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President Trump acknowledges the audience after taking the oath - Reuters
By Charnika Imbulana
The weekend saw the United States of America enter a new phase of its history. Thirteen minutes before noon on Friday, 20 January 2016, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States as US Supreme Court Chief justice John Roberts Jr. administered the oath at the country’s 58th inaugural ceremony on the steps of Capitol Hill.
Most of the world watched. Just two and a half months ago, on his intense US presidential campaign trail, we observed him at close quarters, especially at the concord political meeting, and saw how he focussed on those who lost jobs in the industrial zone, with his rhetoric on the doom and gloom of America. That gathered momentum, breaking even on the opinion polls with just days to go for the election. He raced on the last lap to an astonishing finish that had us in the media in a twirl. The results showed that the strategy won.
Most of the world was stunned. At the historic power transfer ceremony, Republican Senator Roy Blunt quoted Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln on national unity, reminding the crowd that the event was “not a celebration of victory, but a celebration of democracy.”
A week before, research company Gallup found just 44% of those questioned approved of the way the incoming President has handled his transition, compared with the 83% approval for Barack Obama‘s transition. Sixty-one percent approved of Bush’s transition.
President Trump takes over power at a time when the country appears to be deeply divided. He enters the presidency with historically low approval ratings. According to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, he takes office as the least popular new president in 40 years. Forty percent of Americans view Trump favourably, which is 21 points lower than the rating with which Obama will leave office with.
Most of the world observed. The three days scheduled for celebrations in Washington, DC kicked off on 19 January with the wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence honoured the country’s veterans. It was followed by the first inaugural event that included a concert and rally, with the popular Trump slogan ‘Make America Great again’.
The speech
However, despite the celebration at the Arlington Cemetery, the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue and the evening balls possessing the expected pomp and pageantry, they were still described to be less glittery than previous inaugurations. Nevevertheless, it was the inauguration speech which was the main focus of attention.
Most of the world listened. His address was totally consistent with his campaign rhetoric of painting a very dark picture of a suffering American people and an America where the Washington establishment has created a land of lost jobs and struggling families, “mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities”, “rusted out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation”, “an educated system that is flushed with cash but leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of all knowledge”, “and the crime!” he emphasised, ”and the gangs and the drugs, that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealised potential.”
“This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.” he gushed. “For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost,” he said. “Politicians prospered – but the jobs left and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.”
He pledged to create a greater America. “The time for empty talk is over, now arrives the hour of action.” Trump reiterated campaign pledges to completely eradicate “radical Islamic terrorism” from the face of the Earth and vowed to bring power back to the people.
The real estate mogul and reality TV star turned politician, now the President of the United States, said his vision was to put “America first”. It is clear after the inauguration speech that President Trump intends to govern as he campaigned.
Trump is reported to have tweeted previously that he began drafting the speech three weeks ago. He has been receiving some advice and counsel from advisors such as his campaign speech writer Stephen Miller as well as some historians, especially regarding the length of his speech. Incoming Press Secretary Sean Spicer is reported to have said the words are entirely Trump’s. That certainly rings true and it’s unlikely anyone would doubt that.
In his inaugural address, he further promised to be the voice of the “forgotten people”, ignored by Washington politicians. Today, he said, was “the day the people became rulers of this nation again”.”I will fight for you with every breath left in my body and I will never ever let you down,” said President Trump.”America will start winning again, winning like never before. We will bring back our jobs, bring back our borders, bring back our wealth and we will bring back our dreams.”
Some analysts feel that before he could even begin he has let America down with his description of a broken country.
Outgoing President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, together with presidential candidate Hilary Clinton and former presidents Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush, standing alongside his wife Laura, were in attendance. The absentees were 92-year-old George Bush Sr., who is in hospital being treated for respiratory problems, and his wife Barbara.
Trump’s swearing-in gives Republicans control of both the White House and Congress for the first time since 2006. But more than 50 House Democrats had refused to attend the ceremony in protest.
President Obama and first lady Michelle greet President-elect Trump and Melania for tea - Reuters
People gather for the Women's March in Washington - Reuters
Widespread protests
Like with his controversy-riddled campaign and in the aftermath of his win, his inauguration was plagued by widespread protests and incidents of violence. Police arrested 217 people protesting against the inauguration and six officers suffered minor injuries, according to the Washington DC Police Department. Many were apprehended for “vandalism and destruction of property”, police reports revealed.
Earlier, about 150 protesters dressed in black marched through Washington, smashing windows and rolling rubbish bins onto the street to form blockades. There was a Women’s March on Washington on Saturday for racial and gender equality and other issues perceived to be under threat from Mr. Trump’s administration. There were similar protests in various parts of the world.
First official actions
Shortly after the ceremony, President Trump was seen signing his first official actions as the 45th President. He also signed into law a waiver allowing retired Marine General James Mattis, his pick for Defence Secretary, to serve in the post. The Senate has voted overwhelmingly to approve retired Marine General John Kelly as his Secretary of Homeland Security. The change of hands was reflected on the White House website, in which Mr. Obama’s policies were replaced with President Trump’s new agenda.
The Trump administration has only listed six issues on the website: energy, foreign policy, jobs and growth, military, law enforcement and trade deals. There was no mention of civil rights, LGBT rights, healthcare or climate change.
He sent his Cabinet nominations to the Senate as well as a signed proclamation for a national day of patriotism, according to Press Secretary Sean Spicer. He also signed his first executive order as President, ordering federal agencies to ease the regulatory burdens associated with Barack Obama’s healthcare laws, known as Obamacare, as the US Congress determines how to repeal and replace them.
