Donald Trump inauguration: Live Coverage
Pledging to empower America’s ‘forgotten men and women’, Donald Trump has been sworn in as US President.
DAY ONE COVERAGE: Donald John Trump has been sworn in as the 45th President of United States, issuing a staunchly nationalist vow to put “America first” in his opening address. Here are developments, reaction and analysis on his first day in office. All times AEDT. Have your say HERE.
2pm: Churchill or bust
President Trump has wasted little time on his first day. He issued two directives, one ordering a freeze on regulations and a second directing agencies to “ease the burden” of the Affordable Care Act.
The President also returned a bust of Winstron Churchill to the Oval Office after it spent two terms in the hallway.
Just three inaugural balls to attend before lights out.
1.25pm: Cabinet takes shape
Retired Marine general James Mattis was sworn as US defence secretary not long after his boss took the oath of office. “Mad Dog” Mattis released a statement praising intelligence agencies and calling for stronger ties with allies.
John Kelly, another retired Marine general, was also confirmed and sworn in to head the Department of Homeland Security.
11.50am: Moore attack
Prominent left-wing activist Michael Moore attacked the Democratic Party during an anti-Trump rally in Washington today, saying it needed new blood to challenge the new Trump Administration, writes Cameron Stewart, in Washington.
You can read more about the Trump protests HERE.
11.20am: Parade over
The parade for newly sworn-in President Donald Trump is over, shifting the celebration to its third act - a trio of balls. Trump and first lady 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.
For the first time, the ball will be televised, capturing Mr Trump’s remarks and first dance with the first lady.
10.50am: New twitter account
The world’s media has a new Twitter account to refresh - @potus
On behalf of my entire family, THANK YOU! #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/v2nEMoanIX
— President Trump (@POTUS) January 20, 2017
10.25am: Climate, LGBT page disappears
There are already signs the Trump government is up and running. WhiteHouse.gov has been revamped for Trump’s policy priorities as pages about LGBT rights and the Obama administration’s climate change plan were eliminated.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development have also suspended the Obama administration’s planned reduction of mortgage insurance premium rates, a move that had been intended to make buying a home more affordable.
Meanwhile, the Senate has voted overwhelmingly to approve retired Marine General John Kelly as Secretary of Homeland Security.
10.10am: Limo set on fire
Nearly 100 people have been arrested in Washington DC hours after Donald Trump was sworn into office.
Following the inauguration, violent protests broke out as protesters smashed windows, and set garbage bins and a limousine on fire.
Pockets of demonstrators broke out into screaming matches with Trump supporters. Police deployed flash bang grenades. Helicopters circled above, taking in the scene.
A line of police officers wearing riot gear watched demonstrators marching. The officers moved in once the limo was set afire to allow fire officials to extinguish the blaze - AP
9.50am: ‘Unbelievable’ day
President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, alongside their wives, are now watching the parade from a special viewing platform near the White House.
Trump, who also flashed a thumbs-up, said the day had been ‘unbelievable',
9.30am: US Senate confirms James Mattis
The US Senate has overwhelmingly voted to confirm retired Marine general James Mattis as defense secretary for President Donald Trump.
Mattis’s confirmation was the first action taken by senators after Trump was sworn in. His path to the cabinet was uncontroversial compared to that of some of Trump’s other nominees.
9am: Joe got good seats ...
In a terrific location for this extraordinary event #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/MhIeKVQeN8
— Joe Hockey (@JoeHockey) January 20, 2017
And the Australian’s associated editor in Washington, Cameron Stewart, has also been running around covering the inauguration and reaction. You can read his full wrap-up here.
Crowds chant USA USA as Vice President Mike Pence driven in his limo up to White House. pic.twitter.com/OqsAa0eMLl
— cameron stewart (@camstewarttheoz) January 20, 2017
8.50am: Trump’s first 200 days?
