If you searched “inauguration” online around 2017, you likely saw an image of a person screaming "NOOOO!" That person was Jess, who was protesting Donald Trump's inauguration. Within hours, this became the scream heard ‘round the world. Four years later, Jess told their story to Endless Thread. We revisit that episode as the country prepares to inaugurate Trump again.

This episode was originally released on November 12, 2021.

If you typed “inauguration” into your web browser anytime between 2017 and 2020, you likely saw an image of a person in a neon green jacket, black winter hat and glasses screaming “Nooooooooooo!” That person was Jess, who was in Washington D.C. on January 20, 2017 to protest the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

This “Nooooooooooo!” flew out of Jess after the oath of office, during what seemed to be a deeply painful and private moment. But what Jess didn’t know at the time was that they were being filmed by a UK media outlet. Within hours, this became the scream heard ‘round the world, the meme seen ‘round the world, and a symbol of “liberal fragility” for Trump supporters. Fearing for their safety, Jess went into a sort of hiding – on social media, and in their personal life. Four years later, Jess told their story to Endless Thread.

We’re revisiting this episode in advance of Donald Trump’s second inauguration, just as the Internet has been resurfacing this poignant — and, for some, highly relatable — meme.

Credits:

Episode producer: Amory Sivertson

Co-hosts: Amory Sivertson and Ben Brock Johnson

Show producers: Dean Russell and Grace Tatter

Editor: Maureen McMurray

Mixer, sound designer and music creator: Paul Vaitkus

Additional production: Josh Crane, Frank Hernandez, Kristin Torres, Sofie Kodner and Rachel Carlson