| USA TODAY
Nearly 200,000 state and territory flags were planted at the National Mall
Nearly 200,000 state and area flags were planted at the National Mall ahead of the inauguration of Pres. Joe Biden.
USA TODAY, Storyful
The claim: the Biden team added flags to the National Mall to make the inauguration look less empty
The coronavirus pandemic and recent riot at the U.S. Capitol mean that Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration will not follow all the typical protocols of the inauguration ceremony.
Biden has put coronavirus precautions at the heart of his campaign. And since his inauguration ceremony takes place during the deadliest wave of the coronavirus, the crowds had to be restrained and wearing masks and social distance applied.
In addition to the coronavirus accommodation, the country is watching another transfer of power. Former President Donald Trump did not attend – the first outgoing president in decades not to do so – and DC is virtually under lockout after a pro-Trump riot earlier this month.
Incorrect information was the focus of the 2020 election cycle and continues until Inauguration Day.
After the addition of a public art exhibit of American flags at the National Mall, there were false allegations about the intent of the exhibit.
One Facebook post on January 19 claims: ‘It’s a little hilarious in a very dark kind of tragic comedy way. Biden and his crew could not bring real people to the inauguration, so they planted flags to ensure it would not look so empty. ‘
USA TODAY could not reach the person who submitted the claim for comment.
Fact check: Photo captures House Speaker Nancy Pelosi thanking national guard
What are the flags for?
Due to the pandemic in the coronavirus, the number of arrests will be limited and events that would take place in person, such as the traditional parade, will be virtually televised, reports USA TODAY.
Perhaps the absence of a crowd at the National Mall is the major change to the inaugural ceremony.
Inauguration: What does the crowd look like at Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20th?
In place of these crowds now stands a public art exhibition, consisting of nearly 200,000 American flags, representing the Americans who are not attending due to COVID-19.
Biden has waged an unconventional presidential campaign to keep the coronavirus precautionary measures in place, which makes it no surprise that his inauguration day will maintain many of the same security measures.
Fact check: What is true of the election in 2020, the counting of votes, the electoral college?
Our rating: Missing context
We review the allegation that the Biden team planted flags on the National Mall to ensure that it does not look as empty as MISSING CONTEXT, as it can be misleading without additional information. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and increased security, Biden’s presidential inauguration will be an unconventional, muted event.
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