“The proposed dramatic rise in US infrastructure spending will take time to engineer but will drive America in the final years of the Trump administration. But the migration, taxes and trade revolution will happen faster than most forecasters predict. For Trump it starts on January 20, 2017. Trump has built around him a remarkable team and they are dedicated to his vision and they we not there to muck around like our politicians.,” writes Robert Gottliebsen.
Here is what he thinks will happen in the first 200 days of Trump.
8.42am: What next for Obama?
Hi everybody! Back to the original handle. Is this thing still on? Michelle and I are off on a quick vacation, then we’ll get back to work.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 20, 2017
In the meantime, I want to hear what you're thinking about the road ahead. So share your ideas with me here: https://t.co/GYkEOK8EuT
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 20, 2017
Cameron Stewart 8.32am: Protest latest
Mike Moore on street corner in Washington saying this is biggest inauguration protest yet pic.twitter.com/Ke6zjxTX72
— cameron stewart (@camstewarttheoz) January 20, 2017
Riots have calmed down for the moment in DC after this morning's violent outbreak. Big queues now to get to inauguration parade.
— cameron stewart (@camstewarttheoz) January 20, 2017
8.20am: Trump gets out of limo
Trump has stepped out of his limousine along the inaugural parade route, briefly walking on Pennsylvania Avenue and waving to supporters with his wife Melania and young son Barron.
Earlier, the president drove past a crowd of protesters chanting anti-Trump slogans and waving banners.
You can watch a live stream here:
8am: Parade under way
Trump, who took office earlier in the day, reviewed US troops before getting into the presidential limousine. Secret Service agents will run alongside the limo, nicknamed “The Beast,” for the entire journey.
7.40am: Trump leaves Capitol for White House
The big question is: will Donald Trump get out of the car and walk part of the route, as is tradition?
7.30am: Fewer people turn out
Photos of the National Mall from Obama’s inauguration in January 2009 show a teeming crowd stretching from the West Front of the Capitol all the way to the Washington Monument.
Photos taken from the same position on Friday show large swaths of empty space on the Mall.
7.10am: Standing ovation for Hillary
Donald Trump did not mention his Presidential opponent during his inaugural speech but asked the room to give Hillary Clinton a standing ovation at his lunch. The Clintons also sat with members of the Trump family during the lunch.
Trump will no head to the inaugural parade.
6.55am: Trump quits TPP
The new US administration of President Donald Trump says its trade strategy to protect American jobs will start with its withdrawal from the 12-nation Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact.
A White House statement issued soon after Trump’s inauguration on Friday said the United States would also “crack down on those nations that violate trade agreements and harm American workers in the process.”
The statement said Trump was committed to renegotiating another trade deal, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was signed in 1994 by the United States, Canada and Mexico. - Reuters
6.45am: Police use tear gas
District of Columbia police are using tear gas canisters in a confrontation with protesters in downtown Washington.
Some people are being treated for exposure to tear gas and some people are vomiting.
Police have blocked off both sides of the street. Protesters were throwing bricks and concrete at police. One protester wearing a mask smashed a bank window.
6.20am: Something to chew on
Former Texas Governor Rick Perry is taking a lot of heat on social media after he was seen chewing gum and blowing bubbles as a rabbi spoke during Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Rick Perry blowing gum bubbles at #InaugurationDay is why we love Rick Perry https://t.co/51lsgT8fCf pic.twitter.com/VHHqTUSBZV
— Shoshana Weissmann (@senatorshoshana) January 20, 2017
6.10am: Protests escalate
Police deployed pepper spray and made numerous arrests in a chaotic confrontation blocks from Donald Trump’s inauguration, reports AP.
Spirited demonstrations unfolded peacefully at various security checkpoints near the Capitol as police helped ticket-holders get through to the inaugural ceremony. Signs read, “Resist Trump Climate Justice Now,” “Let Freedom Ring,” “Free Palestine.” But at one point, police gave chase to a group of about 100 protesters who smashed the windows of downtown businesses including a Starbucks, Bank of America and McDonald’s as they denounced capitalism and Trump.
