WASHINGTON—Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States Friday evening capping his improbable journey to the White House and beginning a four-year term that promises to shake up Washington and the world.
But hundreds of protesters demonstrating against Donald Trump also clashed with guests leaving an event in honor of the new US president on the eve of Trump’s inauguration, prompting police to use chemical spray on the crowd.
The protesters, who heckled guests and shouted foul language at people leaving the “Deploraball,” also burned protest signs, creating a smoke-filled scene in front of the National Press Building, where the event was held.
Dozens of police, many in riot gear, were on scene, with some trying to help ball-goers, dressed in tuxedos and evening dresses, leave the area as demonstrators chased them down the street.
Although largely peaceful at first, the protest grew more ragged as the night drew on.
The inauguration ceremony began 10:30 p.m. (Manila time) at the west front of the Capitol with musical performances.
Attendees included members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, diplomats and the public. Former presidents Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and Trump’s election opponent Hillary Clinton attended the inaugural but ailing former President George H.W. Bush was absent.
Sixteen-year-old soprano Jackie Evancho sang the national anthem. The Rockettes dance troupe also performed.
At 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas swore in Vice President Mike Pence. Half an hour later, Trump recited the oath of office, administered by US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
He used President Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration Bible, as well as the Bible that Trump’s mother gave to him at his Sunday school graduation in 1955.
Afterward, in keeping with tradition, Trump and Pence attended a congressional lunch in the Capitol.
It was followed by an inaugural parade where the newly minted president and vice president made their way 2.4 kilometers along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House, trailed by some 8,000 parade participants.
They included members of all US military branches, as well as high school and university marching bands, equestrian corps, first responders, veteran groups and even a tractor brigade.
Trump, Pence and their wives will make appearances at three official inaugural balls, two of which were held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the other at the National Building Museum.
