The Twitter account for the Washington, D.C. metro system – known as WMATA – continues to troll President Donald Trump about his below average inauguration attendance.
During the Women’s March On Washington this past Saturday, WMATA posted the following tweet:
Metro Ridership as of 11am: 275k. For comparison, that's more than 8x a normal Sat & even busier than most weekdays. #wmata #womensmarch
— Metro (@wmata) January 21, 2017
Women’s March Stomps On Inauguration Day
The Women’s March on Washington had a reportedly three times larger turnout than Trump’s inauguration. This fact must infuriate our new commander-in-chief. It probably only adds insult to injury, as the march was a protest against his sexism, among many other issues.
Washington DC’s transportation authorities had expected a low turnout for Trump’s inauguration. Fewer than 400 buses had applied for parking permits on Inauguration Day. On the other hand, about 1,200 buses applied for permits the day after, when the Women’s March was set to occur.
The WMATA Twitter account made sure to keep the public abreast of the parking and riding situation on Inauguration Day, sending out the following updates:
Parking update: As of 7 a.m., parking is available at all Metro stations with lots/garages. No station more than 40% full. #wmata #inaug2017
— Metro (@wmata) January 20, 2017
As of 8:30, parking available at all stations with lots/garages. All under 50% except E Falls Chrch (65%) & Van Dorn (55%) #wmata #inaug2017
— Metro (@wmata) January 20, 2017
Trump Embarrassed By Turnout
Despite Trump’s proclamations that his inauguration would have an “unbelievable, perhaps record-setting turnout.” In reality, it was an embarrassment.
In fact, the only thing unbelievable about it was Trump and his administration refusing to believe the turnout was so terrible. He wasn’t even able to beat out the numbers from President George W. Bush’s second inauguration. Honestly, the only way his inauguration could have gone worse is if he pulled a William Henry Harrison, caught pneumonia in his inaugural speech, and died.
If only we were so lucky.
The WMATA made sure to remind everybody of this sub-par inauguration crowd:
Metro Ridership: As of 11am, 193k trips taken so far today. (11am 1/20/13 = 317k, 11am 1/20/09 = 513k, 11am 1/20/05 = 197k) #wmata
— Metro (@wmata) January 20, 2017
The total number of metro riders for the day may not have even surpassed the average number of riders in DC on a normal weekday. It’s clear that Donald Trump has lost the support of the large majority of the American public. It can be seen in the poll numbers, total votes in his favor, and now in the turnout on his big day. If we can keep sending the message that he does not represent us or our values, we can truly start to make a difference.
Watch this video from Vox to see a comparison of the inauguration crowds for Obama versus Trump:
Featured image credit: screengrab from Elana Zak on Twitter