6am: First social post
5.55am: Clinton attends Trump lunch
President Donald Trump is now attending an inaugural luncheon at the Capitol. Hillary Clinton, the defeated Democrat candidate is also attending, as is former President Jimmy Carter, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices and some of Trump’s Cabinet picks.
5.40am: Obama farewell
Obama was joined by former first lady Michelle Obama at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. They took a helicopter there from the Capitol following President Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremonies.
The outgoing president says he and his wife have sometimes been the “voice out front” but his push for changes in the country that began with his 2008 presidential campaign “has never been about us. It has always been about you.”
5.30am: Trump to scrap climate regulation
President Trump is pledging to eliminate President Barack Obama’s environmental regulations. That includes Obama’s plan to address climate change. As Trump was giving his inaugural address, the White House website listed several actions Trump will take to cancel “harmful and unnecessary policies.”
5.20am: Trump signs executive orders
President Trump is signing orders nominating his cabinet, handing out the pens to the watching members of congress, as is the tradition.
He also signs legislation allowing retired General James Mattis to serve as Defence Secretary. He also signed a proclamation nominating a national day of patriotism. There’s a law that bars former service members who’ve been out of uniform for less than seven years from holding the top Pentagon job. The restriction is meant to preserve civilian control of the military.
5.10am: In Pictures
Cameron Stewart 5.05am: ‘USA, USA’
Trump’s children get a large cheer as they walk out. The crowd now stretches back several kilometres to the Washington Monument starts chanting USA.
The former presidents come out. Jimmy Carter gets polite applause but Bill and Hillary Clinton get a mixture of polite claps and boos. George W Bush gets the loudest applause from the pro-Republican crowd.
5am: Obama waves goodbye
4.40am: Former President Obama exits
Former President Obama is now set to depart Washington. He is joined by President Trump as he heads down the steps to a car which will then take him to Executive One. The pair share a couple of jokes and a smile before lining up alongside Michelle Obama and Melania Trump and then making their way to the helicopter.
4.32am: Reaction to speech
I respect Trump but this was not a speech that Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush I or Bush II would ever have given #InaugurationDay
— Troy Bramston (@TroyBramston) January 20, 2017
Lincoln, Jefferson, Eisenhower, Kennedy. Big names, speeches. That speech won't rate but what Trump does will be the key @australian #auspol
— John Lyons (@TheLyonsDen) January 20, 2017
Trump repudiates insiders around him. Speaks for crowds in mall not folks in stands. Extraordinary indictment of what's preceded him.
— Chris Kenny (@chriskkenny) January 20, 2017
4.25am: Key points from speech
President Donald Trump said to ‘all Americans ... hear these words: You will never be ignored again’
In the address the new commander in chief has set out his vision for the country’s next four years.
“From this day forward a new vision will govern our land, from this day forward it’s going to be only America first, America first,” he said. “Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families.
“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 with you with every breath in my body. I will never ever let you down.”
He said his government would follow two rules - buy American and hire American. The same would apply to foreign policy, with the American way being put first. “We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world, but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first,” he said.
John Lyons 4.15am: ‘Forgotten no longer’
New President Trump has begun his inaugural speech echoing his election campaign theme of ending the rule of Washington elites and giving back power to the American people.
Having been sworn in only seconds before, President Trump pledged to rebuild the US.
“The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer,” Trump said. “Together we will determine the course of America, and the world, for many years to come.”
The speech echoed many of his election speeches.
Mr Trump said Barack and Michelle Obama had been “magnificent.”
He specifically thanked the four former presidents on the inaugural platform - Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
He continued his election theme that “a small group of people” in Washington had shared people but not the wealth of the nation. “The factories closed,” he said. “The establishment protected itself but not the citizens of our country.”
