Donald Trump was sworn in Friday as the 45th president of the United States, marking the start of a new age of American politics as he vowed to transfer power from Washington elites to “the people.”

Trump, 70, spoke shortly after noon to a crowd noticeably smaller than ones at past inaugurations, characterizing the United States as a faltering country with a declining middle class, rampant crime and unemployment. Addressing the American people, the former business mogul declared that with the commencing of his presidency, the U.S. “is your country.” The audience took a celebratory tone, with protests happening in downtown Washington, D.C., and early in the morning, rather than at the inauguration.

Trump was sworn in at noon by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. The oath was given using two bibles: one that Trump received from his mother years ago and another from former President Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration.

Michael Pence, a former governor of Indiana, was sworn in as vice president by Justice Clarence Thomas.

Trump began his inaugural address a few minutes after he was sworn in, strongly emphasizing that he will rebuild the country and make “America first.” The speech, which struck a strong populist tone, lasted just 16 minutes, shorter than recent presidential inauguration addresses.

“Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning,” Trump said. “Because today, we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another, or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people.”

Trump said that only a small group of people, namely politicians, have thrived over the years. He spoke of “American carnage” that has faced the U.S., claiming that crimes, gangs and drugs have “robbed our country of so much unrealized potential.”

He also said the U.S. has invested millions overseas and made other countries wealthy, while the American infrastructure has fallen into decay. The U.S. has defended other nations’ borders while refusing to defend itself, he said.

“The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed all across the world,” Trump said.

But now, Trump said the country will bring back jobs, rebuild highways, airports and other infrastructure, and follow two simple rules: “Buy American and hire American.”

Trump also said the country will “seek friendship and goodwill” and rebuild its foreign alliances, adding that the U.S. will not impose its “way of life” on anyone, though, but instead be an example for other nations.

“We will shine for everyone to follow,” Trump said.

He added that the country will eradicate “radical Islamic terrorism” from the world, and no longer accept politicians who are “all talk and no action.” The claim drew applause from the crowd.

Trump also said it was important that the U.S. — while its people may have disagreements — stay united, because then the country will be “totally unstoppable.” Americans should have no fear, he added, because the country is protected by the military, law enforcement and God.

“It’s time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget, that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red of patriots,” he said.

The ceremony marked the pinnacle of his rise to power, one that began more than 18 months ago and that defied expert predictions. His presidential campaign and time as president-elect was filled with controversies: He classified Mexican immigrants as rapists, he proposed banning Muslims from the country, audio leaked of him bragging in 2005 about sexually assaulting women and he made several appointments to his cabinet that stirred debate.

Trump now also becomes the first president to have never previously served either in political office or as a general in the military. With his swearing-in, the Republicans have gained control of both Congress and the White House, and Trump has already promised to undo several of former President Barack Obama’s signature pieces of legislation, including the Affordable Care Act.

Before his swearing-in on Friday, Trump and Melania Trump, now the First Lady, met with Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, at the White House. They then took a limousine to the Capitol Building, where Trump was sworn in and gave his inaugural address.

Trump ended his speech by saying that Americans will no longer be ignored, and that his inauguration signaled the beginning of a new millennium.

“Your voice, your hopes and your dreams will define our American destiny,” Trump said. “Together we will make America strong again. We will make American wealthy again. We will America proud again. We will make America safe again.”

As the president cycled through the end of his speech, his supporters anticipated the climactic end that everyone knew was coming. At once, his supporters synched their voices with the nearby video board showing Trump’s speech.

“Together, we will make America great again,” they said.

 

Senior Staff Writer Chris Libonati contributed reporting from Washington. 

Published on January 20, 2017 at 12:47 pm

Contact Michael: mdburk01@syr.edu