President Trumps Speech Shocks Washington

WASHINGTON: Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States. The oath is part of a ceremony marking the peaceful transition of power on the steps in front of the US Capitol.

The ceremony was then followed by a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue and later celebrated through a series of inaugural balls.

Mr Trumps first act as the new president was to deliver the traditional inaugural address. He started by thanking all the living former presidents, including predecessor Barack Obama, who had just joined their ranks.

President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world, thank you, Mr Trump said.

Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent. Thank you.

Mr Trump said his inauguration held special meaning as the moment the American people had regained control of their government.

Today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington D.C. and giving it back to you, the people, he said.

With now former president Obama and three previous presidents watching from behind him, Trump seemed to condemn them as unfaithful to the popular will, saying that his inauguration signaled that the people would rule the country again.

For too long, a small group in our nations capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered, but the jobs left and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.

Trump promised to bring back our jobs. Manufacturing jobs have been on the decline for decades, but Trump inherits an overall economy that has gained jobs for a record 75 straight months and has an unemployment rate well below the historical norm.

That all changes starting right here and right now because this moment is your moment. It belongs to you. January 20th, 2017 will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again.

Mr Trump finished his speech with a reprise of his famous slogan from the election campaign.

Together we will make America strong again, we will make America wealthy again, we will make America proud again, we will make America safe again and, yes, together, and we will make America great again.