He talked about “rusted out factories scattered like tombstones” and “the crime and the gangs and the drugs ... This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.”
4.10am: ‘America first’
“From this day forward a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward it is going to be only America first. We must protect our borders from there avages of other countries.”
4.05am: Trump speech
Trump starts by thanking ‘magnificent’ predecessor Barack Obama.
“Today we are transferring power from Washington DC to you, the people. This moment belongs to you. This is your day, this is your celebration, this is your country.
“The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.”
4am: President Trump
Donald’s Trump wife and children join his as he is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. “Congratulations Mr President”.
The 70-year-old Republican placed his hand on two Bibles - his own and one used by Abraham Lincoln - to take the solemn oath, ushering in a new political era.
“I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God,” he declared, before pumping his fist in the air several times.
Done - @realDonaldTrump is the 45th president of the United States #InaugurationDay Obama out.
— Troy Bramston (@TroyBramston) January 20, 2017
3.50am: Pence takes oath of office
Mike Pence has just been sworn as the Vice President of the United States. He is congratulated by President Obama and Vice President Trump.
3.44am: All eyes on speech
Surely, the speech Donald Trump about to make, must be one of the most anticipated speeches in modern times. Divider or uniter? @australian
— John Lyons (@TheLyonsDen) January 20, 2017
All the talk that no-one wld turn up, it would be embarrassment, was nonsense: I attended 1st Clinton inaug. This as impressive @australian
— John Lyons (@TheLyonsDen) January 20, 2017
3.40am: Ceremony begins
Roy Blunt, chairman of the congressional inauguration committee, introduces the swearing-in ceremony.
3.31am: Trump introduced
“Ladies and Gentleman, the president-elect of the United States, Donald John Trump.”
A quick wave to the crowd as Trump enters the platform and a kiss on the cheek for Michelle Obama is followed by a warm handshake with Barack Obama.
3.28am: Here comes Trump
Donald Trump, the next President of the United States, appears solemn as he heads for the platform. He is led by his Republican colleagues, including speaker Paul Ryan.
Vice President-elect Mike Pence is the first to be introduced to the crowd.
Cameron Stewart 3.24am: ‘Now that’s a first lady’
Michelle Obama came out to polite clapping. Gives a warm welcome to Hillary Clinton, prompting one crowd member to yell “how do you feel now Hillary.
The crowd roars as the first vision comes on the screen of a regal look Melania Trump in her blue dress. “Now that’s a First Lady” one crowd member yells. Big cheers as Melania walks out.
John Lyons 3.22am: Cheers for Melania
Michelle Obama has arrived on the inaugural stage to a warm reception. Melania Trump now being escorted by military guard onto the inaugural platform. Loud applause as she is escorted onto the platform.
Many former presidents have now taken their positions - Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Jimmy Carter. Barack Obama and Joe Biden now walk together through the corridors of the Capitol, approaching the inaugural platform.
Clarence Thomas, the Supreme Court judge who will administer the oath of office, has taken his position on the platform, as have the Trump children.
3.18am: Violent protests
A line from AP: Police have used pepper spray to quell violent downtown Washington protests during inauguration, restaurant windows smashed.
Meanwhile, first Lady Michelle Obama has made her way to the platform, she is perched just in front of Hillary Clinton, dressed in red.
3.15am: The scene at Capitol Hill
John Lyons 3.12am: Tough day for Clintons
Two remarkable scenes have just occurred currently. The first is President Obama escorting Donald Trump through the corridors of the Capitol building in preparation for the inauguration.
The second is the arrival of Hillary Clinton - the women who Trump defeated in the bitter presidential contest - and Bill Clinton.
Ms Clinton waved to various people in the crowd, but this must be a difficult day for her watching Trump take the oath of office that she had hoped to do.
