Comparison: Donald Trump and Barack Obama’s inauguration crowds

A view of the National Mall during Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009 and for Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017. Photos by Reuters and Pool Camera. Image has been updated to include time taken.

A view of the National Mall during Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009 and for Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017. Photos by Reuters and Pool Camera. Image has been updated to include time taken.

One question ahead of today’s Inauguration Day ceremonies: How will the crowds at Trump’s swearing-in compare to crowds for other presidents?

READ: President Trump’s full inaugural address

Trump organizers said earlier this week they expected about 800,000 people to attend Friday’s festivities on the National Mall — “fewer than half the 1.8 million people who attended President Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009,” Politico says.

Another view: Here’s a side-by-side of crowds during President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009 and Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017, taken at 11:49:43, minutes before Donald Trump took the oath of office.

Get live updates and analysis on our Inauguration Day blog

Late update: We’ve created a time lapse of 7 hours of footage on the mall, from the beginning of the morning through Donald Trump’s inauguration. Take a look:

Editor’s note: This image has been updated to include the time the 2017 photo was captured.

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