government sits, a temple to their democracy.
In the last few months, however, that democracy and that very temple have come under sustained attack. Following the general election last November, incumbent, and loser, Donald Trump refused to concede, instead propagating myths around stolen votes and widespread fraud. He encouraged his supporters out onto the streets and told them to march on the Capitol. And they did so, with deadly consequences.
Yesterday, the transition of power between the 45th and 46th President of the United States finally ended with the inauguration of Joe Biden on the steps of the Capitol. Following the January 6 insurrection, with the list of credible threats numerous, the streets of D.C. were empty. Normally inundated with supporters and well-wishers on inauguration day, they were instead replaced by some 25,000 National Guard who, along with an eight-foot security fence, protected the ceremony.
The joint threat of far-right terrorism and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has claimed over 400,000 lives in the US kept most well away. Despite this, a small cluster of Black Lives Matter demonstrators were present in the newly renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza, just next to the White House as Biden and Kamala were sworn in.
We sent photographer Wil Sands to D.C. to report on a once in a lifetime inauguration to get the view from the streets.
Terri McLane, 51, from Seattle, Washington came to the capital to show her support to the incoming president.
Ben Smoke is Huck’s Politics Editor. Follow him on Twitter.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
Is the UK ready for a Kabaddi boom?
Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi — Watched by over 280 million in India, the breathless contact sport has repeatedly tried to grip British viewers. Ahead of the Kabaddi World Cup being held in Wolverhampton this month, Kyle MacNeill speaks to the gamechangers laying the groundwork for a grassroots scene.
Written by: Kyle MacNeill
One photographer’s search for her long lost father
Decades apart — Moving to Southern California as a young child, Diana Markosian’s family was torn apart. Finding him years later, her new photobook explores grief, loss and connection.
Written by: Miss Rosen
As DOGE stutters, all that remains is cringe
Department of Gargantuan Egos — With tensions splintering the American right and contemporary rap’s biggest feud continuing to make headlines, newsletter columnist Emma Garland explains how fragile male egos stand at the core of it all.
Written by: Emma Garland
Photo essay special: Despite pre-Carnival anxiety, Mardi Gras 2025 was a joyous release for New Orleans
A city celebrates — Following a horrific New Year’s Day terror attack and forecasts for extreme weather, the Louisiana city’s marquee celebration was pre-marked with doubt. But the festival found a city in a jubilant mood, with TBow Bowden there to capture it.
Written by: Isaac Muk
From his skating past to sculpting present, Arran Gregory revels in the organic
Sensing Earth Space — Having risen to prominence as an affiliate of Wayward Gallery and Slam City Skates, the shredder turned artist creates unique, temporal pieces out of earthly materials. Dorrell Merritt caught up with him to find out more about his creative process.
Written by: Dorrell Merritt
In Bristol, pub singers are keeping an age-old tradition alive
Ballads, backing tracks, beers — Bar closures, karaoke and jukeboxes have eroded a form of live music that was once an evening staple, but on the fringes of the southwest’s biggest city, a committed circuit remains.
Written by: Fred Dodgson