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Trumps travel in a limousine to lead an inaugural parade to the White House.
Trumps travel in a limousine to lead an inaugural parade to the White House.

Trump Inauguration Live Blog

Final Synopsis

-- Seventy-year-old Donald J. Trump, a Republican, has been sworn in as the United States' 45th president, along with Vice President Mike Pence.

-- In his inaugural speech, Trump vowed that America will "not seek to impose our way of life on anyone but rather let it shine as an example for everyone to follow." He also pledged that "a new vision will govern our land: From this day forward, it's going to be only America First." Trump also promised: "We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones – and unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth."

-- Trump also decried an "establishment" that "protected itself, but not the citizens of our country," and he said, "That all changes -- starting right here, and right now, because this moment is your moment: it belongs to you."

-- World leaders have been congratulating President Trump on his January 20 inauguration, expressing a desire to work with his administration while some Western leaders have been urging continued U.S. cooperation on mutual security.

-- Trump and the new first lady rode a limousine that inched to the White House in the midst of a ceremonial parade, red and blue lights flashing as security agents walked slowly beside the vehicle and onlookers watched from the sidewalks.

-- Security was tight as thousands of people protested in Washington. Police said 95 protesters were arrested. Police had used pepper spray and stun grenades to push back demonstrators. Police said protesters damaged vehicles, destroyed property and set small fires.

-- Trump's administration said that defeating Islamic State "and other radical Islamic terror groups" will be the highest priority of an "America first" foreign policy centered on "peace through strength."

* NOTE: Times are stated according to local time in Washington DC (GMT/UTC -5)

Trump will be sworn in with his hand on a family Bible and the so-called "Lincoln Bible" (which was also used by Barack Obama).

Our correspondent Mike Eckel:

Here's a reminder of the text of the oath of office that U.S. presidents take on their inauguration. The text of the U.S. presidential oath of office is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. It is administered by the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and reads as follows:

I, [FULL NAME], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God.

As we get ready for the inauguration ceremony to begin, here's video of the meeting at the White House of Trump and Obama with their wives.

Obamas Welcome Trumps To White House
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Incoming first lady Melania Trump and Karen Pence have been introduced to the crowd ahead of the ceremony.

Our VOA colleagues report that chants of "USA! USA!" could be heard as the huge crowd awaited the start of the inauguration ceremony. But it's very quiet now aside from the announcer and the Marine band as the audience awaits the announcement of Obama and then Trump.

Outgoing President Obama and outgoing Vice President Biden have been announced to the crowd.

That is the last four "ruffles and flourishes" from the Marine band -- to denote the high honor of the presidency -- that Obama will get as president.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence has been announced and is on the platform for the ceremony.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has been announced to the crowd assembled for the inauguration, and was preceded onto the platform by senior Republican leaders.

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