Washington - US President Donald Trump on Friday vowed to take
power away from Washington bureaucrats and politicians and give power
back to the people.
"We the citizens of America are now joined in a great national effort
to build our country and restore its promise for all of our people,"
Trump said in the opening remarks of his inaugural address.
"Together we will determine the course of America and the world for
many, many years to come."
Trump's inaugural speech, which lasted about 16 minutes, came after
he took the oath of office and was sworn in as the 45th US president
in a ceremony at the US Capitol.
Wearing a dark blue overcoat and bright, solid red necktie, Trump
faced Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts before placing his
hand on two Bibles, one a family Bible, the other used by president
Abraham Lincoln.
"I do solemnly swear 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 said, holding his right hand aloft.
His wife, Melania, dressed in light blue, stood at his side. His five
children also joined him on the podium. Past presidents, including
outgoing president Barack Obama, members of Congress and Supreme
Court and his opponent in the presidential race, Hillary Clinton,
were also on the stage.