BREAKING: Donald Trump becomes 45th US president
Updated | By Latashia Naidoo
President Donald Trump has assumed his role as new leader of the US - after being officially sworn in as America's 45th president at a time-honoured inauguration ceremony at the Capitol Building, in Washington, D.C.
Trump took his oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts under grey Washington skies, with his wife Melania Trump by his side.
But not even the frosty weather could dampen his spirits as he took to the podium to address the American public - and the world - in his first official presidential speech.
ALSO READ: Trump pledges to unify US ahead of inauguration
In an impassioned address, Trump told all Americans: "You will never be ignored again... America will start winning again; winning like never before. We will bring back our jobs, our borders, our wealth, our dreams."
He also promised: "We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again. We stand at the birth of a new millennium."
During his somewhat radical address, Trump reiterated a number of sentiments he'd expressed during his election campaigns:
#Trump: "We are one nation, & their pain is our pain, their dreams are our dreams. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny."
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) January 20, 2017
"America will start winning again; winning like never before. We will bring back our jobs, our borders, our wealth, our dreams." #Trump
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) January 20, 2017
#Trump: "We will eradicate radical Islamic terrorism completely from the face of our Earth." #TrumpInauguration
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) January 20, 2017
The new leader of the US ended his address with: "God bless America"- to thunderous applause.
ALSO READ: Donald Trump's inauguration: By the numbers
The inauguration is being attended by predecessor Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, presidential rival Hillary Clinton and her husband Bill; and the Trump family - amongst others.
The Trumps will now head to an inaugural luncheon in Statuary Hall, in the Capitol building.
The Obama's - who are currently addressing crowds at Joint Base Andrews in nearby Maryland - will officially leave Washington following their final address as the outgoing first couple - from the base.
Barack delivered one last tweet as US president to his 13-million followers - earlier today.
Parting words from outgoing US President @BarackObama ahead of the #TrumpInauguration https://t.co/fulg7NaNyW
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) January 20, 2017
Trump will now inherit the hugely-popular @POTUS [President of the US] Twitter handle.
They already switched over the account 😩 #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/bqFvECm1GY
— Christian Ledford (@ChristianJLK) January 20, 2017
Meanwhile, tens-of-thousands of anti-Trump protesters have descended on the streets of Washington - in retaliation to Trump's appointment as US president.
Anti Trump protests will continue today pic.twitter.com/mHbah0VQ2V
— Gold Rush_Vinny (@Vinny_Ciccone) January 20, 2017
Images from the #Trump protests on 12th and L in DC, where pepper spray was used #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/SycSCGsY51
— Emma Vigeland (@EmmaVigeland) January 20, 2017
Anti-Donald Trump protests are taking place in Washington https://t.co/jQvtxizlwn
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 20, 2017
The new POTUS and FLOTUS will participate in an inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue later tonight - making their way towards their official new residence, the White House.
ALSO READ: Keeping up with the Trumps: Introducing America's new first family
Tonight's official order of events will end with the Trumps moving into the White House
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