FIVE MOST SHOCKING MOMENTS

ALTERNATIVE FACTS

On the defensive after his inauguration triggered the nation’s biggest political demonstrations since the Vietnam War, Donald Trump and his aides made patently false claims that record numbers had attended his swearing-in on 20 January. When photographic evidence showed they were lying, the Trump camp said they’d simply been presenting “alternative facts”.

TRAVEL BAN

Chaos reigned in February after Trump signed an executive order banning travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US. When courts moved to halt the unconstitutional ban, Trump was furious.

“Just can’t believe a judge would put our country in such peril,” he tweeted. “If something happens blame him and court system. People pouring in. Bad!”

RUSSIAN TIES

The FBI confirmed it’s investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow to influence the presidential election. Trump had faced mounting pressure to explain his ties with Russia after it came to light he’d turned a blind eye to the fact his national security adviser, Michael Flynn, had misled officials about secret communications with Russia. Flynn was forced to quit after just 24 days in his post.

BIZARRE RANT

In a marathon 77-minute news conference in February, Trump went off script, berating the media and boasting about his achievements in office.

“We’ve made incredible progress. I don’t think there’s ever been a president elected who in this short period of time has done what we’ve done.” But if he was trying to impress everyone he failed. Political analysts described him as coming across as “unhinged”.

WIRE-TAPPING CLAIM

In a pre-dawn tweet Trump claimed he’d found out his predecessor, Barack Obama, had “my wires tapped in Trump Tower just before the victory”. He also referred to Obama as a “bad (or sick) guy”.

The FBI later revealed it had found no evidence to support Trump’s allegations.