On January 20, 2017, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, D.C. after defeating Democratic nominee Hilary Clinton in the election. Thousands gathered in D.C. and millions watched around the world as Trump took the oath of office. Surrounded by his wife, Melania, and daughters Ivanka and Tiffany and sons Eric, Donald and Barron, Trump was sworn in by Chief Justice, John Roberts. Reciting the oath as his left hand was on the Bible and his right hand raised, the world watched.
He then addressed the American people calling January 20, “the day the people became the rulers of this nation again.”
He addressed the middle class, mothers and children living in poverty, the education system, crime, gangs and drugs that robbed the country of potential and said, “that stops now.”
“Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families,” Trump explained. “We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs.”
President Trump said the United States will follow two easy rules: “buy American” and “hire American.” He plans to get people off welfare and back to work as well as keep jobs and companies in America by rebuilding the country with American hands and labor.
He concluded his speech with his slogan that he used throughout his campaign: Make America Great Again.
“Together we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again,” Trump concluded. “We will make America safe again. And yes, together we will make America great again.”
While many people are excited about Trump’s win, there were riots and protests that took place in D.C. and across the country. People were destroying businesses and many people were arrested. There were also protests where people marched holding signs and chanting “not my president.” Trump took to social media to address the situation.
“Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our democracy. Even if I don’t always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views.”
Lion’s Eye Staff Editor, Alyssa Abbonizio, aqa5498@psu.edu