TRUMP IN OFFICE, FURY IN STREETS
Newly-elected President rues America subsidising ‘armies of other countries’ Trump says presidency will set course for America, world ‘for many years’
Washington, Jan. 20: Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States on Friday, succeeding Barack Obama and taking control of a divided country in a transition of power that he has declared will lead to “America First” policies at home and abroad.
As massive protests erupted elsewhere in Washington, and other US cities, Mr Trump raised his right hand and put his left on a Bible used by Abraham Lincoln and repeated a 35-word oath of office from the United States Constitution.
At his side was wife Melania Trump, who watched the landmark transition from a Democratic president to a Republican take place on a cool day that saw some scattered rain.
Washington, Jan. 20: Donald Trump took oath of office as the 45th president of the United States on Friday amid scattered protests that erupted here.
In his inaugural address, Mr Trump said “to all Americans ... hear these words: You will never be ignored again.”
Revisiting themes from his improbable campaign victory, Mr Trump said his presidency would aim to help struggling middle-class families, build up the U.S. military and strengthen U.S. borders.
“We are transferring power from Washington D.C. and giving it back to you,” he said.
“From this day forward it’s going to be only America First.”
“When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice,” he said adding that the presidency will set course for America, world “for many years”.
He further named two simple rules, “Buy American and hire American”.
Mr Trump rued America subsidising “armies of other countries”. “For many decades we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry, subsidised the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military.
“We’ve defended other nations’ borders while refusing to defend our own. And we’ve spent trillions and trillions of dollars overseas while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay.”
Meanwhile, away from the Capitol, masked activists ran through the streets smashing windows with hammers at a McDonald’s restaurant, a Starbucks coffee shop and Bobby Van’s Grill steakhouse several blocks from the White House. They carried black anarchist flags and signs that said, “Join the resistance, fight back now.”
Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate who Mr Trump defeated on Nov. 8, attended the ceremony with her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Former presidents George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter were also present with their wives. Mr Bush’s father, former President George H.W. Bush, 92, was in Houston recover- ing from pneumonia.
Earlier in the day, Mr Trump and his vice- president, Mike Pence, began the day attending a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church near the White House.
Mr Trump, wearing a dark suit and red tie, and Melania Trump, clad in a classic-styled, powder blue ensemble, then headed into the White House for a meeting with Obama and his wife, Michelle.