3.10am: Trump children arrive
Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump are both dressed in white. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton says she’s attending Donald Trump’s inauguration to “honour our democracy.” Clinton made the comment on Twitter. “I’m here today to honour our democracy & its enduring values. I will never stop believing in our country & its future.”
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
John Lyons 3.05am: Obama exits White House for last time
Heralding the beginning of the presidential handover, outgoing Barack Obama has escorted Donald Trump into the presidential limousine for the drive from the White House to the Capitol building.
The motorcade has just left the White House for the short drive. As they left the White House, Mr Obama saluted members of the armed forces for one of his last times as Commander in Chief as he guided Mr Trump into the limousine.
The ride of the two came as key figures from US politics and law gathered on Capitol Hill for the inauguration of Mr Trump as the 45th president.
Members of the US Supreme Court - an institution likely to be at the centre of attention from the new President - have now taken their positions on the dais for the inauguration.
Sixty nine Democratic congressmen have decided not to attend. Former President Jimmy Carter has also arrived.
On a cold, grey day, a key theme of Trump’s speech is reported to be that sections of America have been “left behind.”
3am: Former Presidents introduced
Cheers for George W Bush and Laura Bush as they arrive on Capitol Hill. There will be six Presidents present at the ceremony, which ties the record for the inauguration. Jimmy Carter was earlier introduced to the crowd.
2.55am: Trump exits White House
The outgoing and the incoming first ladies are first to leave the White House, followed by vice president Joe Biden and vice president-elect Mike Pence.
And now here comes Barack Obama and Donalld Trump. Obama puts his hand on Trump’s shoulder as the pair head to the car.
2 .50am: Dignitaries sit for ceremony
Cameron Stewart reports from his spot at the inauguration:
Dignitaries are coming into the VIP sections now being announced as they arrive. Republican vice-presidents Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney are cheered by the Trump supporters. Generals and Senators now coming in. The various choirs are singing patriotic songs in between music from
the US Marine band. Marines are walking through the crowd asking people to take their seats.
The presidential party is now leaving the White House.
2.30am: Clinton arrives
Defeated Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton arrived at the Capitol with husband Bill (of course, a former president himself) and waved to onlookers but didn’t respond to questions from the media. Surely a difficult day for her.
The presidential motorcade has arrived at the White House again to take the Trumps and Obamas off to the business end of the day - the official ceremony in about half an hour.
2.20am: Protesters disrupt checkpoints
Spirited demonstrations have unfolded at various security checkpoints near the Capitol as police in riot gear helped ticketholders get through to the inaugural ceremony.
Signs read “Resist Trump Climate Justice Now,” “Let Freedom Ring,” “Free Palestine.” The DisruptJ20 coalition, named after the date of the inauguration, had promised that people participating in its actions in Washington would attempt to shut down the celebrations, risking arrest when necessary.
Lines for ticket holders entering two gates stretched for blocks at one point as protesters clogged entrances.
Trump supporter Brett Ecker said the protesters were frustrating but weren’t going to put a damper on his day.
“They’re just here to stir up trouble,” said the 36-year-old public school teacher. “It upsets me a little bit that people choose to do this, but yet again it’s one of the things I love about this country.” At one checkpoint, protesters wore orange jumpsuits with black hoods over their faces to represent prisoners in U.S. detention at Guantánamo Bay. Eleanor Goldfield, who helped organise the Disrupt J20 protest, said protesters wanted to show Trump and his “misguided, misinformed or just plain dangerous” supporters that they won’t be silent.
Black Lives Matter and feminist groups also made their voices heard. More demonstrations were planned for later in the day. For one DisruptJ20 event, a march beginning at Columbus Circle outside Union Station, participants were asked to gather at noon, the same time as Trump’s swearing-in as the 45th president.
The route for the march, which organisers called a “Festival of Resistance,” ran about 1.5 miles to McPherson Square, a park about three blocks from the White House, where a rally featuring the filmmaker and liberal activist Michael Moore was planned.
