Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States Friday during a time-honored inauguration ceremony that encapsulated the peaceful transfer of power that is a hallmark of American democracy.
On a raised platform on the flag-draped West Front of the Capitol, Trump placed his left hand on one Bible that dates from his childhood and another that belonged to Abraham Lincoln and raised his right hand in the air as he promised to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.
Under gray skies and in front of a crowd stretching most of the way from the Capitol toward the Washington Monument, Trump took the oath from Chief Justice John Roberts with the new first lady Melania Trump by his side.
Trump revived some of the hardline rhetoric from the campaign during his inaugural address.
In his maiden speech, new US President Donald Trump on Friday vowed to make America great again, and said he would transfer power to the people.
"Together we will determine the course of America and the world for many, many years to come," Trump said in his first speech after he was sworn as the 45th President of the US.
"We are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people."
He also thanked the "magnificent Obamas" -- his predecessor Barack and former First Lady Michelle -- "for their gracious aid" throughout the transition.
"This American carnage stops right here and stops right now," Trump said with Obama looking on.
"We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, and in every foreign capital and in every hall of power," Trump said. "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!'"
"A new national pride will stir out souls, lift our sights and heal our divisions," Trump said, saying that whether people are black or white they still bleed the same red blood of patriots.
And he told Americans listening to the address: "You will never be ignored again."
Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton also attended the ceremony. Hillary Clinton, who Trump defeated in the November election, was also in the audience in a show of support for national unity and the peaceful transfer of presidential authority.
MODI CONGRATULATES TRUMP, SAYS LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH HIM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Donald Trump on his becoming the US President and said he looked forward to working with him to further deepen India-US ties.
"Congratulations Donald Trump on assuming office as US President. Best wishes in leading USA to greater achievements in the coming years," Modi said in a tweet.
Looking forward to working with President @realDonaldTrump to further deepen India-US ties & realise the full potential of our cooperation.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2017
"Strength of the India-USA strategic partnership lies in our shared values and common interests," the Prime Minister said.
"Looking forward to working with President Donald Trump to further deepen India-US ties and realise the full potential of our cooperation," Modi added.
Modi's remarks came after Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of USA.
TRUDEAU CONGRATULATES TRUMP, CITING CLOSE ECONOMIC AND SECURITY TIES
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is congratulating Donald Trump on becoming the 45th U.S. president — and reminding him of Canada's historically close ties with its southern superpower neighbour.
"Canada and the United States have built one of the closest relationships between any two countries in the world. This enduring partnership is essential to our shared prosperity and security," Trudeau said in a statement.
Trudeau reminded Trump of the "robust" trade, investment and economies ties that support millions of Canadian and American jobs.
I offer my congratulations to Donald J. Trump on his inauguration as the 45th President of the United States: https://t.co/1ZLjO3G7ut
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 20, 2017
"We both want to build economies where the middle class, and those working hard to join it, have a fair shot at success," he said.
"Canada and the United States have unparalleled co-operation on matters of national security, and have always worked side by side to protect our citizens and ensure our shared border is secure."
Trudeau said he looks forward to working with Trump's administration as well as Congress, state and local governments "to restore prosperity to the middle class on both sides of the border, and to create a safer and more peaceful world."
Earlier today, Trudeau urged the mayors of Canada's biggest cities to keep close ties with their American counterparts to maintain an open border with the United States.
Protesters chained themselves to an entry point before the #inauguration of Donald Trump in Washington. pic.twitter.com/rvT0DeCysY
— AJ+ (@ajplus) January 20, 2017
Trudeau said the relationships Canadian mayors have with their counterparts across the U.S. will be vital to ensuring an open dialogue and trade relationship between the two countries.
He is asking the mayors to ensure people on both sides of the border understand the importance of working constructively and productively.
The prime minister made the comments at the start of a meeting with officials from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and mayors, including Toronto's John Tory, Edmonton's Don Iveson, Vancouver's Gregor Robertson, Montreal's Denis Coderre and Ottawa's Jim Watson.
The hour-long meeting also touched on the opioid crisis facing some of the biggest cities and the rollout of the second and more lucrative phase of the federal government's infrastructure program.
RUSSIA CELEBRATES DONALD TRUMP'S INAUGURATION
Russians hoping that Donald Trump will usher in a new era of ties marked his inauguration on Friday with high hopes as nightclubs and bars here called parties to celebrate the day.
"We just like to celebrate anything, our holidays, foreign holidays, the beginning of improvement of Russia-US relations, any reason is good to celebrate," Irina Baikalova told ABC News as she sipped on a cocktail at Arbat 13 nightclub in Moscow.
