Inaugurated as President

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 | Political |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
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On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States, marking the official beginning of one of the most controversial and consequential presidencies in American history. The inauguration, held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., was a highly anticipated event, not only for its significance but also for the deep divisions it reflected within the country. The Inauguration Ceremony The inauguration began with the traditional swearing-in ceremony. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to Trump, who placed his hand on two Bibles—one belonging to Abraham Lincoln and the other a personal family Bible. After taking the oath, Trump delivered his inaugural address, which set the tone for his administration and underscored his populist, nationalist vision for the country. Trump’s Inaugural Address Trump's inaugural address, lasting approximately 16 minutes, was a direct and forceful speech that echoed the themes of his campaign. He began by acknowledging the peaceful transfer of power but quickly moved to criticize the political establishment, declaring that the day was not merely a transition from one administration to another but a moment when "the people became the rulers of this nation again." His speech painted a bleak picture of the United States, emphasizing the challenges facing the country, including economic decline, crime, and corruption. He spoke of "American carnage" and promised to end it, pledging to restore the nation's greatness by putting "America First." "We are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the American people," Trump proclaimed, highlighting his commitment to dismantling the political status quo and returning power to ordinary citizens. He vowed to protect American jobs, secure the borders, and rebuild the nation's infrastructure, all while prioritizing the interests of the American people above all else. Attendance and Controversy Trump's inauguration was attended by hundreds of thousands of people, though the exact number became a point of contention. The crowd size was significantly smaller than that of Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration, but the Trump administration, particularly then-Press Secretary Sean Spicer, insisted that it was the largest in history—a claim that was widely disputed and led to early tensions between the new administration and the media. The day was also marked by protests across the country, with some demonstrations turning violent in Washington, D.C. The Women's March on Washington, held the day after the inauguration, drew millions of participants nationwide, signaling the strong opposition Trump faced from the outset of his presidency. The Start of the Trump Presidency Trump’s inauguration set the stage for an administration that would challenge norms, disrupt traditional politics, and deeply polarize the nation. From the moment he took office, Trump began implementing his agenda through executive orders and policy shifts, focusing on issues like immigration, deregulation, and economic reform. One of his first acts as president was to sign an executive order aimed at beginning the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), fulfilling a key campaign promise. He also signed orders to withdraw the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and to advance the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines, signaling his commitment to reshaping U.S. trade policy and energy strategy. Legacy and Impact Trump's inauguration was the beginning of a presidency that would have a lasting impact on the United States and the world. His administration's policies, rhetoric, and approach to governance sparked intense debate and division, leading to significant changes in domestic and international politics. The inauguration of Donald Trump was more than just the start of a new presidency; it was the beginning of a period of profound change in American political life, characterized by a redefinition of traditional political boundaries, the rise of populism, and a deepening of the partisan divide. #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife #DonaldTrump #Inauguration #AmericanPolitics #2017Inauguration #PresidentialHistory
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