2.10am: VIPs arrive
Here’s a few more photos from proceedings so far and as guests gather for the ceremony that begins in just under an hour. The Obamas and Trumps are expected to head to the Capitol in about 15 minutes.
.@KellyannePolls rocking a very patriotic outfit pic.twitter.com/Ff3CXww07h
— andrew kaczynski 🤔 (@KFILE) January 20, 2017
1.45am: Obamas greets Trumps
Barack Obama and Michelle - dressed in deep crimson - have welcomed Donald Trump and Melania on the steps of the White House. “How are you. Good to see you. Congratulations,” the outgoing president said to his successor as they shook hands. Mrs Trump handed a large Tiffany box to Mrs Obama. In a slightly awkward photo, the wives put their arms around each other’s waists, the husbands remained arms at sides, and then the four walked back inside the White House.
President Obama​ & First Lady Michelle Obama​ greet President-elect Donald Trump​ & soon-to-be First Lady Melania Trump​ at the White House pic.twitter.com/3jLbQAoS3v
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 20, 2017
1.40am: Short drive to the White House
The Trumps are now leaving the church and will drive across the road - hey, it’s a rainy day - to the White House for morning tea with outgoing President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The two couples will then travel together to the Capitol by motorcade in a tradition dating back to 1837. Vice-president elect Mike Pence is also there.
1.30am: A peek through the window
As he waits to host the Trumps for morning tea at the White House (they’re apparently running about 15 minutes late), Barack Obama was just filmed through the Oval Office window possibly leaving the traditional letter of welcome for the incoming president on the Resolute Desk.
As he walked out of the doors media called out “Are you feeling nostalgic?” and he answered “Of course!”. “Any final words for the American people?” “Thank you!”
And Obama unleashed the last tweets from the @POTUS handle about 20 minutes ago:
It's been the honor of my life to serve you. You made me a better leader and a better man.
— President Obama (@POTUS) January 20, 2017
As we look forward, I want our first steps to reflect what matters most to you. Share your thoughts with me at https://t.co/fGUxlpLVue.
— President Obama (@POTUS) January 20, 2017
I'm still asking you to believe - not in my ability to bring about change, but in yours. I believe in change because I believe in you.
— President Obama (@POTUS) January 20, 2017
The incoming president started his day by tweeting:
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
Meanwhile, two and a half hours out from the official ceremony protesters who said they’d try to keep guests with tickets from watching Trump take the oath of office aren’t having much luck so far. Dozens of protesters are lined up at the entrance to a seating area on the West Front of the Capitol, and they’re holding signs that say “Free Palestine” and “Let Freedom ring.” But police are out in force, and they’re allowing ticketholders to make their way through the gate. On the other side of the Capitol, things are quiet and orderly at a second gate.
1.05am: Eyes on Melania
Naturally, in early TV commentary has turned to what Melania Trump is wearing.
The CNN fashion expert confirms it’s Ralph Lauren and remarks that it’s a “brilliant first lady costume... channelling the Jackie Kennedy vibe”.
Some designers have refused to dress Melania but a Harriet Walker feature in Inquirer today says the first lady has perfected her Washington look.
Trump l’oeil: The remodelling of Melania
12.50am: Trump time in Inquirer
While we wait, Inquirer in the Weekend Australian today has a raft of Trump features and comment, starting with Paul Kelly’s analysis of Trump’s time, plus
* Former New York Post editor-in-chief Col Allan answers Inquirer’s questions about Donald Trump in Dear Mr President: stop tweeting
* Greg Sheridan comments on how strategic unpredictability has worked pretty well for Trump so far, in A wild ride for the world
* And Janet Albrechtsen says La-la land still doesn’t get The Donald
12.30am: Trump Day kicks off
It’s begun. Donald Trump and wife Melania have left their accommodation at Blair House and travelled in a motorcade to attend services at St. John’s Episcopal Church, just steps from the White House. Mrs Trump is dressed in a powder blue suit with a high collar, while the president-elect is in his traditional red tie.
