Trump Inauguration: Date & Details
The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States took place on Friday, January 20, 2017, at the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The ceremony marked the beginning of his term as President and his Vice President, Mike Pence.
Key Details:
- Date: January 20, 2017
- Time: Noon EST
- Location: West Front of the United States Capitol Building
- Chief Justice: John Roberts administered the oath of office.
- Speaker: Mike Pence introduced Donald Trump.
- Inaugural Address: Trump delivered a speech focusing on themes of "American Renewal" and "Making America Great Again."
- Attendance: Estimates vary, but the crowd size was significant, though not exceeding the record-breaking attendance of Barack Obama's inauguration.
Notable Events:
- Security: The inauguration was heavily guarded due to concerns about potential security threats.
- Protests: Protests took place both in support of Trump and against his presidency.
- Inaugural Ball: Trump and Pence attended several inaugural balls held throughout the evening.
Historical Significance:
Trump's inauguration was significant for several reasons:
- First Republican to win the presidency since George W. Bush: This marked a change in political control after eight years of Democratic leadership under Barack Obama.
- Rise of Populism: Trump's victory was seen as a sign of the growing power of populist movements around the world.
- Division in the United States: The election and inauguration were highly polarized, reflecting a deep division in American society.
Conclusion:
The inauguration of Donald Trump was a pivotal moment in American history. It marked the beginning of a new era in American politics, one that would be defined by significant political, social, and cultural changes.