Trump news – Armed groups dwarfed by security at state capitals as president’s approval at new low
The latest updates from the White House and beyond on 17 January 2021
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President Donald Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to an all-time low as the US leader prepares to exit the White House.
In the wake of the deadly Capitol riots on 6 January, the president has seen his approval rating dive, with the change in perception being largely among Republicans.
The worst polling came from Pew Research Center, which found Mr Trump’s disapproval rating to be at 68 per cent, with his approval rating falling to 29 per cent, the lowest yet, in a poll of 5,360 adults conducted between 8-12 January.
The findings come as states across the US brace for the possibility of inauguration week violence as President-Elect Joe Biden prepares to take office on Wednesday. Small armed groups appeared at statehouses on Sunday, but the size of the gatherings appeared dwarfed by the security presence.
On Sunday, former FBI director James Comey warned of the “very serious” risk of violence breaking out around the inauguration following deadly riots at the US Capitol last week.
They were rounded up for protesting Trump’s inauguration – this is what happened next
In the years following the demonstrations, protesters facing up to 70 years in prison were plunged into a protracted legal battle, writes Alex Woodward for The Independent.
They were rounded up for protesting Trump’s inauguration – this is what happened next
In the year’s following the demonstrations, protesters facing up to 70 years in prison were plunged into a protracted legal battle, writes Alex Woodward
Eerie images of locked down DC
A presidential inauguration usually happens amidst busy streets and many vendors selling inaugural merchandise. Not this year.
Pence making final speech as VP
Mike Pence is delivering his final speech as vice president at Fort Drum, New York.
Trump’s ex-national security adviser won’t back a 2024 run
“It would be terribly divisive.”
Trump’s ex-national security adviser won’t back a ‘terribly divisive’ 2024 run
‘Nobody is above the law,’ HR McMaster says
Who’s who of the Biden-Harris inauguration
Figures from religious leaders to the United States’ first youth poet laureate will take part in Wednesday’s ceremony.
Gino Spocchia gives the rundown on who will be there as Joe Biden is sworn in as president on 20 January.
Who’s who of the Biden inauguration
Figures from religious leaders to the United States’ first youth poet laureate will take part in Wednesday’s ceremony
Pence: ‘We’ve all been through a lot this last year’
In his last public speech of his time as vice president, Mike Pence praised the military and thanked them for their service, touting the administration’s work in building up the armed forces, while avoiding conflict.
He also praised the strength and resilience of the American people after the trials of the past year.
Jamie Raskin says he won’t lose ‘his republic’ after losing his son just weeks ago
Rep. Jamie Raskin, a leader of the House impeachment effort against Donald Trump in the wake of the US Capitol insurrection, said he would not "lose my country and republic" weeks after losing his son to suicide.
Mr Raskin made the comments during an appearance on CNN while speaking with Jake Tapper on State of the Union.
"I'm not going to lose my son at the end of 2020 and lose my country and my republic in 2021," Mr Raskin said.
Graig Graziosi reports for The Independent.
Impeachment manager Jamie Raskin says he won’t lose ‘his republic’ after losing his son just weeks ago
Mr Raskin said Mr Trump committed the most ‘dangerous crime by a president’ in history
That’s all for our rolling coverage of today’s developments in US politics. Thank you for following along.
With the inauguration coming up on Wednesday, here is our guide to all the inaugural events.
A day by day events guide to Biden’s Inauguration
National Mall and Washington Monument both closed to public on Inauguration Day following safety concerns
Please join us tomorrow, and in the mean time stay tuned to The Independent for all the latest news and analysis.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments