Time for US to move beyond media diversions

Historic protests in the US underline need for unity, not a debate about exact figures

Protest rallies were held in over 30 countries in solidarity with the Women's March in Washington. Mike Nelson / EPA

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States didn’t pass without protest. Across the US and around the world, people gathered to protest against Mr Trump and rally for women’s rights. The focal point of these protests was the National Mall in Washington, DC, where Mr Trump took the oath of office on Friday.

As protesters engulfed America’s cities, Mr Trump’s new administration lashed out at reports that his inauguration ceremony was sparsely attended. In his first news conference, Sean Spicer, Mr Trump’s press secretary, criticised the media for reporting low attendance figures. Despite photographic evidence to the contrary, Mr Spicer insisted that the inauguration had “the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe”.

This reaction is hardly surprising from Mr Trump, a man who has built his brand appeal on the liberal use of superlatives. He has boasted about having the best hotels, the greatest reality television programme and even the tastiest steaks during an ill-fated attempt to sell branded meat products. During the presidential campaign, he regularly noted that he had the most loyal supporters.

But now he is the president of the United States. The campaign is over and the difficult work of bringing the country together must begin in earnest. Arguing about numbers is at best a diversion from addressing the pressing political and social issues facing the country. Just as Mr Trump would do well to move beyond his trademark overblown rhetoric, his opponents and critics would also do well to limit their antagonistic posturing with the new White House.

Peaceful public protest is a vital part of the American political system but the fight needs to pivot towards a policy battle. Emboldened by their impressive showing on the streets of America’s cities, concerned citizens might achieve better results by conveying their positions to their congressional representatives. This is how the system is designed to function.

In his new position as the leader of the free world, Mr Trump has his work cut out for him. On the other hand, his opponents need to be reminded that the election is over. Both sides need to move on.