Conflicted US capital prepares to host Trump's inauguration

A demonstrator against US president-elect Donald Trump (R) clashes with a Trump supporter (L) in Washington, US, January 19, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

But Hendrickson said there was a need in the current political climate to listen to people with different views. "We are open to having a conversation with any Trump supporter," she shouted.

Traci Turner, 38, no fan of Trump, arrived from Atlanta with her husband and mother-in-law, both avid Trump supporters who got tickets for the inauguration.

"We could not be more different in politics. We've been married 13 years and we try to stay away from that subject," she said. "They're here for the inauguration. I'm just here for the sites, just for the history."

As Turner spoke, a stranger walked by and reminded her there were other options for people visiting the city, including a march planned for Saturday when hundreds of thousands of women are expected to turn up in support of women's rights.

Some 900,000 people, both Trump backers and opponents, are expected to flood Washington for Friday's inauguration ceremony.

Opponents of Trump are riled by his disparaging campaign comments about women, illegal immigrants and Muslims and his pledge to build a wall on the border with Mexico. His supporters admire his experience in business and his promises to shake up Washington and put America's interests first.