What Did Donald Trump Say At His Inauguration? 45th President Promised Power For The People

Donald Trump, praising his predecessor and vowing to “confront hardships” faced by the American people, Friday took the oath of office to become the 45th president of the United States as protesters demonstrated nearby.

Trump, who won the Electoral College but lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton, entered office with the lowest approval rating of any commander-in-chief in modern U.S. history. Mike Pence was sworn in as vice president as former presidents and first ladies looked on.

The only living presidential couple missing from the festivities were George H.W. and Barbara Bush, who are both hospitalized in Houston, him with pneumonia and her with bronchitis. Former President Barack Obama and wife, Michelle, headed for Palm Springs, California, after the inauguration.

The inauguration ushered in an era of Republican control of both the White House and Congress.

“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 American people,” Trump declared from the dais after being sworn in by U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts, a man Trump labeled a “dummy” for his decisions on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.

“For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost.”

In a speech that harked back to his campaign promises, Trump pledged to “confront hardships” and “get the job done,” pledging to change the Washington mindset to focus on “struggling families all across our land.”

Trump decried the plight of those trapped in poverty and the middle class, which has seen their wealth “ripped from their homes and the redistributed across the entire world.” He also called for an end to the “carnage” on city streets, pledging to bring back jobs, enforce borders and “bring back our dreams.”

Demonstrators clashed with police, prompting the use of pepper spray. Some protesters used their bodies to block access to security checkpoints. One protester accused a police officer of sexual assault. People from the Bikers for Trump rally clashed with those involved in #DisruptJ20. Black Lives Matter protesters also were out is full force.

After the inauguration, Trump attended lunch at the Capitol but still found time to post on Facebook, pledging to “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, we will make America great again!”

At the luncheon, Trump said he was very honored by the presence of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, initiating a standing ovation.

“We all want the same thing. We’re all good people,” Trump said.

House Speaker Paul Ryan praised Pence, saying he always will be thought of as a member of Congress. “He is a happy warrior. The president could not have chosen a better partner for his work,” Ryan said, offering a toast.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wished Trump success in governing and uniting the country. “This inauguration is a reminder of our common story as Americans,” he said, toasting Trump.