President-elect Donald Trump​ and Melania Trump​ arrive at St. John's Church for a prayer service ahead of his #inauguration. #Trump45 pic.twitter.com/ySs8NtO544
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 20, 2017
Our correspondent Cameron Stewart is reporting from the inauguration. Here’s his story in The Weekend Australian today on the bold and erratic new world order that beckons: ‘Deliberate chaos, maximum control’
Looks like a good place to find a yarn today pic.twitter.com/gSFUc1jx9v
— cameron stewart (@camstewarttheoz) January 20, 2017
Cameron reports on his day so far:
6.30am
A Humvee armoured vehicle and six soldiers greet me as I walk out of my hotel pre dawn. They are on most street corners. Soldiers are everywhere around the streets of DC. The Starbucks where I buy coffee has six soldiers and no civilians in line.
7am
Washington metro trains already crowded with people in suits and ties heading for the inauguration. Lots of laughing and excitement. Red white and blue dominates the colour scheme.
7.30am
Leave metro station and walk into massive security, police or soldiers every few steps along the walk to the Capitol Building where the inauguration will be held.
8am
Sun is up now but cloudy and drizzly as crowds start to gather in force along the National Mall. People doing selfies with flag draped Capitol building behind them. Many are wearing American flags on their clothes - anything patriotic. Some are wearing Abe Lincoln-style top
hats.
8.30
A giant screen is telling people slices of American history, about past inaugurations and giving quizzes about presidential trivia. They even tell the crowd which monuments appear in the opening credits of House of Cards. Rain starts to fall.
The magic ticket to hop the queue pic.twitter.com/nGfzBWJdtJ
— cameron stewart (@camstewarttheoz) January 20, 2017
Standing guard pic.twitter.com/62vc2stMyJ
— cameron stewart (@camstewarttheoz) January 20, 2017
11.30pm: Early birds flock to Washington
Americans eager to see Donald Trump take the oath of office as the nation’s next president are starting to make their way through downtown Washington and on to the National Mall.
About 900,000 people, both Trump backers and opponents, are expected to flood the capital for the inauguration ceremony, according to organisers’ estimates.
Dump trucks, police cars and National Guard soldiers and Washington DC police are manning street corners in the city’s downtown, blocking vehicle access for blocks around the Mall.
But there’s plenty of room on the footpaths for those clutching engraved tickets for a seat to Trump’s inauguration, as well as those without who plan to watch from spots between the Capitol and the Washington monument.
The “red gate” ticket entrance opened to cheers before dawn from those who are braving the cold and waiting in line in the city’s East End neighbourhood. Some in the crowd began a chant of “USA!” Others picked up “Make America Great Again” hats and other Trump gear from street vendors.
The number of planned protests and rallies this year is far above what has been typical at recent presidential inaugurations, with some 30 permits granted in Washington for anti-Trump rallies and sympathy protests planned in cities from Boston to Los Angeles, and outside the US in cities including London and Sydney.
The three days of inaugural festivities kicked off on Thursday. Trump left his Trump-branded jet in New York and flew to Washington in a government plane, saluting an Air Force officer as he descended the steps with his wife, Melania. He and the incoming vice president, Mike Pence, solemnly laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery before joining supporters for an evening concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
“We’re going to unify our country,” Trump said at the close of the two-hour concert featuring country star Toby Keith, soul’s Sam Moore and The Piano Guys. But not singer Jennifer Holliday: she backed out after an outcry from Trump critics.
With rain a possibility, the National Park Service announced that it was easing its “no umbrella” policy for Friday, allowing collapsible umbrellas along the parade route and on the National Mall.
The nation’s soon-to-be president joked about the chance of a downpour. “That’s OK,” Trump told campaign donors at an event Thursday night, “because people will realise it’s my real hair.” “Might be a mess, but they’re going to see that it’s my real hair,” he said.
