Not This Time Around: Why I Am NOT Watching the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump
As we approach another January 20th, this time in 2025, the nation braces for the inauguration of Donald Trump to his second term. However, I’ve made the conscious decision to not partake in this spectacle, not out of spite, but as a stand for the principles of democracy that I hold dear.
First and foremost, there’s an undeniable sense of political fatigue that has swept through our nation. The last years have been a relentless hurricane of political controversies, impeachments, and an election cycle that left many of us exhausted. Watching another Trump inauguration feels less like celebrating democracy and more like endorsing a circus where the clowns have taken over the ring. It’s a tired narrative we’ve seen before, and one I’m not eager to relive.
From a pro-democracy perspective, Trump’s presidency has been more than just polarizing; it has been a litmus test for our democratic institutions. His tenure has often been marked by actions that challenge the rule of law, the integrity of our elections, and the very norms that keep our democracy in check. By not watching the inauguration, I’m not just boycotting Trump; I’m boycotting the normalization of these anti-democratic behaviors.
The timing of this inauguration, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, adds another layer of complexity. Here we are, celebrating a man who fought for equality and justice, while simultaneously ushering in an administration that has, at times, been accused of undermining those very principles. It feels almost sacrilegious to give my attention to an event that seems to contradict the spirit of what MLK Day stands for.
Moreover, the decision by many Democratic members of Congress to boycott the event sends a clear message: this is not business as usual. It’s a signal of dissent, an act of protest against policies and actions that many believe threaten the health of our democracy. By not tuning in, I align myself with those who believe that our political engagement should not be about spectacle but about substance, about holding our leaders accountable to democratic ideals.
Our media consumption habits have also changed, moving away from traditional broadcasts that once glued us to our screens for such ceremonies. Now, more than ever, we have a choice in what we consume, and I choose to not give this inauguration the viewership it might crave. It’s a small act, perhaps, but one that reflects a broader disillusionment with a political process that seems more about showmanship than stewardship.
Finally, there’s the matter of public sentiment. A significant portion of Americans, myself included, feel that tuning out is a form of resistance. It’s not about erasing the reality of Trump’s presidency but rather about not endorsing it through our attention. In the age of information, where every view count and rating can be seen as a form of validation, this act of not watching is my way of saying that this administration does not have my support or my interest.
In essence, my decision to not watch Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration is a statement for democracy. It’s a reminder that democracy isn’t just about participating in elections; it’s also about how we engage with the political process after the votes are counted. It’s about ensuring that our actions, even in what we choose not to do, reflect our commitment to the democratic values of accountability, justice, and integrity. This isn’t just about one man’s inauguration; it’s about the kind of country we want to be moving forward.
