On Friday, January 20, Donald J. Trump became the forty-fifth President of the United States, completing his remarkable ascendancy to power. Though many rejoiced, others expressed fear and anxiety at Trump’s abrasive tone and stated agenda.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter were in attendance. George HW Bush sent Trump his well wishes but was unable to attend due to his health.

Hillary Clinton, Trump’s general election opponent and former First Lady, was also in attendance. She stated she was in attendance to show support for national unity and the peaceful transition of power.

“We are assembled here today and are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, and in every foreign capital and in every hall of power. 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!”

This excerpt underlines the main theme of President Trump’s Inaugural Address. He also promised to weaken the power of the Washington establishment, a main theme of his campaign, and bring back jobs, border security, and wealth to the United States.

Before and after Trump’s inauguration, many protests were held within the capital and around the world. The Women’s March rallied hundreds of thousands of supporters for women’s rights and in protest of the President’s policies.

Most protests were peaceful, but some gatherings in Washington turned violent: protesters chanted and threw rocks at police officers, which prompted retaliation of stun grenades and tear gas.