Dear Commons Community,

Washington, D.C., is preparing for next week’s inauguration with security beefed up and signage celebrating newly -elected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.  President Donald Trump is going to find one sign (above) of the transition very hard to ignore that’s because it’s an actual sign ― right in front of his windows in the White House residence as workers put up bunting across the street with “2021 Biden-Harris Inauguration”!

Similar bunting is going up all around Washington, along what would have been the traditional parade route, although this year most of the festivities will be virtual:

Crowds are being discouraged in Washington amid the twin threats of the coronavirus pandemic and the violence in Washington last week carried out by Trump supporters. Threats of violence before and on Inauguration Day are also being taken seriously.

Trump has said he will not attend the inauguration. 

CNN reported Thursday that he is planning to leave the White House on the morning of the event via Marine One from the South Lawn.

Vice President Mike Pence has said he will attend the inauguration. 

Trump has said “a new administration will be inaugurated” but has not otherwise acknowledged Biden’s victory and spent months spewing false claims about the election results, filing fruitless lawsuits and attempting to pressure local officials into “finding” votes to overturn the results.  

Tony