A viral image circulating on social media claims to compare the crowd sizes at Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration with his supposed 2025 inauguration. The image, shared widely on platforms like X and Facebook, allegedly shows a stark difference, with the 2025 crowd appearing significantly smaller.
Social Media Claims
The Telegraph’s X account shared two photos comparing crowd sizes at Trump’s 2017 inauguration at the National Mall with his purported 2025 inauguration, which showed much lower attendance. The post was captioned “Donald Trump’s inauguration crowd size compared”
These comparison images were widely shared across X.
However, our fact-checking investigation reveals that this picture is misleading.
Fact-Check
While the pictures show the outside view of the Capitol Rotunda during the 2017 and 2025 inauguration ceremonies, the comparison is misleading since this year’s inauguration was held indoors due to weather conditions.
According to AP, due to sub-freezing temperatures forecasted for January 20, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda. This marked the first time in 40 years that the swearing-in did not take place on the Capitol steps. As a result, the general public was unable to witness the ceremony in person. To accommodate some attendees, plans were made to utilize the city’s professional basketball and hockey arena.
Furthermore, The Telegraph added context about the indoor venue change on their Facebook page; however, their X post still lacks this context and could mislead readers.
During his 2025 inaugural address, Trump outlined his vision for America’s “golden age.” The speech balanced formal policy proposals with his signature confrontational style. He detailed plans for immigration reform and economic changes, while announcing the end of several diversity initiatives – a mix that garnered predictably mixed reactions.
Following the ceremony, Trump immediately took action by signing executive orders that reversed several Biden administration policies, particularly in immigration, energy, and foreign relations. Despite his team’s efforts to present an organized administration, Trump maintained his distinctive speaking style, weaving together policy discussions with references to the 2020 election and January 6th events. (Source: BBC)
Conclusion
The viral image comparing Donald Trump’s 2017 and 2025 inauguration crowd sizes presents an invalid comparison. Because Trump’s 2025 inauguration was moved indoors due to weather conditions, direct visual comparisons with the 2017 outdoor ceremony are misleading.
Title:Viral Picture Comparing Donald Trump’s Inauguration Crowd Sizes in 2017 and 2025 Is Misleading
Written By: Cielito WangResult: Misleading
