Trump is signed in as President after vowing to hand ‘power back to the people’, put ‘only America first’ and eradicate ISIS – but granddaughter Arabella steals the show
DONALD Trump has formally "signed in" as US President after vowing to give “power to the people”, “put only America first” and “eradicate Islamic terrorism from the face of the earth”.
His cheeky grand-daughter, Arabella Kushner, stole the show when she took some of Trump's pens just as the new President was trying to sign on the dotted line.
Arabella's mum, Ivanka, did not appear to spot her daughter playing with the pens while Trump was signing papers to formally nominate his cabinet.
For the latest updates on Trump's inauguration, follow SunOnline's live blog here.
It came minutes after he stood in front of a crowd of 900,000 Americans on Capitol Hill vowing to unite a divided country in his inaugural address.
In an attempt to heal the rifts his election has crystallised, Trump said: "When America is united, America is totally unstoppable."
He added later: "Whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots.
"A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions."
Continuing the theme of uniting the country under the American flag, his was a patriotic clarion call.
"From this day forward it's going to be only America first...we must think big and dream even bigger. A nation is only living as long as it is striving," he said.
With the eyes of the world on him, as well as famous faces and former presidents in the packed crowd, Trump used his inaugural speech to blast the establishment.
He said: “Today will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again.
"We are transferring power from Washington and giving it back to you, the people.
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"The time for talk is over, now begins the hour of action. The forgotten men and women will be forgotten no longer.”
Speaking directly to the Americans who voted for him, hoping that he can lift their economic fortunes, he had this to say: "This moment is your moment. It belongs to you..."
He took the chance to tear into the establishment while cops fired teargas and fought running battles with activists three miles away.
Trump promised his every decision in office would be guided by two rules – “Buy American and hire American”.
"From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward, it's going to be only America first," he said.
"Together we will 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."
He placed the battle against Islamic extremism at the heart of his foreign policy as he took office, vowing to work with allies to destroy the jihadist threat.
"We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones and unite the civilised world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the earth," he declared.
It has been suggested he promise to form new alliances against terror may mean he intends to work with Vladimir Putin's Russia.
Trump's emotive speech came after he took the Oath of Office in front of a crowd of distinguished guests and supporters.
Jimmy Carter, George W Bush, Laura Bush and Hillary and Bill Clinton were just some of the well-known faces spotted in the crowd.
He paid homage to his Scottish mother, Mary Anne Macleod, by taking his presidential oath with a Bible she gave him.
After Trump's speech, Jackie Evancho, 16, who rose to fame on the TV show America’s Got Talent, sang the national anthem.
Trump and Melania then attended the official lunch - where the new President made an effort to thank Hillary for coming.
Trump spent his morning attending church and meeting the Obamas for breakfast at the White House as he prepared to take office.
He headed to the US Capitol in his presidential limo with Obama before they made their entrance together.
All of Trump's children followed within metres of their father so they could watch him take his oath at noon local time (5pm GMT).
Earlier in the day, Barack and Michelle Obama were pictured waiting on the steps of the White House before Trump and his wife arrived to cheers.
Trump, 70, and Obama were pictured shaking hands and asking each other how they were doing.
Melania gave Michelle a warm hug before handing over a gift box from Tiffany's.
All four then waved to the crowds before heading inside to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Trump started his big day by tweeting "the work begins" as hundreds of thousands of people poured into Washington DC to welcome - or oppose - his inauguration.
He then headed to St John’s church in Washington for the traditional morning prayer service.
Trump was met by cheers from supporters who had braved the rain to greet the future president as he walked hand-in-hand with Melania to the church.
Trump waved to the crowd as he walked into church with Melania - who was wearing a powder blue dress with matching gloves and heels.
Her stylish ensemble drew comparisons to JFK’s glamorous wife and 60s style icon Jackie Kennedy.
The future First Couple then shook hands with the pastor.
They arrived minutes after Trump's daughter Ivanka and a number of the President-elect's Cabinet picks - including Mike Pence and Defense Secretary James Mattis.
All of Trump's children were in attendance with him Friday morning, except his youngest son Barron, age 10.
While they sat through the church service, Obama was seen leaving the Oval Office for the last time.
He is understood to have left a letter for his successor.
Just hours before handing over the leadership after eight years, Obama encouraged the public to share ideas for what his new presidential centre in Chicago should do.
"I won't stop; I'll be right there with you as a citizen, inspired by your voices of truth and justice, good humor, and love," Obama tweeted
"As we look forward, I want our first steps to reflect what matters most to you. Share your thoughts."
The eyes of the world will be on Trump as he takes the Oath of Office and offers his inaugural address at around noon local time (5pm GMT).
The official swearing in ceremony, which dates back to the time of George Washington, took place on the steps in front of the US Capitol.
Hundreds of thousands of people filled the capital to watch Trump take office 10 weeks after stunning America and the world by winning the US election.
While many were there to celebrate, protesters came out in force to disrupt the day.
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Protesters blocked routes into Trump's ceremony early this morning as thousands took to the streets to oppose his presidency.
Demonstrators lined up at a number of entrances at the US Capitol building, where Trump will be sworn in.
Scuffles broke out as police tried to push feminist protesters at one entry point to allow Trump supporters through.
Many waved placards which read "p**sy witches against Trump" and "feminists against facism".
Police pepper sprayed protesters after they clashed with Trump supporters outside a We Stand United rally outside Trump Tower last night.
Trump has pledged to unite America after his shock election win and now the tough work starts – turning the rhetoric into workable and affordable policies.
During the ceremony, Trump took the traditional oath: “I 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.”
Trump then delivered his inauguration address, which he is understood to have written himself.
Security chiefs banned drones from flying within 30 MILES of Donald Trump over fears the new President will be targeted by terrorists at his inauguration.
The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all drones within a massive radius of this afternoon’s swearing in ceremony in central Washington.
Security planning for the high-profile event began in April and has involved federal, state and local agencies.
Along with about 28,000 security personnel, there will be dozens of trucks, dumpsters and busses parked to fortify the edge of the ceremony – which is expected to draw up to 900,000 people.
Security along a so-called hard vehicle perimeter, within which only official cars may operate, reflects a renewed focus on the threat posed by trucks after the ISIS attacks in Nice and Berlin.