The parade for newly sworn-in U.S. President Donald Trump is over, shifting the celebration to its third act — a trio of balls. Trump and his wife, Melania, are expected at all three.
Two balls will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The third, the Salute to Our Armed Services Ball, will take place at the National Building Museum.
The celebrations come after Trump was sworn in as the nation’s 45th president and the Senate confirmed his picks to lead the Defence Department and the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump was sworn in Friday and pledged to end what he called an “American carnage” of rusted factories and crime in his inaugural address.
Striking a defiant tone, Trump said the American middle class has been devastated by the outsourcing of jobs abroad.
Missed the inauguration? Watch the whole thing in just 2 minutes.
Missed the inauguration? Watch the whole thing in just 2 minutes2:08
“From this moment on, it’s going to be America first. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families,” the Republican told thousands of people gathered on the grounds of the National Mall as he took over from Democrat Barack Obama.
“We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength. I will fight for you with every breath in my body and I will never, ever let you down. America will start winning again, winning like never before.”
Trump: ‘This American carnage…stops right now’0:56
Underscoring the deep divisions in the country, protests against Trump turned ugly in downtown Washington. Black-clad activists smashed store windows, blocked traffic and fought with police in riot gear who responded with tear gas and stun grenades. Police said more than 200 people had been arrested.
Rioters, police clash violently on Washington streets1:16
2 cabinet members approved
Trump used his first written statement as president to say he is pleased that the Senate on Friday confirmed John Kelly to lead the Homeland Security Department and James Mattis at the head of the Defence Department.
Trump is called them “uniquely qualified leaders” who will start immediately to rebuild the military, defend the U.S. and secure its borders. Both are retired generals.
Trump says the Senate should fulfil its constitutional duty by swiftly confirming the rest of his nominees. He said they’re highly qualified and he needs them confirmed so “we can get to work on behalf of the American people.”
U.S. President Donald Trump waves to supporters as he walks the parade route with wife Melania Trump after being sworn in on Friday. (Evan Vucci/Getty Images)
Trump, 70, takes over a country divided after a savage election campaign. A wealthy New York businessman and former reality TV star, he will set the country on a new, uncertain path at home and abroad.
Under pressure to unite the country after the bitterly fought campaign, Trump said that through allegiance to the United States, “we will rediscover our loyalty to each other” and called for a “new national pride” that would help heal divisions.
Standing ovation for Clinton
Trump’s inaugural address revisited the themes of the campaign rally speeches that carried him to an improbable victory on Nov. 8 over Democrat Hillary Clinton, who attended the ceremony with her husband, former president Bill Clinton.
Afterwards, in a conciliatory gesture at his inaugural lunch, Trump said he was honoured that Clinton attended the event. The bipartisan crowd of lawmakers and other dignitaries gave Clinton a standing ovation after Trump asked her to rise.
Trump: ‘The establishment protected itself’0:58
Former presidents George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter were present at the inauguration with their wives. Bush’s father, former president George H.W. Bush, 92, was in Houston recovering from pneumonia. Bush Sr., the nation’s oldest living ex-president, watched the ceremony from the intensive care unit, a family spokesman said.
World reacts
Trump’s swearing-in was greeted with concern by many countries around the world, in part because of the potential for an isolationist foreign policy.
In an interview after Trump was sworn in, German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said: “I think we have to prepare for a rough ride.” He told public broadcaster ZDF that Europe should stand together to defend its interests.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto congratulated Trump on his inauguration, but cautioned that the sovereignty, national interest and protection of Mexicans would be paramount. Mexicans have been angered by Trump’s pledge to build a wall along the southern U.S. border to keep illegal immigrants out, and to make Mexico pay for it.
In financial markets, the dollar was down but U.S. stock indexes pared their gains in the last day of a choppy trading week, after Trump’s inaugural speech prompted investor concern about protectionist trade policies.
A military band marches during the inaugural parade. Donald J. Trump was sworn in today as the 45th president of the United States. (Joe Readle/Getty Images)
Pope Francis urged Trump to be guided by ethical values, saying he must take care of the poor and the outcast.
In Moscow, Russians hoping Trump will usher in a new era of détente celebrated his inauguration.
Russian nationalists held an all-night party at what used to be the main Soviet-era post office in Moscow. East of there, in the city of Zlatoust, craftsmen released a limited series of silver and gold commemorative coins, engraved with “In Trump We Trust.”
What comes next?
Trump’s ascension to the White House, while welcomed by Republicans tired of Obama’s eight years in office, raises a host of questions for the United States.
Trump campaigned on a pledge to take the country on a more isolationist, protectionist path and has vowed to impose a 35 per cent tariff on goods on imports from U.S. companies that went abroad.
His desire for warmer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and threats to cut funding for NATO nations has allies from Britain to the Baltics worried that the traditional U.S. security umbrella will be diminished.
An ABC News/Washington Post poll this week found only 40 per cent of Americans viewed him favourably, the lowest rating for an incoming president since Democrat Carter in 1977, and the same percentage approved of how he has handled the transition.
Trump’s to-do list has given Republicans hope that, since they also control the U.S. Congress, they can quickly repeal and replace Obama’s signature health-care law, approve sweeping tax reform and roll back many federal regulations they say are stifling the U.S. economy.
Trump delivers his inaugural address on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Democrats, in search of firm political footing after the unexpected defeat of Clinton, are planning to fight him at every turn.
Many demonstrators are to participate in a Women’s March on Washington on Saturday. Protests are also planned in other cities in the United States and abroad.
Obama bids farewell
Closing out a barrier-breaking chapter in history, former president Obama left the White House on Friday much the way he entered it eight years ago: insisting Americans have reason for optimism despite the national sense of unease.
President Trump leads standing ovation for Clintons0:51
To those fearful about Trump’s presidency, Obama suggested it would be a mere blip. “This is just a little pit stop,” Obama told supporters just before departing Washington.
“This is not a period, this is a comma in the continuing story of building America.”
Obamas say final goodbyes1:02