TRUMP READY TO CLAIM HIS PLACE IN HISTORY
> President-elect Donald Trump salutes as he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, with his wife Melania, ahead of today’s inauguration
Donald Trump will claim a place in US history when he takes the oath to become the 45th president of the United States today.
The former reality TV star will follow the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D Roosevelt and John F Kennedy when he delivers his inaugural address outside the US Capitol building in Washington DC.
The first inauguration took place in New York City, when George Washington was sworn in as US president on April 30, 1789.
Taking the oath, Washington repeated the words inscribed in the US constitution: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the president of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States.”
He then added the words “So help me God,” a custom followed by every president since.
Thomas Jefferson – America’s third president – was the first to take the oath in Washington DC, in 1801, while his decision to ride on horseback after his second inauguration grew into today’s inaugural parade.
James Madison, America’s fourth president, and his wife, Dolley, were guests of honour at the first official inaugural ball, held at Long’s Hotel in Washington DC in 1809.
This year, Mr Trump will have three official balls, including an event honouring the military and emergency workers.
The inaugural speeches of US presidents have delivered a number of memorable quotes over the years.
During the American Civil War, Lincoln called on Americans to “finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds”.
In 1933 Roosevelt told citizens affected by the Great Depression: “This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper.”
Meanwhile, in 1961, JFK famously urged Americans: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”.
Dozens of Democratic Congress members have said they will boycott Republican Mr Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.