Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Donald Trump inauguration: Billionaire TV star becomes US President - as it happened

Former reality television star and property magnate sworn in at Capitol

Rachael Revesz
Washington DC
,Andrew Buncombe,Lizzie Dearden
Friday 20 January 2017 03:20 EST
Comments
Trump takes oath to become 45th President

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:

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.

Meanwhile in Russia: Vladimir Putin supporters hold all-night party and joke 'Washington will be ours'

Although, Mr Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said today that he considers it a big mistake to think the US President-elect Donald Trump is "Russia's man".

Lizzie Dearden20 January 2017 16:24

Mr Obama and Joe Biden now coming out on stage to plenty of polite applause. Mr Obama makes a point of heading over to the Trump family to say hello.

Mr Obama flashes a smile as he chats to Michelle.

Lizzie Dearden20 January 2017 16:27

“Trump, Trump, Trump,” comes the chant from the crowd.

Mr Trump walking the interior hallway, looking deadly serious in a red tie. He’s preceded by Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy.

Mr Trump turns to the camera and mouths a greeting. Ever the showman

Lizzie Dearden20 January 2017 16:30

Mike Pence out on stage and doing the rounds of handshakes

Lizzie Dearden20 January 2017 16:31

Donald John Trump gets his full name read out and appears on stage. Comes out with the usual thumbs-up.

He heads over to his wife Melania and then Michelle Obama.

He mouths "thank you" several times

Lizzie Dearden20 January 2017 16:34

The speeches/readings begin - a lot of blessings for America and references to God.

Meanwhile the Washington Metro points out that the size of today's crowd is smaller than for previous inaugurations.

Although, to be fair, it is roughly the same level as for George W Bush's second inauguration.

Lizzie Dearden20 January 2017 16:47

Mike Pence up and getting sworn in

Lizzie Dearden20 January 2017 16:55

Mr Trump looks happy, as Mr Pence waves to the crowd.

Lizzie Dearden20 January 2017 16:56

Big cheers as Mr Trump steps up to the podium

Lizzie Dearden20 January 2017 16:56

Oh, no, now we have a break for some more singing.

Lizzie Dearden20 January 2017 16:58

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in