Donald Trump Inauguration as it happened: President tells Americans, 'Time for empty talk over'

Donald Trump speaks of “America First”

Reminiscent of his campaign trail, newly sworn in president Donald Trump promises of focusing on the United States first, signalling a possible shift in the country’s foreign policy. 

Signalling a possible inward-looking economic policy, Trump urges people to “buy American and hire American”.

Trump while dedicating his victory to the common man, said that the “time for empty talk is over”. 

Stressing on US infrastructure, Trump alleged that America had till now made other countries rich while US infrastructure lagged behind. He promises to focus on infrastructure development and create more jobs.  

Trump promises that radical Islamic terrorism will be eradicated. 

Trump speaks of racial integration, and said  “Whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots.”

Promising fellow Americans of a brighter future, Trump says that the “change has already begun”.

Trump promises fellow Americans : I’ll fight for you with my every breath and I’ll never let you down.

Donald Trump sworn-in 

Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States by Chief Justice of the US John Roberts.

Mike Pence sworn in 

Mike Pence is sworn in as the 48th Vice president of the United States by Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court Clarence Thomas.

Democrat Minority leader in the Senate speaks

Chuck Schumer speaks at the inauguration. He stresses on the greatness of the American people, says we can gain strength by reading history and listening to the ordinary Americans. Schumer invokes “the strength and courage of the Americans”.

Pastor Paula White-Cain delivers invocation at Donald Trump’s inauguration

Pastor Paula White-Cain delivers invocation at Donald Trump's inaugural swearing-in ceremony https://t.co/YpuCylp4Iz https://t.co/5QnJS152fC

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2017

Prayer ceremonies followed by a choir performance

The inauguration will be marked by prayers from three religions, before Donald Trump will be inaugurated the next president.

The Missouri State University Choir performs at the inauguration.

The Inauguration begins

The chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee for the Inauguration Ceremonies Roy Blunt is addressing the audience. This sets the stage for the inauguration.  He reiterated US’ commitment to peaceful transition of power and federalism.

Trump arrives on the stage 

A jubilant Trump arrives on the stage. He is congratulated by the outgoing president and his supporters. Trump then waves his hand to acknowledge the public gathered at the ceremony.

Trump to arrive on the platform

The inauguration is reaching its climax as Donald Trump is all set to be escorted to the platform to be sworn-in as the next president. Before him , however, Vice-President-elect Mike Pence will be introduced to the public.

Melania Trump and Karen Pence arrive on the platform

The first and the second lady will be followed by the outgoing president, Obama and the vice-president, Biden. Finally, the man of the moment, Donald J Trump will be introduced to the public gathered at the Capitol Hill.

Trump faces many serious issues

Trump, like Obama , will take office at a time when rival regional powers are gaining more clout and are not afraid to use it. Preserving US primacy will be a full-time job. 

Trump also faces personal issues. Allegations of nepotism, legal problems over his business interests, the ill-preparedness of some of his cabinet nominees and a fracas over health care reform that has left Republicans in disarray, make the picture even bleaker.

Violence marks Trump inauguration

BREAKING: Police use pepper spray to quell violent downtown Washington protests during inauguration, restaurant windows smashed.

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 20, 2017

Hillary Clinton’s message on the eve of inauguration

I'm here today to honor our democracy & its enduring values. I will never stop believing in our country & its future. #Inauguration

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 20, 2017

Watch Trump’s children arriving for the inauguration

Donald Trump's children arrive at Capitol Hill for his inaugural swearing-in ceremony https://t.co/YpuCylp4Iz https://t.co/BadkC1kePy

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2017

Watch Donald Trump arriving at the Capitol Hill 

JUST IN: President Obama and President-elect Trump arrive at the US Capitol for the #InaugurationDay ceremony https://t.co/qZD2q7J6E0 pic.twitter.com/kKqonJnEY2

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2017

Trump arrives at the Capitol Hill

Families of Trump along with that of the outgoing president Obama arrive at the US Capitol Hill for the former’s inauguration as the 45th president. Families of Mike Pence and Joe Biden have also reached the venue.

The less known humane side of the next president 

Here is the story: In 2008, long before rumours about his presidential nomination started circulating, he gave shelter to Grammy Award winning singer Jennifer Hudson and some of her relatives in his hotel Trump Tower in New York after three of her family members were murdered. Read more.

Video: Trump and Obama leave White House

President Obama and President-elect Trump leave the White House for inaugural swearing-in ceremony #InaugurationDay https://t.co/HCPOTHFYMB pic.twitter.com/jg1fo8V5Yj

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2017

Trump and Obama leave White House 

Donald J Trump and Barack Obama motorcade is now on way to the Capitol Hill. Before them, the first ladies, Michelle and Melania had left for the inauguration. Joe Biden and his successor Mike Pence too have left for the swearing in ceremony.

Chief Justice of US Supreme Court and other members arrive for inauguration

The Chief Justice John Roberts will be swearing in Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States. Trump for the record has not had good relations with Roberts, once commenting, “Justice Roberts turned out to be an absolute disaster.”

Obama’s Pakistan policy 

Jaideep A Prabhu writing for Firstpost opined , “A more disappointing foreign policy record is Obama’s inaction over Pakistan. Pace its occasional usefulness such as in the ongoing war against the Taliban in Afghanistan, Pakistan has rarely been of use and usually more of a headache to the United States”.

Trump and Obama family photo-op 

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama with President-elect Donald Trump and wife Melania at the White House #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/Lsli6wrlGo

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 20, 2017

Obama and Trump family to leave the White house for inauguration ceremony 

After a private session, both families will leave for the Capitol Hill, where the inauguration ceremony awaits the 45th president, Donald J Trump. The formal transfer of power will take place in front of thousands of dignitaries and supporters.

Watch members of Trump family arriving on the Capital Hill

Members of President-elect Trump's family have been arriving at the Capitol for the #Inauguration ceremony. #voainaug pic.twitter.com/mHew56OVNZ

— Voice of America (@VOANews) January 20, 2017

Hillary Clinton arrives for the inauguration 

Hillary Clinton, the Democrat candidate for the presidency, has arrived on the Capital Hill along with her husband and the 42nd POTUS Bill Clinton. It is to be noted that Clinton had been embroiled in a bitter war of words with Trump during the election campaign.

Trump enjoys low approval rating

Just 40 percent of Americans said they had a favourable view of Trump versus 55 percent who had an unfavourable view, according to a Gallup poll taken from January 4 to January 8. On the other hand, before he took office in 2009, Obama was viewed favourably by 78 percent of Americans.

Vice-President-elect Mike Pence tweets, thanks his predecessor Joe Biden for peaceful transition of power

We begin this historic and humbling day as we do every day, with a moment of reflection and prayer. #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/sfJkGktFpe

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 20, 2017

Grateful for the support throughout the transition from @VP Biden & @DrBiden44. Pleasure to have them welcome Karen & me to The White House pic.twitter.com/M5khWysIU6

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 20, 2017

Trump inauguration seems to be a low-key affair 

Donald Trump made his name with opulent hotels and a dramatic reality TV show, but his inauguration on Friday as the 45th U.S. president is shaping up as a more understated affair, with big names in entertainment staying away, reports Reuters.

Republican leader Paul Ryan tweets

Today, America continues the time-honored tradition of the peaceful transfer of power. It’s going to be a great day. #Inauguration2017 pic.twitter.com/FD5rAYoiQK

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 20, 2017

First hundred days of Trump administration

After the President-elect becomes ‘President’ Donald Trump, the first test he will face in his presidency is his accomplishments in the first 100 days.

In October last year, when Trump was still trailing Hillary Clinton in the run-up to election, he had announced plans for his first 100 days in office if elected president, which included steps like declaring China a currency manipulator, cancelling payments to UN for combating climate change and renegotiating Nafta.

Trumps arrive at the White House

JUST IN: President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet President-elect Trump and wife Melania https://t.co/RxTvfL9m8H #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/eHs2pgD35O

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2017

Bush family arrive for the inauguration 

Former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush arrive for #InaugurationDay https://t.co/RxTvfL9m8H pic.twitter.com/l5CIIAt0vP

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2017

Former President George W Bush and his wife Laura arrive 

Former George Bush, along with former first lady, Laura arrive on the Capitol Hill. However, it has to be noted that his father and former president George HW Bush is reportedly in critical condition.

