Comparing Trump’s inauguration crowd to the Women’s March

Z. Byron Wolf
By Z. Byron Wolf, CNN
Updated 4:32 PM EST, Sat January 21, 2017
Trump inauguration
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Anti-racism protesters gather to counter protest against a Donald Trump victory rally outside State Parliament on November 20, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. The election of Donald Trump in America has sparked protests and rallies across the world. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Anti-racism protesters gather to counter protest against a Donald Trump victory rally outside State Parliament on November 20, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. The election of Donald Trump in America has sparked protests and rallies across the world. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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Story highlights

It's clear both Trump's inauguration and Saturday's women march attracted many people

Trump talked about crowd size during an appearance at the CIA Saturday

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated to add context.

Washington CNN —  

It’s going to be impossible to gauge how many people exactly attended the inauguration of Donald Trump in 2017 as opposed to Barack Obama in 2009.

It’s also going to be impossible to gauge how many people exactly attended Trump’s inauguration as opposed to the Women’s March Saturday organized as a direct rebuttal to Trump the previous day.

RELATED: Get full coverage of the transition to Trump and of the Women’s March

But there’s going to be a lot of conjecture about it. Trump himself talked about his massive crowds during an appearance at the Armed Services Ball Friday night.

It’s clear that both events attracted many people. Below are pictures from 12:15 p.m. ET on each day from the EarthCam website.

A screengrab of EarthCam's live feed of the National Mall during Trump's inauguration ceremony.
Earthcam
A screengrab of EarthCam's live feed of the National Mall during Trump's inauguration ceremony.
A screengrab of the EarthCam feed from the National Mall before the Women's March
Earthcam
A screengrab of the EarthCam feed from the National Mall before the Women's March

Trump talked about crowd size during an appearance at the CIA Saturday and argued the size of his crowds had been misrepresented.

“We had a massive field of people,” he told the US intelligence agency. “You saw that. Packed. I get up this morning, I turn on one of the networks, and they show an empty field. I’m like, wait a minute. I made a speech. I looked out, the field was, it looked like a million, million and a half people. They showed a field where there were practically nobody standing there. And they said, Donald Trump did not draw well,” the President said.

“It looked honestly like a million and a half people, whatever it was, it was, but it went all the way back to the Washington Monument and I turn on, by mistake, I get this network, and it showed an empty field. Said we drew 250,000 people. Now, that’s not bad. But it’s a lie. We had 250,000 people,” he said.

It wasn’t clear which outlet Trump was referring to. CNN has not reported a specific size to the crowd since there has been no official estimate.

Trump took the oath of office just before noon Friday and then gave his inaugural address. A rally associated with the march was slated for between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Some differences to note: Trump’s speech was on the West Front of the Capitol, which was at capacity on Friday. It was cordoned off and empty on Saturday as protesters gathered on the Mall.

On the other hand, the Women’s March filled the streets around the mall. Those streets were closed to Trump supporters.

His inauguration was on Jan. 20, because of the Constitution, which this year occurred on a Friday. The Women’s March was on Saturday, when more people are off work.

Metro, Washington’s subway system, tweeted Saturday there were 275,000 trips taken Saturday by 11 a.m.

On Friday, there were 193,000 trips by 11 a.m., according to Metro.

Another important point: Both events are occurring in an area opposed to Trump. Washington, D.C. voted overwhelmingly against Trump last November. He got just 4.1% of the vote in the nation’s capital. He also lost the surrounding states of Maryland by 25 percentage points and Virginia by nearly 5 percentage points. It would be a longer trip for a critical mass of Trump supporters than for a critical mass of marchers.

It should also be noted that marchers took to the streets in other cities, nationwide, and in cities around the world.

Related: An incredibly high-resolution, interactive image of Trump’s inauguration

Related: Comparing Trump’s inauguration crowd to Obama’s

“Sister marches” also took place in Chicago:

Protesters cheer at the Women's March in Chicago, Illinois.
John Gress/Getty Images
Protesters cheer at the Women's March in Chicago, Illinois.

And New York:

Thousands of participants converge on Dag Hammarskjold Plaza and 2nd Avenue during the Women's March in New York City.
Susan Watts/New York Daily News/Getty Images
Thousands of participants converge on Dag Hammarskjold Plaza and 2nd Avenue during the Women's March in New York City.