11.20pm: WHAT’S HAPPENING, WHEN?
The exact schedule is yet to be finalised so treat these times (in AEDT) as a rough guide.
- At 1am Trump, Pence and their families are expected to attend services at St. John’s Episcopal Church, just steps from the White House.
Afterward, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome Trump and his wife Melania to the White House for morning tea.
The two couples will then travel together to the Capitol by motorcade.
- At 1.30am the inauguration ceremony begins on the west front of the Capitol with musical performances.
Attendees will include members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, diplomats and the public. Former presidents Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will attend, as will Trump’s election opponent Hillary Clinton.
Former president George H.W. Bush is in frail health and will not be present. Sixteen-year-old soprano Jackie Evancho will sing the national anthem. The Rockettes dance troupe will also be performing, at a time yet to be announced.
- At 3.30am the opening remarks begin and religious leaders will offer the invocation and readings. Pence will be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
- At 4am Trump will recite the oath of office, administered by US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. He will use president Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration Bible, as well as the Bible that Trump’s mother gave to him at his Sunday school graduation in 1955. Afterward, Trump will deliver his inaugural address.
- At 4.30am the ceremony ends. Afterward, in keeping with tradition, Trump and Pence will attend the Congressional Lunch in the Capitol.
- From 7am-9am watch the inaugural parade. The newly minted president and vice-president make their way 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House, trailed by some 8,000 parade participants. They will include members of all US military branches, as well as high school and university marching bands, equestrian corps, first responders, veteran groups and even a tractor brigade.
- From 11am-1pm Trump, Pence and their wives will make appearances at three official inaugural balls, two of which will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the other at the National Building Museum. A number of semi-official and unofficial balls also will take place throughout the city.
11.10pm: Protests begin
Demonstrators have clashed with police outside a pro-Donald Trump rally in Washington DC, as tens of thousands of people prepare to take to the streets to oppose his presidency.
Demonstrators had gathered outside the National Press Club on Thursday night to oppose a group of Trump supporters who were staging a “DeploraBall”, an event named after Hillary Clinton branded them a “basket of deplorables” during the election.
Footage posted on social media appeared to show police use pepper spray to disperse the protesters while smoke was also seen filling the street. Police announced later that a man had been charged with conspiracy to commit an assault.
One man waving a pro-Trump flag had debris thrown at him and was chased to the nearby Warner Theater, where Fox News Channel personalities Sean Hannity and Geraldo Rivera happened to be outside waiting to go into another event. Hannity engaged hecklers by raising his fist; Rivera laughed and smiled before entering the theatre.
Coalition protest group DisruptJ20 has vowed to disrupt Mr Trump’s inauguration and interfere with security checkpoints.
In contrast, Bikers For Trump will rally on Washington’s Pennsylvania Avenue to celebrate Mr Trump’s inauguration.
Actors Robert De Niro, Sally Field and Mark Ruffalo joined hundreds of other people outside a Donald Trump building on Thursday for a pre- inauguration demonstration organisers said was meant to energise those concerned about the Republican president-elect’s policies.
The event, staged in front of Trump International Hotel and Tower near Central Park in Manhattan, was a rally for city residents who have vowed to pursue their own policies on health care, the environment and other issues during the Trump administration. The mayors of Minneapolis and New York attended. “We can’t just mope,” said Bronx resident Jawanza Clark, who attended the gathering with his two sons, ages 10 and 5. “I want to give them a sense of the America they’re inheriting, the fact that they have to lift their voices up.” Civic-mindedness was a theme throughout the evening.
Movie director Michael Moore urged people to regularly call their representatives in Congress. And actor Alec Baldwin, who portrays Trump on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” said Americans wary of Trump’s policies should become more involved.
Baldwin briefly did his Trump impression, which has drawn barbs from the president-elect.
With agencies
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