Joe Biden and his wife welcome the Mike and Karen Pence

Vice President Joe Biden and wife, Dr. Jill Biden, greet Vice President-elect Mike Pence and wife, Karen Pence, at the White House pic.twitter.com/S5JipuyVBE

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2017

Obama’s final moments at The Oval office 

Pres. Obama leaves the Oval Office for the final time, saying "thank you" to the American people https://t.co/RxTvfL9m8H #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/Htbhv3haUQ

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2017

Trump arrives at the White House 

Donald Trump and his wife Malenia have arrived at the White House. The outgoing president along his wife Michelle welcomed Trump and Melania. Both families posed for a photo-op with before going inside for a tea meeting.

Vice-President-elect Mike Pence arrives at the White House

CNN reports that Mike Pence and his family arrived at the White House and met the Biden family. Pence is set to be the 48th Vice-President of the United States.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir to be performing at the inauguration

We're glad to have the @MormonTabChoir perform for #Inauguration2017 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/jHLjXvmw8V

— JCCIC (@JCCIC) January 20, 2017

The Trump inauguration team looks all set for the transfer of power

Here's a behind the scenes peek of the staircase the President-elect will be walking down to the West Front Balcony. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/dQpjlgkX7J

— JCCIC (@JCCIC) January 20, 2017

Barack Obama leaves The Oval office for the final time, while Trump leaves church 

CNN reports that the outgoing president and his vice-president, Joe Biden are leaving the The Oval, the office of the POTUS for the one last time. In the meanwhile, Trump and his family has left the church to reach the White House.

US President Donald Trump’s journey to the White House through his tweets

Go through this Firstpost article to understand Trump’s tryst with the micro-blogging site. Trump has specially wielded Twitter to attack Cuba and China, while putting out tweets in favour of Russia and Israel.

President-elect Donald Trump is an avid Twitter user   

Since winning the presidency, Donald Trump has exploited Twitter to make administrative announcements, weigh in on foreign policy, and hurl barbs at anyone who crosses him.

With 19.8 million followers, the president-elect has granted some interviews to traditional media outlets, but has leaned heavily on the online platform as a powerful way to self-promote, attack and distract.

Trump is all set to meet Obama

CNN reports that President-elect Donald Trump is all set to meet the outgoing president Barack Obama. After a tea meet with the Obamas, the Trump family will be off for his inauguration. The channel also reports that the Obamas are awaiting Trump as well as Pence at the White House.

While Donald Trump will be sworn in president, Mike Pence will be his vice-president 

MIke Pence, the 50th Governor of Indiana, from 2013 till he was elected the vice-president in November 2016, will be inaugurated as the 48th Vice President of the United States. Pence has also served as a representative from Indiana"s 6th District between 2003 and 2013.

Boycott the inauguration trends on Twitter

Controversy seems to be not leaving the incoming president. The hashtag assumes significance as Trump has been unpopular for his apparent racist, misogynist and insensitive comments.  

Trump hates low ratings. Take a stand. Boycott the inauguration. #boycotttheinauguration

— Skindog (@OriginalSkindog) January 10, 2017

Just a reminder: Media Blackout Today! Trump hates LOW Ratings! Watch a movie or go outside. No news today! #boycotttheinauguration

— Just Ann American (@masg66) January 20, 2017

Lets have a moment of silence tomorrow at 1130am est. dont pick up your phone, turn off the tv and internet. #boycotttheinauguration

— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) January 19, 2017

I'm hearing we're up to 73 elected Dems who will #boycotttheinauguration. Thank you to each and every one of them.

— Laffy (@GottaLaff) January 19, 2017

Anti-Trump protests mark billionaire’s inauguration day  

As President-elect Donald Trump stepped into Washington on Thursday for a round of rituals and celebrations in preparation for his swearing-in with a call to unify the country, clashes broke out between his opponents and police — reflecting the mood of the polarised nation.

Several hundred anti-Trump protesters set off fires on the street near a celebration by his supporters at the National Press Club Building and police in riot gear retaliated with pepper spray. Police said that there were no serious injuries or arrests at the incident.

