Trump era begins with pomp and protest
Trump era begins with pomp, protest
Pledging to empower America’s “forgotten men and women,” Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States yesterday, taking command of a deeply divided nation and ushering in an unpredictable era in Washington. His victory gives Republicans control of the White House for the first time in eight years.
Looking out over the crowd sprawled across the National Mall, Trump painted a bleak picture of the nation he now leads, lamenting “American carnage,” shuttered factories and depleted US leadership. President Barack Obama, the man he replaced, sat behind him stoically.
Trump’s first words as commander-inchief were an unapologetic reprisal of the economic populism and nationalism that fuelled his improbable campaign. He vowed to stir “new national pride,” bring jobs back to the United States, and “eradicate completely” Islamic terrorism. “From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward, it’s going to be only ‘America First” Trump said in a 16-minute address.
In a remarkable scene, Trump ripped into Washington’s longtime leaders as he stood among them at the US Capitol. For too long, he said, “a small group in our nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost.”
Trump, who is taking office as one of the most unpopular incoming presidents in modern history, made only oblique references to those who may be infuriated and fearful of his presidency.
“To all Americans in every city near and far, small and large from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean, hear these words: You will never be ignored again,” he said.
Trump was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts, reciting the 35-word oath with his hand placed upon two Bibles, one used by his family and another during President Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration.
Farewell to Obama
Trump and wife, Melania, bid Obama and outgoing first lady Michelle Obama farewell as they departed the Capitol grounds in a government helicopter.
Trump’s journey to the inauguration was as unlikely as any in recent American history. He defied his party’s establishment, befuddled the media and toppled two political dynasties on way to victory. His message, calling for a resurgence of white, working-class America, was packaged in defiant stump speeches railing against political correctness. But Trump’s call for restrictive immigration measures and his caustic campaign rhetoric about women and minorities angered millions.
Demonstrations unfolded at various security checkpoints near the Capitol as police in riot gear helped ticket-holders get through to the ceremony.
More than 60 House Democrats refused to attend his swearing in ceremony. One Democrat who did sit among the dignitaries was Hillary Clinton — Trump’s vanquished campaign rival.
At 70, Trump is the oldest person to be sworn in as president, marking a generational step backward after two terms for Obama, one of the youngest presidents to serve as commander in chief.
He takes charge of an economy that has recovered from the Great Recession but has nonetheless left millions of Americans feeling left behind. The nation’s longest war is still being waged in Afghanistan and US troops are battling Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
In a show of solidarity, all of the living American presidents attended the swearingin ceremony, except 92-year-old George H.W. Bush, who was hospitalised this week with pneumonia.