A majority of D.C. Council members believe the city should spend less money on a viewing stand for District officials to watch President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural parade than it did for President Barack Obama's inauguration four years ago.
Three members of the left-leaning Council argued at a breakfast meeting Tuesday morning that the city shouldn't build a stand at all. Independent Council member Elissa Silverman said the city shouldn't celebrate Trump's inauguration because his policy proposals are "hostile to our residents."
Other members said not building a stand would be disrespectful.
Four years ago, the city spent almost $350,000 on a heated, enclosed viewing stand in front of the Wilson Building. Democratic Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said he will suggest to Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser that the stand be "less extravagant."