Americans First As Trump Sworn In As 45th US President

 

 

On Friday during a time-honored inauguration ceremony the entire US nation witnessed a peaceful transfer of power that is a hallmark of American democracy.
Donald J Trump has been sworn in as the 45th President of America and vowed to rebuild the country using "American hands"

The Republican ticket of businessman Donald Trump and Indiana Governor Mike Pence defeated the Democratic ticket of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Senator from Virginia Tim Kaine. Trump took office as the 45th President, and Pence as the 48th Vice President, on January 20, 2017.

On a raised platform on the flag-draped West Front of the Capitol, Trump placed his left hand on one Bible that dates from his childhood and another that belonged to Abraham Lincoln and raised his right hand in the air as he promised to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

Under gray skies and in front of a crowd stretching most of the way from the Capitol toward the Washington Monument, Trump took the oath from Chief Justice John Roberts with the new first lady Melania Trump by his side.

Trump revived some of the hard-line rhetoric from the campaign during his inaugural address.

"This American carnage stops right here and stops right now," Trump said with Obama looking on.

"We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, and in every foreign capital and in every hall of power," Trump said. "From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land, from this day forward it's going to be only 'America first! America first!'"

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton also attended the ceremony. Hillary Clinton, who Trump defeated in the November election, was also in the audience in a show of support for national unity and the peaceful transfer of presidential authority.

The swearing-in was one of many traditions that began unfolding early Friday morning.

Trump and his family attended a private worship service at St. John's Church, known as the church of presidents. The Obamas greeted the Trumps at the North Portico of the White House before hosting them for tea.


Earlier in the morning, Barack Obama wrote a letter to Trump and left it on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, as outgoing presidents typically do for their successors.

As Obama left the Oval Office for the final time, he was asked if he had any words for the American people.

"Thank you," Obama said.