Conflicted US capital prepares to host Trump's inauguration

Workers prepare the inauguration of US President Elect Donald Trump at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US January 19, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

'NEGATIVE VIBE'

Cortis, 53, who has spent months driving the country with his trailer-mounted model bridge, said the atmosphere had been cordial despite the political differences on display across much of the city.

"Nobody has been really nasty," he said of reactions to his bridge, which features a Trump mannequin, a Statue of Liberty figurine and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, symbolizing American manufacturing.

"You can tell some people have a negative vibe when they see it, but they kind of shake it off, because we're playing positive, uplifting music and we have a positive message," Cortis added.

With all the different visitors, "it's been one of our busiest weekends yet," said Roger, a 41-year-old cabdriver who declined to give his last name. "They've been supportive of Trump, protesting against Trump, and not giving a damn about the man," he said. All I know is that business has been good. Real good."

Not everyone in the city is planning to stay in town for the event. Preston Mitchum, 30, a gay man, plans to go away for a few days with friends. Sweating on an exercise machine at a gym on Thursday afternoon, he noted most of his friends are gay or members of racial minorities - groups that generally opposed Trump's candidacy.