A US Congressman says there are security fences and National Guard soldiers 'everywhere you look' in Washington DC ahead of today's inauguration of Joe Biden.
He says authorities are taking security concerns 'very seriously' after the US Capitol was stormed earlier this month, with more than 20,000 troops stationed for today's events.
Donald Trump will leave the White House in the coming hours ahead of his successor getting sworn in at around 5pm Irish time.
Events has been scaled back significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with around 1,000 people expected to attend.
The outgoing President will break tradition and not attend the inauguration event - and Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle told Newstalk Breakfast that shows how 'petty and small' Mr Trump is.
He said: "It's very true to his nature. It's a sad break of what has been a wonderful tradition, but knowing the man I can't say I'm surprised."
He also said he can't imagine Mr Trump leaving Mr Biden a 'gracious' letter wishing him well, another US presidential traditional.
In terms of the Biden presidency, Mr Boyle said the approach will be '180 degrees opposite' to the outgoing administration.
He observed: "Joe Biden is an empathetic type of person, very compassionate... speaks about bringing people together.
"That is completely contrary, obviously, to Donald Trump."
With security ramped up ahead of the inauguration, Mr Boyle said a mix of that and COVID-19 restrictions means it will be 'completely different' to previous inauguration events.
He said: "There have been security concerns - so much so that you have more than 20,000 National Guard troops stationed to DC.
"That said, because these preparations are taking place - and because they've built fencing everywhere, and there are National Guard soldiers everywhere you look - I think that minimises the potential of that threat becoming a reality."