The world reacts
The transfer of power prompted many messages for the newly sworn-in President from dignitaries and people around the globe who weighed in on US President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Friday, anticipating how his policies may play out on the international stage. The messages ranged from the congratulatory to the not so complimentary.
Pope Francis said he was praying that Trump’s decisions would be guided by “rich, spiritual and ethical values” that have shaped America’s history.”
“At a time when our human family is beset by grave humanitarian crises demanding farsighted and united political responses. Under your leadership, may America’s stature continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need,” he added.
British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also offered his wishes, and the Canadian Prime Minister said he was looked forward to restoring “prosperity to the middle class on both sides of the border.”
“After Trump’s inauguration his meeting with President Putin will be the most important event in world politics. A defining moment in history,» Tweeted Alexei Pushkov, an outspoken Russian senator and former Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee.
It was reported that about 200 people were reported to have marched on Friday against Trump in the Philippines’ capital of Manila. Demonstrators burned a paper US flag before lighting an actual one. Some of the chants heard included: «US troops out now!»
Earlier in the day, a UK-based protest group used signs and bridges across the country to convey a less celebratory message. A huge banner reading ‘Bridges Not Walls’ on the iconic tower bridge over London›s River Thames on Friday morning was one of more than 150 such strips that the group planned to display on bridges across the country. ‘Fight Trump. Resist fascism and imperialism’ was the message on banners and signs that were displayed on some of London›s other landmarks, including Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge.
Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto, while congratulating the new leader, expressed a desire to strengthen the relationship between the countries. However, former president Vicente Fox, an outspoken critic of Trump›s pledge to have Mexico pay for a border wall, tweeted: «Speaking of allegiance, Trump? Speaking of greatness? America was already great and successful, then you happened!»
Outspoken Mexican Sen. Armando Rios Piter said: «Happiness is a good thing to work on and Mexico and the United States should be working in that way - not in the way that Donald Trump has been talking.”
Protesters calling Trump a fascist, racist and xenophobe gathered at the roundabout marked by Mexico›s Angel of Independence carrying signs that said ‘Make America human again’ and ‘Love trumps hate’. Protesters also chanted, «Get out Trump.»
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted: «Congrats to my friend President Trump. Look fwd to working closely with you to make the alliance between Israel&USA stronger than ever.
His relationship with President Obama is reported to have deteriorated rapidly in its final weeks. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying spoke on constructive bilateral relations between the two countries to «propel further development of China-US ties at a new staring point.»
«We would like to join hands with the new US administration to uphold the principles of non-confrontation, non-conflict, mutual respect and a win-win cooperation,» Chunying said. It is the beginning of a contentious bilateral relationship between the world›s two largest economies with Trump having vowed to renegotiate trade agreements and impose tariffs on Chinese imports. In his inaugural address, he said: «We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs.» This was a hint to China.
The main concern on the minds of many of those in attendance was the future of the nuclear agreement between Iran, the US and other nations, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief.
Trump has called the agreement a bad deal and said he wants to renegotiate it. Iran›s Government has rejected that idea and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has insisted that one man cannot repeal the deal or change its terms.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday extended his «heartfelt congratulations» to Trump. Abe was one of the first Asian leaders to congratulate him after the election win.
«Looking forward to working with President @realDonaldTrump to further deepen India-US ties &realise the full potential of our cooperation,» Indian Prime Minister NarendraModi tweeted, soon after the inauguration.
Messages from Sri Lanka
Meanwhile, President Sirisena tweeted: “Congratulations on your inauguration as the 45th @POTUS. Looking forward to working with you to strengthen the US-#SriLanka partnership.”
Last month saw new US Vice President Mike Pence telephone President Sirisena and speak on further strengthening US-Sri Lanka relations, maritime security and disaster management under President-elect, Donald Trump. President Sirisena was assured of a meeting soon.
Last November President Sirisena said he hoped Trump would grant Sri Lanka redress by not pursuing the human rights accountability charges against the country. The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva has adopted three successive anti-Sri Lanka resolutions against Sri Lanka between 2012 and 2014, with the US taking the lead for which the Obama administration was seen to adopt a softer line on Sri Lanka since President Sirisena took office in 2015.
In Sri Lanka too while Trump was being inaugurated as the US President, a small but vociferous group gathered outside the US embassy, carrying placards and chanting slogans denouncing Trump’s comments on issues including the environment, war and immigrants.
Siritunga Jayasuriya, leader of the United Socialist Party, explained: “We are showing our solidarity with all the people throughout the world who are taking part in protests against President-elect Trump,” However, one of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist organisations placed a full-page newspaper advertisement wishing him a long life.
Watch the future
This wasn’t the first instance when the world reacted negatively to Donald Trump and it will not be the last.
It has been more than a year of turbulent campaigning, 26 primary and General Election debates, and countless press conferences, attack-ridden victory speeches, public apologies and early morning Twitter rants. But Trump won the election and he has squarely landed in the White House. So this was his day. The stage was his, and the country he had sought to command will be his at last. Governance however is judged by results.
The United States of America stands as politically deeply divided nation, and the two words constantly used by analysts to describe the way forward are unpredictable and uncertain. But yet there is optimism that the change will be for the good. Trump defied all polls and analysts and took the world by storm in his unprecedented win at the Presidential Election.
Whether he will do the same with his four-year presidency is the question. All of the world will now surely have to continue watching.
