WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Heavy iron fencing and concrete barriers have already begun going up around the White House and U.S. Capitol, as preparations for the 2024 Election and 2025 Inauguration kick off in the District.
The General Election is now less than three weeks away, followed by the Presidential Inauguration in January.
Around the White House and in neighboring Lafayette Square Park, the National Parks Service (NPS) said it started building stands for the Inaugural Parade a month earlier than usual, on Oct. 1 this year as opposed to the typical Nov. 1 start date.
NPS said it needed more time “for a safer and more secure environment for construction activities.”
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said they have been planning for the election and inauguration for months.
“While there has been no indication of any large-scale protests, events, demonstrations, or violent activities. MPD encourages the public to remain vigilant,” a department spokesperson said in a statement to DC News Now.
Some people visiting D.C. said they felt the preparations came too early, and were disappointed they couldn’t see much beyond the tall iron fencing and concrete barriers.
“This is not the same D.C. it was 10 years ago,” said one mother visiting with her children from Locust Grove, Va. “It’s the perfect time to get out here and visit, but it’s all blocked off with the fence. it’s frustrating.”
A few blocks away at the U.S. Capitol, a lot of scaffolding, screws and stairs are visible from beyond the double-walled metal fencing, with construction for the Inauguration well underway inside the perimeter.
Howard University student Kennedy Hood walked past the construction Thursday and said she’s excited to be in the District to see it all in January.
“I do hope to see some of it in person because I am right here. It really is a great opportunity,” said Hood. “I think it’s never too early to be ready for the election. It’s better to get it started early.”
Plenty of people are already making plans to travel to the District for Inauguration weekend, which lines up with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.
Though still a few months away, hotels in the area show slim availability, with many open rooms left at double or triple their normal rates.
In regard to tourism and travel projections, Destination DC said, in part”
“Destination DC receives data after the fact but anecdotally, hotel partners around the city tell us they are seeing bookings and demand around inauguration. The notion that hotels are ‘sold out,’ however, is not true. Rather, many hotels have a minimum room night requirement or are holding rooms for various reasons. This skews a current search for availability. In addition, travel companies negotiate rates and rooms, often securing large blocks.”
Destination DC noted January is typically a slow time of year for D.C. tourism, so the Inauguration will likely be a good boost for hotels and businesses.
