International

Donald Trump sworn in as 45th US president

by Andrew BEATTY Agence France Presse WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Donald Trump became the 45th president of United States on Friday, ushering in a new political era that is cheered and feared in equal measure. The 70-year-old Republican billionaire placed his left hand on a bible used by Abraham Lincoln and recited the 35-word oath spoken since George Washington, and then launched into a much-anticipated inaugural address. “We, the citizens of America, are now joined […]

Happy or miserable, Americans flock to watch Trump inauguration

by Daniel WOOLLS Agence France Presse WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Delighted or appalled by Donald Trump, throngs of people crowded the National Mall Friday to witness the singular moment of his swearing-in as US president and the world’s most powerful man. The happy ones, many wearing colorful garb with the slogans or face of their man, welcomed Trump as an overdue agent of change in a nation in need of a political and economic […]

Obama, Trump arrive at Capitol for swearing-in ceremony

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Barack Obama and Donald Trump arrived at the US Capitol on Friday where the president-elect will be sworn in as the United States’ 45th head of state. Obama and his wife Michelle left the White House for the last time after hosting Trump and the incoming first lady Melania for a traditional tea and coffee. The two couples travelled in a joint motorcade for the 2.5 miles (four kilometers) down […]

Vandalism erupts at anti-Trump protest

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Police fired gas to disperse protesters after stones were thrown and windows broken in Washington on Friday ahead of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. As Trump’s supporters and dignitaries gathered on the National Mall for the ceremony, opponents marched in nearby streets and were confronted by a heavy police presence. © 1994-2017 Agence France-Presse

Survivors pulled from Italy avalanche hotel

by Ella Ide with Angus Mackinnon in Rome Agence France Presse PENNE, Italy (AFP) — Italian rescuers on Friday began pulling survivors from the ruins of a mountain hotel, two days after it was buried under a devastating avalanche. Amidst relief that anyone at all had survived, there was confusion over the exact numbers located and extracted amid conflicting updates from different branches of the emergency services. But there were hopes that a total of […]

Trump at White House for last meeting with Obama

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President-elect Donald Trump arrived at the White House Friday for his final meeting with outgoing leader Barack Obama, before heading to the Capitol for his swearing-in ceremony. Obama and First Lady Michelle greeted the Republican billionaire leader-in-waiting and his wife Melania on the steps of the presidential mansion. “Mr President-elect, how are you?” Obama asked. The two couples headed inside for traditional tea and coffee with their vice presidents […]

Thousand protests Trump inauguration

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – As the formal inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump nears, thousands conduct protest in various places like New York City and Washington D.C. with many celebrities expressing their protest due to Trump’s many antics during his campaign.

Obama asks for ideas for retirement pledging work for ‘true democracy’

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President Barack Obama called Friday on the public to offer ideas on what he should do in retirement, pledging to work for “true democracy” as he exits the White House. Just hours before handing over the leadership of the United States to Donald Trump, Obama said in tweets and a video with his wife Michelle that they were accepting ideas from the public for what his new presidential center […]

Crowds gather on the National Mall for Trump’s inauguration

WASHINGTON, United States (Reuters) — Under a gentle rain, crowds began to gather on Friday (January 20) at the U.S. Capital and the National Mall for the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States. Trump takes power over a divided country after a savage campaign and setting the country on a new, uncertain path at home and abroad. In a ceremony likely to draw 900,000 people, including protesters, Trump and his […]

‘The work begins!’ – Trump to be sworn in as U.S. president

By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Donald Trump will be sworn in on Friday as the 45th president of the United States, taking power over a divided country after a savage campaign and setting the country on a new, uncertain path at home and abroad. In a ceremony likely to draw 900,000 people, including protesters, Trump and his vice president, Mike Pence, will take the oath of office at midday (1700 GMT) outside the domed […]