A crowd of Russian and foreign clubbers watched as Willi Tokarev, a famed Russian-American singer-songwriter, performed his new song, "Trumplissimo America!"
I feel you, Michelle. #inauguration pic.twitter.com/jHxsdIl1y1
— Jörgen Camrath (@uniwave) January 20, 2017
"Trump, Trump -- it is unbelievable. Trump, Trump, he's a superman, Trump, Trump -- symbol of America. Trump, Trump, he's really president," Tokarev sang.
Tokarev told ABC News he composed the song and wrote the lyrics after he said he was asked to by mutual friends whom he shares with Trump. "You cannot imagine how much people love Trump, both in the States and here," Tokarev said.
The tiny town of Tula, about 120 miles outside of Moscow, appeared especially taken with Trumpmania. There, a guesthouse was named for the incoming American President and featured a restaurant with a Trump-centred menu. There was even a Trump band, which performed last night at Arbat 13 in Moscow, reported ABC News.
Trump-branded sugar cubes were specially made in Tula. There's talk of presenting them to the new US President to "sweeten our relations with the United States," according to Sergei Selaev, the general manager of Tula Produkt, the plant that manufactured them.
Guys... Donald Trump quoted Bane in his #Inauguration speech! pic.twitter.com/tVZQ4ppgPK
— Batman-News.com (@BatmanNewsCom) January 20, 2017
Across from the US embassy in central Moscow, the official Russian Army supply store put up a poster with Trump's picture, offering Inauguration Day discounts of 10 per cent to all American citizens and US embassy employees.
Then there was the Trump commemorative coin, valued at $10,000 and emblazoned with his likeness and the words "In Trump we trust." Only 45 coins were made -- 25 silver coins, five gold and 15 that were silver and gold.
The coins were made by Art-Grani, a Russian metal-working company based 650 miles outside of Moscow.
Former President Barack Obama waves goodbye as he boards Marine One. #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/683KGD6tjO
— Vox (@voxdotcom) January 20, 2017
There is a broad feeling in Russia's political and business elites that relations with Washington just can't get any worse, reported CBS News on Friday.
"Russia hopes that under Trump there will be no ideology, no attempts to lecture about democracy, human rights and rights of smaller nations around its borders ... but primarily deal with economic issues in a businesslike way and even tacitly divide spheres of influence," said Alexei Arbatov, a senior researcher with the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, a government-funded Moscow think-tank.
Trump's 11 second goodbye to Michelle #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/u1seh3Z3tU
— Mashable (@mashable) January 20, 2017
"Putin and Obama spoke different languages, they didn't understand one another. There is a hope that Trump and Putin will speak the same language, even though their positions may differ," Arbatov said.
Earlier on Friday, Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that while Trump's policy towards Russia is unclear, "we are hoping that reason will prevail."
"We are ready to do our share of the work in order to improve the relationship," Medvedev said.
MELANIA EVOKES JACQUELINE LOOK IN BLUE RALPH LAUREN ENSEMBLE
On her first day as First Lady, Melania Trump looked chic in a blue Ralph Lauren suit for church services, serving up a vintage look that evoked memories of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Melania debuted her powder-blue Ralph Lauren ensemble inauguration outfit on Friday morning, as she and Donald Trump arrived for a church service at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House.
Melania's ensemble consisted of a cashmere cropped jacket and mock turtleneck dress, suede gloves and a suede clutch, and pointed stilettos - all in sky blue.
With her long locks pulled back in a sophisticated bun, Melania's look is reminiscent of what Jacqueline Kennedy wore for her husband's inauguration in 1961.
Her icy blue rounded out Donald Trump's patriotic red and white ensemble, with the Obamas also sporting the colors of the flag as the two families met at the White House, reported USA Today.
During the inaugural concert on Thursday evening, Ivanka Trump's striking green coat took centre stage, while Melania blended in with a black Norisol Ferrari military-style knee-length coat and matching dress.
Later on Thursday evening, Melania chose an iridescent gold gown from Lebanese-born New York designer Reem Acra.
Ivanka, who is also known for her elegant style and even launched her own fashion line, stood out at the events on Thursday in here Oscar de la Renta dress and matching coat.
The businesswoman chose another Oscar de la Renta design for the evening's festivities. The long white gown was accented by a large black bow at the back, said today.com.
President Trump's youngest daughter, Tiffany Trump, also stunned at the candlelight dinner. She chose a belted gown from New York-based designer Anne Bowen for the occasion.
