As I settled into my study-away experience at NYU DC, I realized that my timing could not have been more charged: I arrived in Washington DC just in time for President Trump's second inauguration. While political events of this magnitude always stir the city, this time it felt particularly heightened.

On the day of the inauguration, half of Trump’s supporters poured into the capital to witness the swearing-in of their president. Downtown Washington morphed into what could only be called “Trumptown.” Pickup trucks lined the streets, flags raised on them with Trump's name flapped in the wind, and country music blared from their speakers (with a twist of their own lyrics). The streets were awash in red hats and Trump merchandise as pop-up vendors set up shop on nearly every corner. The atmosphere was surreal, almost carnival-like, yet beneath the festive layer, deep divisions within the country were palpable.

The following day brought a different scene, but one that also spoke to the state of America. The 2025 March for Our Lives took over the streets, a protest demanding stronger gun control laws. Born out of the 2018 Parkland shooting, the movement has become an annual event, galvanizing youth across the nation. The 2025 march featured a powerful roster of speakers, many of them young activists and survivors of gun violence. They spoke passionately about the ongoing need for reform, the lives lost to preventable violence, and the importance of voting for change. Their speeches reverberated with a sense of urgency, but also with hope for the future. Some notable names included current Vice President JD Vance, and other political figures representing the states of Louisiana, Florida, and South Dakota.

Unlike the inauguration's celebratory chaos, the March for Our Lives had a more somber, yet focused energy. There were no flags or blaring music—just determined faces and handwritten signs. The unity here was striking, contrasting sharply with the day before’s division.

For a while, the city felt tense. Many shops and even courtrooms, anticipating unrest, had boarded up their doors and windows. Yet, my experience was far from chaotic. Despite the influx of people and the polarization on display, I did not witness any riots or violence. It was almost eerie how calm things felt, at least on the surface.

In all honesty, as a visitor to DC, I could not help but reflect on the narratives surrounding America’s political climate. The dangers often portrayed in the media seemed overhyped. Sure, the United States has its problems, but as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid unsafe areas—like any major city—things are not as bad as they seem. Just avoid dark alleys at 3 a.m. and you will be fine. Ultimately, my weekend in DC was not just about witnessing a historical moment, but also understanding the deep contrasts that define the American nation today.