Warm Optimism for Peace in Cold Weather: CPI at Trump's Inauguration in DC
On January 20, 2025, as Donald Trump was being sworn in, the Center for Political Innovation (CPI) was in Washington, D.C.
A team of ten volunteers, made up of CPI members from Chicago, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Boston, New York, Toronto, and Minnesota, arrived Sunday evening, ready to hit the streets.
Starting at 9:30 in the morning, volunteers engaged with Trump supporters outside the Capital One Arena, where they were assembling to watch the inauguration. CPI unfurled two 10-foot by 12-foot banners. One banner was the #PeaceMAGA banner, which read, “Only Peace Can Make America Great Again,” featuring a massive image of Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump shaking hands. The other banner read, “Build the Peace Bridge,” highlighting the organization’s call to connect Russia and Alaska over the Bering Sea. Thousands of copies of CPI’s latest pamphlet, “A New Day for America! A New Hope for a Peaceful World!” were distributed to those attending the inauguration and surrounding events.
A Glowing Response in the Streets
The response to CPI’s banners and pamphlets was overwhelmingly positive. People from across the country gave thumbs-up gestures, happily took the anti-imperialist pamphlets, and photographed themselves with the massive banners. At one point, former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was giving an interview to reporters near the banners. Trump supporters in the crowd quickly alerted CPI volunteers to his presence. With a bullhorn, the volunteers began loudly chanting, “NATO is a scam! NATO is a scam!” Many Trump supporters echoed the chant, with some also shouting, “F*** Ukraine!”
In a particularly touching moment, a large delegation of well-dressed men and women from South Korea, wearing lapel pins with the South Korean and U.S. flags, took turns being photographed with the #PeaceMAGA banner. They expressed their deep appreciation to CPI for bringing it and shared their optimism for renewed peace talks under the new administration.
A Lively Evening Reception
After spending the morning and early afternoon in the streets, speaking up for peace and receiving a very warm reception despite the record-low temperatures, it was time to set up at the Hilton Garden Inn. The CPI reception kicked off at 5:30 p.m., with guests mingling as they enjoyed prime rib, salmon, and German chocolate cake from a high-quality buffet. Roughly 30 people attended the evening reception.
The program featured the music of Brian Harris, who performed a mixture of American folk songs, African American spirituals, and his own compositions. The opening session included remarks from five high-profile guests and friends of CPI. Radio personalities Garland Nixon and Jamarl Thomas spoke up for peace, echoing CPI’s message of optimism about the incoming administration and the need to build a serious movement promoting peace and economic justice. Political scientist Dr. Wilmer Leon expressed concerns about some of Elon Musk’s policies and the incoming administration, while castigating the Democratic Party for failing to improve the lives of working families during Biden’s four years in office.
Longtime peace activist and radio host Don Debar discussed his evolving view of Trump. He explained that he initially believed Trump’s political aspirations were merely an attempt to build his brand but he now sees Trump as a complex figure giving voice to the deep frustrations of many working people amid heated divisions in the ruling class.
Rev. Miilhan Stephens, who led Manhattan Family Church in cooperating with CPI’s #PeaceMAGA operation during the final month of the 2024 U.S. election, spoke about his surprising friendship with CPI founder Caleb Maupin, despite his communist roots. Stephens expressed gratitude for their deep bond, learning from each other, emphasizing his appreciation for how CPI has developed.
Innovationism is the Future
The second half of the program featured CPI members. Co-Director Peter Coffin gave a spirited address blending stand-up commentary, political reflection, and organizational insights. Coffin noted that “Innovationism” is steering the organization in new directions, giving voice to the frustrations of working people in the gig economy era. He remarked that while media figures accuse Trump of being “manipulated with praise,” those seeking greater peace and freedom should leverage that by loudly praising any positive actions Trump takes.
CPI organizer Noah Shenk from Boston gave a passionate activist report, describing the morning’s street atmosphere and the positive reception to CPI’s message. He compared CPI’s role today to that of abolitionist and Christian Socialist Horace Greeley during the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing how CPI’s pro-growth message mirrors Greeley’s slogan, “Go West, young man, and grow up with the country.” Shenk highlighted the challenges of the event—harsh weather and logistical complications—but also pointed out that if CPI is able to do so much with such limited resources and a small team, it shows many other organizations are simply failing to step up.
Penny Arcos, a CPI activist from Minnesota, read a poem she had written criticizing the religious hypocrisy of Christian Zionists who overlook and excuse Israel’s genocidal crimes. Before reciting her poem, she shared her personal religious history and her appreciation for CPI’s ecumenical approach, which unites people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Caleb Maupin closed the rally with a speech about the economic system of imperialism and its contradiction to the ideals of Alexander Hamilton, Henry Charles Carey, and others who upheld the principles of the American Revolution. Maupin quoted Rosa Luxemburg who predicted in 1914 that imperialism would eventually lead to a era of endless, constant wars that would destroy western civilization. He also referenced the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, the English Civil War, the abolitionist movement in America, and the deep tradition of opposing injustice within the American spirit. He explained how the Malthusian agenda of the ultra-rich could be countered by creating an optimistic movement celebrating human creativity and spreading anti-imperialist ideas.
CPI member Gaby Hernandez of Chicago then led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Unity. The event concluded with thunderous chants of “Dare to struggle! Dare to win!” amid the boom of confetti cannons.
The team of volunteers and friends left Washington, D.C., with renewed energy and excitement about building a revolutionary movement to oppose globalism/imperialism. “This recent event was a big test,” CPI Founder Caleb Maupin reflected to another organizer. “We passed with flying colors.”
Click on the linked names to view speeches from the event! Peter Coffin is also set to release a documentary film about CPI’s activities on January 20 in the coming weeks.
