Watch CBS News

'Now Arrives The Hour Of Action': Donald Trump Becomes 45th President Of United States

WASHINGTON (CBS/AP) — "Congratulations, Mr. President."

With those words from Chief Justice John Roberts, Donald Trump has been sworn-in as the 45th president of the United States.

Trump, a real estate mogul and reality television star who upended American politics and energized voters angry with Washington, puts Republicans in control of the White House for the first time in eight years.

CBS 3's Jessica Dean reports Trump delivered a defiant inaugural message, reminiscent at times of his campaign speeches.

"We are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people," Trump told the hundreds of thousands in attendance after taking the oath of office.

Protesters Smash Windows, Police Use Pepper Spray Just Blocks From Trump's Inauguration

Trump said this moment belongs to the American people.

"January 20, 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again," Trump said. "The forgotten men and women will be forgotten no longer."

Trump said the country's new decree will be "America first."

"From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward, it's going to be only America first, America first," Trump said.

The new president continued, "The time for empty talk is over, now arrives the hour of action."

Trump repeated a campaign promise to eradicate "radical Islam." He says he'll rebuild America's roads, bridges, airports and railways by following "two simple rules: buy American and hire American."

Trump also touched on religion in his speech, saying, "We will be protected by God."

Following Trump's first address as president, Rev. Franklin Graham referenced that it started to rain when Trump stepped to the podium and that rain is a sign of God's blessing.

"In the Bible, rain is the sign of God's blessing, and it started to rain, Mr. President, when you came to the platform," Graham said.

Trump Supporters Chant 'Lock Her Up' When Hillary Clinton Announced At Inauguration

CBS News contributor Bob Schieffer said that he's "not sure" if he ever heard any "inauguration speech quite like this one."

"This was very strong stuff. I did not see any outreach either across or even to his own party. He basically took the hyde off of everybody sitting on that platform telling them that politicians of Washington have prospered while the people out there and he said it's gonna stop here and now," Schieffer explained.

"CBS Evening News" anchor Scott Pelley said, "That was not to my mind the speech of a Republican or Democrat. He excoriated both parties."

Pope Francis has congratulated Trump on his inauguration and urged the new president to show concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need who "stand before our door."

Francis says in a message that he's praying Trump's decisions will be guided by the "rich spiritual and ethical values" that have shaped America's history.

The pope also offers these words: "Under your leadership, may America's stature continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need."

Ebullient Trump supporters flocked to the nation's capital for the inaugural festivities, some wearing red hats emblazoned with his "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan. But in a sign of the deep divisions Trump sowed during his combative campaign, dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotted the swearing-in ceremony on Capitol Hill.

Trump Becomes America's 45th President | Watch Live | Live Inauguration Blog | Where To Watch In Philly Area | Photos

Trump has pledged to upend President Barack Obama's major domestic and national security policies, including repealing his signature health care law and building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. But he's offered few details of how he plans to accomplish his agenda, often sending contradictory signals.

The three days of inaugural festivities kicked off Thursday. Trump left his Trump-branded jet in New York and flew to Washington in a government plane, saluting an Air Force officer as he descended the steps with his wife, Melania. He and the incoming vice president, Mike Pence, solemnly laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery before joining supporters for an evening concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

"We're going to unify our country," Trump said at the close of the two-hour concert featuring country star Toby Keith, soul's Sam Moore and The Piano Guys. But not singer Jennifer Holliday: she backed out after an outcry from Trump critics.

With rain a possibility, the National Park Service announced that it was easing its "no umbrella" policy for Friday, allowing collapsible umbrellas along the parade route and on the National Mall.

The lack of A-list star power — as well as the threat of showers — did little to dampen the spirits of Trump supporters looking ahead to the day.

Chris Lehmann, 55, a maintenance supervisor from Belmar, New Jersey, said: "I'm so excited, I'm like on top of the world."

Eleanor Haven, 83, of Alexander City, Alabama, was attending the festivities with her son, Scott Haven. The pair said they had never been to a political event before attending a Trump "thank you" tour rally in Alabama after the election and were looking forward to Friday's celebration.

"We're excited for changes in the country," Scott Haven said.

All of the living American presidents were scheduled to attend the swearing in ceremony, except for 92-year-old George H.W. Bush, who was hospitalized this week with pneumonia. His wife, Barbara, was also admitted to the hospital after falling ill. Trump tweeted his well-wishes to the Bushes, saying he was "looking forward to a speedy recovery."

Hillary Clinton, Trump's vanquished campaign rival, also joined dignitaries at Capitol Hill.

Trump Supporters Chant 'Lock Her Up' When Hillary Clinton Announced At Inauguration

In brief remarks at his inaugural lunch at the Capitol, Trump said he was honored that Clinton came to the event.

The bipartisan crowd of lawmakers and other dignitaries gave Clinton a standing ovation after Trump asked her to rise.

Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, sat with members of Trump's family at the event.

Trump ended by saying he has "a lot of respect for those two people."

While Trump revels in a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue — passing his newly opened Washington hotel — workers at the White House will set about the frantic process of moving out the Obamas and preparing the residence for its new occupants. Moving trucks were on standby Friday morning at the White House.

Trump was greeted by both supporters and protesters on the parade route.

Obama, who will continue to live in Washington, was leaving town with his family after the inauguration for a vacation in Palm Springs, California. He addressed a farewell gathering of staff at Joint Base Andrews before boarding his last flight on the military aircraft that ferries presidents on their travels.

LIVE BLOG: Join us as we cover the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump. Reporters, anchors and producers from many of our local CBS TV stations around the country will be there for the arrivals and departures, the oath, parade and inaugural balls to follow. Take a look.

(TM and © Copyright 2017 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.