On January 20, 2017, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, marking a pivotal moment in American history. The day was filled with pomp, circumstance, and a healthy dose of controversary, as the nation’s capital came together to witness the transfer of power. Here are some of the key moments from President Trump’s inauguration day:
The Inaugural Parade
The day’s festivities began with a chilly parade along Pennsylvania Avenue, as Trump, his family, and thousands of Republican officials, foreign dignitaries, and VIPs made their way to the U.S. Capitol. The atmosphere was festive, with mothers and children bundled up against the cold, waving small American flags and ‘Make America Great Again’ signs. The inaugural parade featured a 21-plane flyover, a nod to the historic flyovers that accompanied previous president’s inaugurations.
The Oath of Office
At 11:30 am, Trump took the oath of office on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, flanked by his family, including his wife Melania Trump, and their 10-year-old son, Barron. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath, which Trump swore to "faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
The Inaugural Address
Following the oath, Trump delivered his inaugural address, a speech that was both well-received and widely scrutinized. The 16-minute speech focused on themes of American greatness, patriotism, and restoration, with Trump casting himself as a disruptor, shaking off the complacency of the political establishment and restoring the country’s former glory. The speech was met with applause and waves from the crowd, as well as skepticism from many critics, who saw it as divisive and lacking in policy specifics.
Contrast with the Protests
As the glittering ceremony unfolded, thousands of protesters, many of whom had been camping near the National Mall for days, made their voices heard. Demonstrations and protests, often peaceful, sprouted up around the city, with chants of "Not my President," "Resist," and "Ban" echoing through the streets. The contrast between the festivity and the protests highlighted the deep divisions in American society, with some K Street renters and commuters forced to navigate the chaos.
The First Lady’s Fashion Statement
Melania Trump, the new First Lady, was the subject of much attention, with her red coat and white hat combo turning heads. The Internet dubbed her "Coco" and # MelaniaTrump quickly became a trending topic. Whether the stylish Slovenia-born model-turned-philanthropist was a deliberate attempt to reboot the image of the First Lady or simply a great-taste coincidence, her outfit captivated the nation’s attention.
The Trump Inaugural Legacy
The 58th Presidential Inauguration was bracketed by expectations and controversy, with Trump’s presidency already sparking fierce debate and scrutiny. Would he be able to unite the nation or further divide it? Time would tell, but one thing was clear – January 20, 2017, was a day that would go down in history, marked by a President’s commitment to MAGA (Make America Great Again) and polarized public opinion.
As the sun set on Washington D.C., the world watched with bated breath, wondering what the future held for the United States, and the man who now occupied the Oval Office.
