Former reality TV star, Donald Trump, was Friday officially sworn in as the 45th president of the United States of America
The inauguration took place outside US Capitol in Washington, DC, ushering in a new political era.
“Together we will determine the course of America and the world for many, many years to come,” Trump said in his inaugural speech.
“We will face challenges, we will confront hardships, but we will get the job done.”
He added: “For too long a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government. Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth.”
He also pledged to unite the world against “radical Islam”.
After finishing his inaugural speech, Barack Obama, the outgoing president, tapped his shoulder and said, “Good job, good job”.
Trump, a 70-year old businessman, has no previous political experience. He is a former reality TV star whose campaign dominated headlines over his shocking comments on minorities, women and rival politicians.
During the run up to the November 8 election, he promised to ban Muslims from entering the US. He also promised to build a wall along the Mexican border to deter Mexicans from travelling to America. Later, a recording of him saying that he grabs women’s genitals when the mood takes him was leaked.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chuck Shumer, a senator from New York, said that America is now living in a “challenging and tumultuous time” ahead of the oaths.
“Faith in our government, our institutions and even our country can erode,” he said. “Today we celebrate one of democracy’s core attributes: the peaceful transfer of power.”
Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office, which was witnessed by Trump’s wife, the First Lady Melania Trump.
Mike Pence, vice president, was also sworn in ahead of a crowd of an estimated 900,000 people.
