Donald Trump sworn in as 45th president of the United States
Jan 20, 2017, 10:00 AM | Updated: 8:50 pm
Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States as Melania Trump looks on during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
PHOENIX — Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States at 10 a.m. Arizona time Friday morning on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building.
Vice President Mike Pence was sworn in first, per tradition, before Trump took his oath of office.
The new president was sworn in using a Lincoln Bible, while Pence used the same Bible as former President Ronald Reagan.
It’s official. Our 45th president has taken the oath of office & we couldn't be more excited! Congratulations to @POTUS Trump #Inauguration
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 20, 2017
Trump’s inauguration speech was brief, running just about 20 minutes.
He said Friday’s ceremony had a very special meaning, because it meant a shift in power in Washington, D.C.
“We are not merely transferring power from one administration to another, one party to another, but we are transitioning power from Washington, D.C. back to you, the people,” he said to applause.
Trump touched on the issues facing the country — such as education, jobs and drug and gang violence — and promised to work to fix them.
“This American carnage stops right here and right now,” he said.
He also said he would eradicate terrorism acts carried about by Islamic extremists.
Trump then echoed several campaign topics, primarily his promise to rebuild the American infrastructure system and promote his idea of putting American interests ahead of those of other nations.
“We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and hire American,” he said.
Toward the latter parts of his speech, Trump called for unity moving forward. He said a patriotic heart allows no room for prejudice.
“When America is united, America is totally unstoppable,” he said.
He threw in his campaign slogan, “Make America great again,” before the traditional closing of “God bless America.”
About 50 Democratic members of Congress said they would not attend the inauguration as an act of protest, which drew criticism from former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer. At least two Arizona representatives did not attend.
“Give the guy a chance. Beat him up day after tomorrow if you want to, but … let’s come together and show the world this is the United States of America,” she said Thursday on KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News.
She attended Friday’s event, as did Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.
U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) told Mac & Gaydos on Wednesday that she considered it her job to attend Trump’s inauguration despite their political differences.
“I’m an elected official in U.S. Congress,” she said. “The executive, whether or not it’s an individual who I personally supported, I don’t think that matters.”
A Phoenix singer joined Grammy-nominated gospel group The Nelons in singing “God Bless America” during the inauguration.
About 20 members of the Arizona National Guard helped feed thousands of servicemen and women who were in town for the event.
Washington, D.C. was expected to be overrun with both supporters and opponents of Trump. It was estimated earlier this week that 800,000 or 900,000 people would attend the inauguration, while hundreds of thousands of others are expected Saturday for the Women’s March on Washington.