And in Boston:

WCVB

Here are some of the best pictures from American cities:

A large crowd walks down Pennsylvania Avenue after the start of the Women's March on Washington on Saturday, January 21, 2017. Organizers said the march is sending a message to Donald Trump that "women's rights are human rights." Similar protests unfolded across the country.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Mark Kauzlarich for CNN
A large crowd walks down Pennsylvania Avenue after the start of the Women's March on Washington on Saturday, January 21, 2017. Organizers said the march is sending a message to Donald Trump that "women's rights are human rights." Similar protests unfolded across the country.
A woman chants at the Women's March on Washington.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Mario Tama/Getty Images
A woman chants at the Women's March on Washington.
Women with cat hats walk past the Capitol.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
Women with cat hats walk past the Capitol.
Demonstrators at the Women's March rally toward the White House on the National Mall.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
Demonstrators at the Women's March rally toward the White House on the National Mall.
Demonstrators take a break from marching at the National Gallery of Art.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
Demonstrators take a break from marching at the National Gallery of Art.
Protesters gather on the National Mall near the US Capitol.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters gather on the National Mall near the US Capitol.
Protesters gather near the US Capitol.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Protesters gather near the US Capitol.
Lily Donahue of Wappingers Falls, New York, center, is among the thousands with signs protesting violence against women.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
John Minchillo/AP
Lily Donahue of Wappingers Falls, New York, center, is among the thousands with signs protesting violence against women.
The pink "pussyhat" with cat ears became the symbol the the Woman's March on Washington as a reference to President Donald Trump's remarks about grabbing women by their genitalia during the election.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images
The pink "pussyhat" with cat ears became the symbol the the Woman's March on Washington as a reference to President Donald Trump's remarks about grabbing women by their genitalia during the election.
Madonna performs during the Women's March on Washington, Saturday, January 21, 2017 in Washington.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Jose Luis Magana/AP
Madonna performs during the Women's March on Washington, Saturday, January 21, 2017 in Washington.
The march evolved from a post-election call to action on Facebook to an organized effort that included high-wattage activists and attendees.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Teresa Kroeger/FilmMagic/Getty Images
The march evolved from a post-election call to action on Facebook to an organized effort that included high-wattage activists and attendees.
A woman wears a pink hat to send a message during the protest.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images
A woman wears a pink hat to send a message during the protest.
Demonstrators wearing pink hats gather during the Women's March on Washington in Washington, DC, on Saturday, January 21, 2017.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Eric Thayer/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Demonstrators wearing pink hats gather during the Women's March on Washington in Washington, DC, on Saturday, January 21, 2017.
Singer Alicia Keys performs on the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the Women's March on January 21, 2017.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images
Singer Alicia Keys performs on the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the Women's March on January 21, 2017.
Demonstrators arrive at Washington's Union Station for the march.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images
Demonstrators arrive at Washington's Union Station for the march.
Ginny Suss, Carmen Perez, Gloria Steinem, Linda Sarsour, Tamika Mallory and Mia Ives-Rublee appear onstage during the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Ginny Suss, Carmen Perez, Gloria Steinem, Linda Sarsour, Tamika Mallory and Mia Ives-Rublee appear onstage during the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC.
Demonstrators protest on the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the Women's March on January 21, 2017.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators protest on the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the Women's March on January 21, 2017.
Ginger Naglee of Olney, Maryland, gets into the spirit on Independence Avenue.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Sait Serkan Gurbuz/AP
Ginger Naglee of Olney, Maryland, gets into the spirit on Independence Avenue.
Women gather on a barricade on the National Mall.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
John Minchillo/AP
Women gather on a barricade on the National Mall.
A man dressed as Abraham Lincoln stands with protesters.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
John Minchillo/AP
A man dressed as Abraham Lincoln stands with protesters.
Protesters take a selfie on the grounds of the US Capitol.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images
Protesters take a selfie on the grounds of the US Capitol.
Demonstrators protest on the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the Women's March on January 21, 2017.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators protest on the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the Women's March on January 21, 2017.
Girls hold anti-Trump signs during the march.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
John Minchillo/AP
Girls hold anti-Trump signs during the march.
New Yorker Nicole Monceaux joins in the march.
Photos: Women's March on Washington
Sait Serkan Gurbuz/AP
New Yorker Nicole Monceaux joins in the march.

And images from other countries, too:

