Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017.
Trump’s inauguration theme was his trademark slogan, “Make America Great Again.” For his inauguration, Trump wanted to concentrate on the American people rather than just celebrating himself or focusing on the attendance of celebrities, many of whom stated their disapproval of him and refused to perform at the ceremony.
“So, what we've done instead of trying to surround him with what people consider A-Listers is we are going to surround him with the soft sensuality of the place. It's a much more poetic cadence than having a circus-like celebration that's a coronation. That's the way this president-elect wanted it," Trump inauguration Chairman Tom Barrack said to ABC News.
The day prior to the inauguration included the “Voices of the People” event, which showcased different groups such as choirs, baton twirlers, and marching bands. Trump and Pence attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery before heading to the “Make America Great Again! Welcome Concert” at the Lincoln Memorial. The concert featured performances from musicals artists 3 Doors Down, Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood, and others.
Trump’s inauguration day began with a church service at Saint John’s Church, followed by a White House coffee and tea reception hosted by Barack and Michelle Obama. The Obamas then accompanied the Trumps to Capitol Hill, where Trump and Pence were sworn in around noon. He then gave his inaugural address.
Some controversy arose over the tone of Trump’s speech. A recent Politico poll found that 49% of Americans considered it to be excellent or good. Fans of the speech praised it as authentic and inspirational, while others believed it was too negative in nature.
“If you're going to be the president you want to be uplifting, you want people to feel hope. That was the most hopeless speech I'd ever heard,” NHS library associate Ms. Brownell said.
It ran just under twenty minutes. He started off by stating his goal of empowering the American people, and criticized the establishment for not doing so in years past.
“Because 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,” Trump said.
Some other major points included creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and fighting Islamic terrorism. He also emphasized prioritizing America over any kind of foreign activity or support multiple times throughout the speech.
“I believe that Trump's speech was very direct and he presented to people exactly what his goals are upon taking position of being a president,” NHS senior Emily McCoy said.
After the address, Trump and Pence attended a military review, followed by the parade and several balls. It was considered to be a very traditional inauguration, other than Trump’s decision to shorten the parade and attend only three balls.
The ceremony also included readings and prayers from a record number of six religious speakers. Performances were made by the U.S. Marine Band, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Missouri State University Chorale, and Jackie Evancho, who sang the national anthem.
The days following Trump’s inauguration brought about protests at events such as the Women’s Marches all over the country and worldwide on January 21. There was also media controversy over the Trump administration’s portrayal of the inauguration crowd size. However, despite the debate over President Trump’s road to the Oval Office and his swearing in itself, his ability to deliver on his promises will take shape over the next four years.
Image Courtesy of Time