will trump give back $250M inauguration donations now that it is scaled back and indoors???

[Igel]

12. Does that mean they won't be paying the workers for what they've done so far?

That's sort of (1). I mean people labored, they're worth their pay. Setting up and taking down in the absence of use is still setting up and taking down.

The inauguration includes a lot of post-swearing-in crap, as well, and probably the lion's share of the expenses. Balls, parties, festivities. The WH (re)decoration is privately funded, IIRC, and is the same funding source.

Who knows what gold lame costs these days.