Inputs from IANS

Trump reaches for church service

Donald Trump and his family have arrived for a church service at St. John's Episcopal Church #InaugurationDay https://t.co/RxTvfL9m8H pic.twitter.com/B1b98vLrsn

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2017

Meet the Trumps

Jared Kushner: Ivanka’s husband, the 36-year-old baby-faced property developer and magazine publisher has risen stratospherically to become one of the most powerful men in government with a starring role in his father-in-law’s White House. The Jewish Orthodox grandson of Holocaust survivors, he is considered a calming influence on Trump.

Meet the Trumps

Ivanka: Trump’s 35-year-old daughter Ivanka is moving to Washington, suggesting that America can expect a prominent first daughter: businesswoman, mother-of-three and favorite child of the incoming president.

No formal role has been announced, but with husband Jared heading to the White House as special advisor and the couple swapping Park Avenue for the capital’s swanky Kalorama district, expect her to take on hostessing duties and first lady style causes.

Meet the Trump family

Melania: Brought up in Slovenia, Donald Trump’s third wife is the first foreign-born US first lady in two centuries: England’s Louisa Adams was the last from 1825-1829. A former model who speaks five languages, Melania makes only fleeting public appearances but has stood by her man, dismissing as “boy talk” his boasts of groping women just months into their marriage.

President-elect leaves Blair House

President-elect Donald Trump and wife, Melania, depart the Blair House #InaugurationDay https://t.co/RxTvfL9m8H https://t.co/uSOxxWnqnT

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2017

Trump family arrrives for church service 

CNN reports that the Trumps have arrived for the traditional pre-inaugural church service.

CNN reports that the Trumps have left the Blair House 

Trumps will meet the Obamas over tea to kickstart the process of presidential inauguration.

Donald Trump set to leave Blair House 

CNN reports that the Trump family will be leaving for the White House to meet the Obamas.

Six different religious leaders to grace the inauguration

The New York Times reported that leaders from six different religions will grace the occasion before Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45 th president.

Donald Trump to depart for church service 

Donald Trump has now left for the traditional church service along with his family, prior to the inauguration, reports CNN.

Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies says Trump inauguration will be ‘uniquely American’

“With each inauguration we embrace this uniquely American ceremony, seeing in this extraordinary ritual a reflection of the nation itself. In times of peace or war, of prosperity or crisis, inaugurations strengthen the national resolve to meet each new challenge.”

Donald Trump visited the Lincoln Memorial after landing in Washington 

Thank you for joining us at the Lincoln Memorial tonight- a very special evening! Together, we are going to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/5d774OCx5o

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2017

Outgoing president Barack Obama writes his farewell letter to Americans 

My fellow Americans,

It’s a long-standing tradition for the sitting president of the United States to leave a parting letter in the Oval Office for the American elected to take his or her place. It’s a letter meant to share what we know, what we’ve learned, and what small wisdom may help our successor bear the great responsibility that comes with the highest office in our land, and the leadership of the free world.

But before I leave my note for our 45th president, I wanted to say one final thank you for the honor of serving as your 44th. Because all that I’ve learned in my time in office, I’ve learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.

Throughout these eight years, you have been the source of goodness, resilience, and hope from which I’ve pulled strength. I’ve seen neighbors and communities take care of each other during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers — and found grace in a Charleston church.

I’ve taken heart from the hope of young graduates and our newest military officers. I’ve seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and wounded warriors once given up for dead walk again. I’ve seen Americans whose lives have been saved because they finally have access to medical care, and families whose lives have been changed because their marriages are recognized as equal to our own. I’ve seen the youngest of children remind us through their actions and through their generosity of our obligations to care for refugees, or work for peace, and, above all, to look out for each other.

I’ve seen you, the American people, in all your decency, determination, good humor, and kindness. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I’ve seen our future unfolding.

All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into that work — the joyous work of citizenship. Not just when there’s an election, not just when our own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime.

I’ll be right there with you every step of the way.

And when the arc of progress seems slow, remember: America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We the People.’ ‘We shall overcome.’

Yes, we can.

President-elect Donald Trump tweets before his inauguration

It all begins today! I will see you at 11:00 A.M. for the swearing-in. THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES - THE WORK BEGINS!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2017

Trump had achieved an upset victory over Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton 

Republicans had surprised political pundits by winning the presidential election. However, while Trump won the electoral college, Hillary had won the popular vote by more than two million votes.

Donald Trump to be the next POTUS

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Billionaire Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States of America on Friday.