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Donald Trump sworn in as 45th President of the United States

The 70-year-old billionaire promises to restore the promise of America "for all of our people" in his inauguration speech.

By Greg Milam, US Correspondent, in Washington

Friday 20 January 2017 23:46, UK

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Donald Trump has pledged to put America first and lead a "great national effort" to rebuild the country after being sworn in as its 45th President.

The 70-year-old billionaire took the oath of office on the west steps of the US Capitol in Washington, bringing down the curtain on the presidency of Barack Obama.

The tycoon, who has never held public office before, is now the most powerful leader on the planet.

There has been unrest on the streets of Washington before and after the inauguration ceremony, with black-clad demonstrators

Hundreds of thousands of people packed onto the National Mall to witness one of the most remarkable transfers of power in American history.

Among them was Hillary Clinton, his opponent in November's election.

At an inaugural lunch after the ceremony, Mr Trump led a standing ovation for Mrs Clinton and her husband Bill, telling the audience he has "a lot of respect for those two people".

Mr Trump is now making his way to the White House as part of the inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, amid heavy security.

He stepped out of his presidential limousine, nicknamed "The Beast", a couple of times to briefly walk along the route, and was joined by Mrs Trump and their 10-year-old son Barron.

In his , Mr Trump promised to transfer power from Washington to the people.

Mr Trump said 20 January would be remembered as "the day the people became the rulers of this nation again".

"The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer," the new President said.

Mr Trump added: "From this day forward it's going to be only America first.

"We must protect our border from the ravages of other countries. I will fight for you with every breath of my body and I will never let you down."

Continuing the populist tone of his victorious campaign, Mr Trump said that a "small group" in Washington had "reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost".

"Washington flourished but the people did not share in its wealth," he said.

"Politicians prospered but the jobs left and the factories closed.

"The establishment protected itself but not the citizens of our country."

He added: "That all changes starting right here and right now because this moment is your moment and it belongs to you."

Referring to "the crime, and the gangs, and the drugs that have stolen too many lives", Mr Trump said the "carnage" seen on American streets "stops right here and stops right now".

The US would "start winning again" like "never before, he vowed, promising to build new roads, bridges, airports, tunnels and railways "all across our wonderful nation".

Turning his attention to the rest of the world, Mr Trump said the US would "seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world", but with the understanding that it is the right of all countries to "put their own interests first".

He continued: "We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones and unite the civilised world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth."

Mr Trump also issued a call for unity following one of the most rancorous and divisive election campaigns in the nation's history.

"We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly but always pursue solidarity," he told those gathered.

"When America is united, America is totally unstoppable."

Image: Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton arrive at the US Capitol for the inauguration ceremony
Image: An invitation to the 58th Presidential inauguration for Donald Trump
Image: US President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania depart Blair House for a church service
Image: The Trumps greet Reverend Luis Leon at St John's Church
Image: Outgoing First Lady Michelle Obama receives a gift from Melania Trump
Image: US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle pose outside the White House with the Trumps
Image: The Trumps and Obamas en route to the US Capitol
Image: Dignitaries arrive for the inauguration ceremony amid tight security
Image: Mr Trump's family arrive
Image: Former US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush arrive for the ceremonies
Image: Aerial pictures of the crowds who came out for Mr Trump's inauguration suggest a much smaller turnout than Mr Obama's first inauguration in 2009
Image: President Donald Trump takes the oath of office
Image: US President Donald Trump acknowledges the audience after taking the oath
Image: He then addresses the nation
Image: President Trump embraces relatives
Image: Barack Obama waves goodbye
Image: First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Karen Pence wave goodbye to the Obamas
Image: The President is joined by the Congressional leadership and his family as he formally signs his cabinet nominations into law
Image: President Donald Trump signs the documents
Image: President Trump and his wife Melania pray before the luncheon
Image: Donald Trump makes a speech after the luncheon

The Republican took time to praise his predecessor, thanking Mr Obama and his wife Michelle for their "gracious aid" throughout the transition.

The President is expected to begin issuing executive orders within hours, following up on campaign promises.

Already the White House has announced plans for .

As they welcomed Mr Trump as their new commander-in-chief, Americans also said farewell to Mr Obama after eight years in the Oval Office.

Before he left the White House for the final time Mr Obama penned a letter to his successor, and used Twitter to say it had been "the honour of my life" to serve the American people.

Read more:

Watch continuing coverage of President Trump's first days in office on Sky News.

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