Through the nipping cold, The Sentinel had the amazing opportunity to attend the Presidential Inaugural events, and the Presidential Inauguration itself to provide monumental coverage of the transfer of power.
Editor’s Note:
A special thank you to Sam Pipes and Gabe Powell, who are to also be credited for photography and editing during our time in D.C.
January 17: Arrival and Preparations
The Sentinel D.C. Team, consisting of Zaire Breedlove, Gabe Powell, and Sam Pipes, arrived in Washington, D.C. via Amtrak, disembarking at the historical Union Station. The station, marked by neoclassical architecture and a bustling atmosphere provided a fitting welcome to our nation’s capital. Upon arrival, we met with Colonel (ret.) Robert Morris to strategize our collaboration with The Cadet, the well-established newspaper of the Virginia Military Institute. This partnership helped to enhance our coverage for the upcoming events.
After settling into our Airbnb, we were greeted with the biting cold of a D.C. winter, something we weren’t used to. Undeterred, however, our team stayed committed to commence preparations for the days ahead, coordinating schedules, verifying press credentials, and outlining our objectives.
January 18th: The People’s March
On January 18th, the city witnessed “The People’s March”, a demonstration responding to the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump. The Participants voiced concerns about potential policy reversals, particularly on social progress and women’s rights.
The march attracted a diverse array of speakers and activists, each articulating fears of regressive policies. Counter-protestors, some driven by religious convictions and others by animosity, also gathered, leading to emotionally charged exchanges. The atmosphere was intense and gave off a metaphorical view of our nations ideological divide.
Our team engaged in extensive photojournalism, documenting and capturing raw emotions and dynamics throughout the day. That evening, we convened with The Cadet staff at a renowned local Neapolitan Pizzeria. Meeting the VMI Cadet editors and reporters gave us all a sense of camaraderie and mutual purpose, helping motivate us for another day of cold weather.
In a turn of events, the Trump-Vance inaugural committee decided to move the ceremonies indoors, consequentially limited press access. Despite this, both The Sentinel and The Cadet successfully secured attendance to the Capitol One Ceremony.
January 19th: Presidential Victory Parade
The following day featured the Presidential Victory Rally, where crowds of supporters braved the cold in hopes of witnessing President Trump talk about his victory of the 2025 presidential election. The crowd’s eagerness led to tensions, with instances of verbal and physical altercations, resulting in law enforcement and National Guard action to restore order in the line.
Inside the venue of the Capitol One Center, attendees were given a performance by Kid Rock, and addressed by a number of Guest Speakers, eventually with the appearance of President Donald J. Trump. He exuded a strong confidence over his victory, highlighting his supposed “landslide” victory. Notably, he reiterated his commitment to an assertive immigration policy, stating, “By the time the sun sets tomorrow, the invasion of our country will have come to a halt.”
January 20th: Inauguration day
Inauguration day commenced with The Sentinel team rising early, bracing for the week’s coldest temperatures. We rendezvoused with The Cadet at the Capitol One Arena, albeit entry was delayed for over an hour due to complications with the press list.
The inauguration ceremony, relocated indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to the weather, was historic. Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking a rare, non-consecutive second term. In his inaugural address, he spoke to the crowd, “The golden age of America begins right now.”
He began to sign a series of executive orders aimed at shaping national policy, including security measures to bolster border security, increase energy production, and drastically reform trade practices. He emphasized a return to traditional values and a focus on national sovereignty.
Following the ceremony, President Trump continued to sign multiple executive orders, signaling a swift transition in governance. The Sentinel and The Cadet teams diligently documented these proceedings, capturing the pivotal moments through both photography and detailed reporting.
The Sentinel remains committed to delivering insightful and accurate Journalism alongside many of our student cohorts. Recognizing our role in documenting key changes in our nations path, we’re committed to keep track of updates as they come forward.
