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 vice president, Mike Pence, will take the oath of office at midday (1700 GMT) outside the domed U.S. Capitol, with U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts presiding.
Security was tight around the White House and Capitol. Streets near the president’s home were blocked to traffic by empty buses and dump trucks or temporary pedestrian security checkpoints where law enforcement officers and National Guard troops checked people’s bags.
Checkpoints around the National Mall in front of the Capitol opened early to begin admitting guests, some of them wearing red caps bearing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. They were barred from bringing selfie sticks, coolers for beverages, and long umbrellas despite the rainy weather.