Did you know?
First President George Washington is credited with giving the shortest U.S. inaugural address in history at 136 words. Second-shortest was Franklin D. Roosevelt's fourth and final inauguration speech, 558 words, in 1945.
More damage from protests in Washington.
Schumer says "average Americans...always save us in times of strife."
Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, a Democrat, is addressing the ceremony.
He mentions threats America faces, "foreign and domestic," but says he's confidence in the country for "one reason: You, the American people."
Musical portion of the program.
The vice president's swearing-in will take place first, then after that, the president's.
Reports say New Destiny Christian Center's pastor Paula White, delivering a prayer now, is the first clergywoman to deliver a prayer at a presidential inauguration.
Our correspondent Mike Eckel live on Facebook: Police face off with protesters few blocks north of National mall.
From a few minutes ago:
The ceremony has begun to inaugurate the 45th U.S. president.
Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, who chairs the congressional inaugural committee, was the first speaker. Now prayers, six of them by various religious leaders, will follow.
The earlier rain has cleared up. Inauguration Day used to take place in March, but was moved forward to shorten the "lame-duck" period when an outgoing president remains in office. The 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution moved it up to end presidential terms on January 20.