In American politics, much was ado during the days leading up to now-President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Senate confirmation hearings for Donald Trump’s cabinet picks went officially underway, and opposition to the new regime mounted as January 20^th came closer. Here are some of the highlights:

Betsy DeVos’s Confirmation Hearing:

• Donald Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, underwent her Senate confirmation on January 17. DeVos’s performance in the hearing was largely panned, as she noted that schools need guns to protect students from grizzly bears and displayed a limited understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Women’s March on Washington solidifies plans:

• The Women’s March on Washington, the large protest organized for the day after Donald Trump’s election, hit several organizational hurdles as March leaders were unable to secure a permit to host a pre-March event on the National Mall. However, as the event has drawn closer, transportation for prospective marchers from every state have been organized, and over 200,000 people are expected to attend Saturday.

Pre-Inauguration Protests Held Around the Country:

• Around the country, protests have been organized in medium- and large-sized cities to demonstrate a cohesive objection to Donald Trump’s election and presidency. A January 19^th protest in New York City drew more attendees than did Trump’s pre-Inaugural concert held at the same time in Washington, D.C.

Trump pick Monica Crowley resigns nomination amid plagiarism allegations:

• Monica Crowley, Donald Trump’s top-choice pick for a communications role on the National Security Council, officially declined the position on January 16^th after it was revealed that she’d plagiarized sections of her book published in 2012 and much of her Ph.D. dissertation.

Biden presented with Presidential Medal of Freedom:

• In one of his last actions as President, President Barack Obama presented his friend and Vice President Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Traditionally, Presidents give out only one Distinguished medal.