Donald Trump inauguration: Billionaire TV star becomes US President - as it happened
Former reality television star and property magnate sworn in at Capitol
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump has been sworn in as US President. Here is how the day's events unfolded:
- New White House website reveals Trump's top priority - scrapping climate action
- In Washington DC, thousands boo as Trump takes oath of office
- Multiple arrests follow violent clashes between protesters and police
- Trump vows to 'eradicate Islamic terrorism' in inauguration speech
- What Trump said as he was sworn in - and what he really meant
- Obama leaves Oval Office for last time... and cracks a joke
- Protesters block Trump supports from the Mall
- Donald Trump's associates under investigation over links with Russian officials
- American flag burned as anti-Trump protests sweep the world
- 'Bridges not walls' demonstrations across UK
- The full schedule for inauguration day
- Obama 'Hope' artist issues new set of posters for Trump
- 'I've lived through six presidential inaugurations, this is the scariest'
- What incoming President's first day in office could look like
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
President Donald Trump is making his way down Constitution Avenue with a military escort as his inauguration parade begins in Washington.
The president will review the parade from a viewing stand near the White House.
He and first lady Melania Trump are riding in the presidential limousine nicknamed "The Beast."
Trump is being cheered by supporters as his car passes.
Others are shouting "Media sucks" while a group of protesters chants, "Not my president, not my president."
Earlier Mr Trump — in brief remarks at his inaugural lunch at the Capitol — said he was honoured that Hillary Clinton, his rival in the White House race, came to the event.
The bipartisan crowd of lawmakers and other dignitaries gave Clinton a standing ovation after Trump asked her to rise.
Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, sat with members of Trump's family at the event.
Trump ended by saying he has "a lot of respect for those two people."
Mr Trump was named the 45th President of the United States at midday on Friday. His inauguration was met with protests across Washington DC.
US Senate confirms James Mattis as Mr Trump's defence secretary after a vote.
The Trumps are now in the grounds of the White House watching the rest of the inaugural parade.
Elsewhere, two new petitions have appeared on the White House website: one calling for an immediate "release of Trump's full tax returns", while the other one says the 45th president "should divest his financial and business holdings or have them administered by a truly blind trust".
Going back to the confirmation of retired General James Matthis, who was approved 98-1
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who challenged the idea of a former military leader in a civilian job, voted “no.”
Republicans pushed for fast approval to ensure the post wouldn't be empty even for a brief amount of time after Mr Trump's swearing-in.
Mr Mattis will replace Ash Carter, who has been former President Barack Obama's defense secretary since February 2015.
Congress had to pave the way for Mr Mattis to serve. Legislators passed legislation last week that Mr Trump signed granting Mr Mattis an exception from the law barring former service members who have been out of uniform for less than seven years from holding the job.
Mr Mattis retired from the Marine Corps in 2013.
Night has now fallen in Washington DC, but there are still pockets of protesters around the city
Donald Trump has apparently not been into the Oval Office yet, so the letter from outgoing President Barack Obama is probably still waiting to be read.
A second of Mr Trump's Cabinet picks has been confirmed.
The US Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve retired Marine General John Kelly as Secretary of Homeland Security.
Eighty-eight senators approved Kelly and just 11 opposed him. One senator did not vote.
A spokesperson for Washington DC’s police says that 217 people were arrested on Friday in relation to protests around the city. Six officers were hurt with minor injuries.
That news comes as the three inaugural balls in honour of the Trumps are going to get started soon - with them due to begin in about 15 minutes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments