
*Hotel bookings and protest permit applications are significantly lower leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration, compared to his first in 2017.
While his initial swearing-in saw large protests, far fewer permit requests have been submitted this time, Raw Story reports, citing the Washington Post. The “People’s March” is the largest protest planned for Jan. 20, and expects an estimated turnout of 50,000 participants, according to the permit application.
“The ‘Never Trump’ universe was bigger then,” Patrick Mara, chairman of the D.C. Republican Party, said of Trump’s 2017 inauguration.
Per Raw Story, hotel occupancy in Washington D.C. is around 70%, significantly lower than the 95% for Trump’s first inauguration in 2017 and 97.2% for Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration. By comparison, Obama’s second inauguration in 2013 saw a dip to 78%.
Trump’s inaugural committee has raised $170 million to fund events such as a parade, the swearing-in ceremony, a “victory rally” at Capital One Arena, and a national prayer service on Tuesday at Washington National Cathedral. The Village People are confirmed to perform at one of the additional events around the D.C. area, TMZ reports.

“We know this wont make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics,” the band said in a message to fans.
Victor Willis, a founding member of the Village People, previosuly defended President-elect Trump’s use of the hit song “YMCA” at rallies.
“Y.M.C.A. has benefited greatly from use by the President-elect,” the singer-songwriter wrote in a lengthy Facebook post. “For example, Y.M.C.A. was stuck at #2 on the Billboard chart prior to the President-elect’s use. However, the song finally made it to #1 on a Billboard chart after over 45 years (and held on to #1 for two weeks) due to the President-elect’s use.”
According to Willis, the song is “estimated to gross several million dollars” since Trump began using it while campaigning.
“Therefore, I’m glad I allowed the President-elect’s continued use of Y.M.C.A. And I thank him for choosing to use my song,” he added, noting that the song is not about the gay community.
The band said they’re hoping the anthem “helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.”
Meanwhile, Rachel Reisner, director of communications for the Trump inaugural committee, said, “The Inaugural events will draw supporters, industry leaders, and diplomats of all backgrounds to Washington DC to join the president in ushering in America’s new golden era.”
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Village People Singer Says ‘YMCA’ Not a ‘Gay Anthem’ and Defends Trump’s Use of Song