A woman wears a US flag like a hijab during a protest of US Democrats Abroad in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on January 21, 2017, one day after the inauguration of the US President.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
GREGOR FISCHER/DPA/Getty Images
A woman wears a US flag like a hijab during a protest of US Democrats Abroad in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on January 21, 2017, one day after the inauguration of the US President.
Activists gather in Civic Center Park for the Women's March on Denver on Saturday, January 21.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Andy Cross/Denver Post/Getty Images
Activists gather in Civic Center Park for the Women's March on Denver on Saturday, January 21.
Protesters hold up anti-Trump signs as more than 2,000 people protest during the Women's March on the Trocadero in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on January 21, 2017.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images
Protesters hold up anti-Trump signs as more than 2,000 people protest during the Women's March on the Trocadero in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on January 21, 2017.
Participants assemble on Dag Hammarskjold Plaza and 2nd Avenue during the Women's March in New York City on Saturday, January 21. The march's path is planned to end at Trump Tower.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Susan Watts/NY Daily News/Getty Images
Participants assemble on Dag Hammarskjold Plaza and 2nd Avenue during the Women's March in New York City on Saturday, January 21. The march's path is planned to end at Trump Tower.
A protester carries an effigy of President Donald Trump during the Women's March in London, England on January 21, 2017. The idea for the Women's March originated in Washington, DC but soon people around the world began organizing their own protests to express concerns about possible attacks on equality, diversity and women's rights.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
A protester carries an effigy of President Donald Trump during the Women's March in London, England on January 21, 2017. The idea for the Women's March originated in Washington, DC but soon people around the world began organizing their own protests to express concerns about possible attacks on equality, diversity and women's rights.
A woman holds a sign during the Women's March in San Jose, Costa Rica, on January 21, 2017. Hundreds of people took to the streets of San Jose in opposition to what they perceive as the hardline policies of President Donald Trump.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP/Getty Images
A woman holds a sign during the Women's March in San Jose, Costa Rica, on January 21, 2017. Hundreds of people took to the streets of San Jose in opposition to what they perceive as the hardline policies of President Donald Trump.
Supporters in the Antarctic Peninsula take part in a women's march on Saturday, January 21. According to organizers, the march includes about 30 people who are eco-minded tourists and non-government scientists. Some held signs saying, "Penguins for Peace" and "Seals for Science."
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Women's March - Antarctic Peninsula
Supporters in the Antarctic Peninsula take part in a women's march on Saturday, January 21. According to organizers, the march includes about 30 people who are eco-minded tourists and non-government scientists. Some held signs saying, "Penguins for Peace" and "Seals for Science."
Demonstrators gather in Oslo, Norway, on Saturday, January 21, to show solidarity with the Women's March on Washington and other protests around the world. The goal of the marches is to raise awareness of women's rights and other civil rights participants fear could be threatened under Donald Trump's presidency.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Stian Lysberg Solum/AP
Demonstrators gather in Oslo, Norway, on Saturday, January 21, to show solidarity with the Women's March on Washington and other protests around the world. The goal of the marches is to raise awareness of women's rights and other civil rights participants fear could be threatened under Donald Trump's presidency.
Thousands of people filled Boston Common for the Boston Women's March for America on Saturday, January 21, 2017. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh wave to the crowd as they march down Commonwealth Avenue.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe/Getty Images
Thousands of people filled Boston Common for the Boston Women's March for America on Saturday, January 21, 2017. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh wave to the crowd as they march down Commonwealth Avenue.
Protesters listen to speeches in London's Trafalgar Square after taking part in a march to promote women's rights.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
PA Images/Sipa USA
Protesters listen to speeches in London's Trafalgar Square after taking part in a march to promote women's rights.
Protesters gather outside the US Embassy in London.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Protesters gather outside the US Embassy in London.
Protesters rally in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Steffi Loos/Getty Images
Protesters rally in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
A young supporter participates in the march in Sydney.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Andrew Murray/AFP/Getty Images
A young supporter participates in the march in Sydney.
Demonstrators hold signs supporting human rights in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
ROBIN UTRECHT/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators hold signs supporting human rights in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
People hold up a drawing of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin kissing while taking of part in the Women's March on January 21, 2017 in New York City. The Midtown Manhattan event was one of many anti-Trump protests nationwide that came a day after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
John Moore/Getty Images
People hold up a drawing of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin kissing while taking of part in the Women's March on January 21, 2017 in New York City. The Midtown Manhattan event was one of many anti-Trump protests nationwide that came a day after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States.
A dog joins demonstrators at the Women's March in London, United Kingdom on January 21, 2017.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Ray Tang/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A dog joins demonstrators at the Women's March in London, United Kingdom on January 21, 2017.
People take part in a march in front of the US Embassy in Accra, Ghana.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
CRISTINA ALDEHUELA/AFP/Getty Images
People take part in a march in front of the US Embassy in Accra, Ghana.
People gather outside the US Consulate in Krakow, Poland during the Women's March on Washington on January, 21 2017.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Getty Images
People gather outside the US Consulate in Krakow, Poland during the Women's March on Washington on January, 21 2017.
Protesters sit in front of police separating them from a small pro-Trump rally in Sydney.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
Brook Mitchell/Getty Images
Protesters sit in front of police separating them from a small pro-Trump rally in Sydney.
Women's rights activists take part in a march in Pristina, Kosovo.
Photos: Women's marches around the world
ARMEND NIMANI/AFP/Getty Images
Women's rights activists take part in a march in Pristina, Kosovo.

CNN’s Allie Malloy contributed to this report