WASHINGTON — The Latest on Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 45th president of the United States (all times local):
12:36 p.m.
Donald Trump has closed his first speech as president with his campaign slogan: “Make America great again.”
Trump is borrowing from his campaign speeches and promising this: “Together we will make America strong again,” wealthy again, strong again and proud again.
“And yes,” he says, “together, we will make America great again.”
12:34 p.m.
Donald Trump says that when Americans open their heart to patriotism, “there is no room for prejudice.”
In his inauguration address, Trump is repeating a campaign promise to eradicate “radical Islam” from the face of the earth.
Trump is promising to seek friendship with all nations by reinforcing existing alliances and forming new ones.
12:30 p.m.
President Donald Trump is suggesting that his election will lead to a “new national pride” that will “heal our divisions.”
Trump, after beginning his speech with a dark accounting of America, says “the time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action.”
Trump suggested that Americans from different backgrounds are united by the same goals and hopes.
He says kids in cities such as Detroit or rural areas like Nebraska “look up at the same sky” and that soldiers of different races “bleed the same red of patriotism.”
12:22 p.m.
President Donald Trump says in his inauguration speech that an America united is an America that’s “totally unstoppable.”
Trump says Americans must speak their minds openly and disagree honestly, but they must always pursue solidarity.
Trump says Americans need not fear — they’re protected by military and law enforcement personnel.
But most importantly, he says, “we will be protected by God.”
12:15 p.m.
In his inauguration speech, President Donald Trump is repeating the dark vision and the list of the country’s woes that he hit on during the campaign.
Trump describes closed factories as “tombstones” that dot the county and says the federal government has spent billions defending “other nations’ borders while refusing to defend our own.”
The Republican president says the U.S. “will confront hardships but we will get the job done.”
He says the oath of office he just took “is an oath of allegiance to all Americans” and said that the country will share “one glorious destiny.”
12:14 p.m.
President Donald Trump says that he will govern the country by putting America first.
Trump is saying in his first speech as president that “from this day forward, a new vision will govern our hand” and that “from this day forward it’s going to be only America first.”
Trump says that every decision he makes, on issues from trade to taxes to immigration and foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and families.
He says “We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries” taking American jobs.
Trump says that under his leadership, America “will start winning like never before.”
12:13 p.m.
President Donald Trump says Americans came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement “the likes of which the world has never seen before.”
Trump says the United States exists to serve its citizens.
He says Americans want great schools, safe neighborhoods and good jobs.
But he says too many people face a different reality: rusted-out factories, a bad education system, crime, gangs and drugs.
Trump says the “carnage stops right here and right now.”
12:09 p.m.
President Donald Trump says change starts “right here and right now.”
The new president is using his inaugural address to say it doesn’t matter which party controls the government. He says that what matters is “whether our government is controlled by the people.”
Trump says the forgotten men and women of the country “will be forgotten no longer.”
President Donald Trump says change starts “right here and right now.”
The new president is using his inaugural address to say it doesn’t matter which party controls the government. He says that what matters is “whether our government is controlled by the people.”
Trump says the forgotten men and women of the country “will be forgotten no longer.”
12:05 p.m.
President Donald Trump is beginning his inaugural address by saying that “together we will determine the course of America and the world for many, many years to come.”
He says Americans have “joined a great national effort to build our country and restore its promise for all people.”
It began to rain in Washington as Trump started speaking.
Trump also thanked all of the past presidents in attendance, including former campaign foes Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
12 p.m.
Donald Trump is now the 45th president of the United States. He’s just taken the oath of office on the West Front of the Capitol.
The combative billionaire businessman and television celebrity won election in November over Democrat Hillary Clinton, and today he’s leading a profoundly divided country — one that’s split between Americans enthralled and horrified by his victory.
The unorthodox politician and the Republican-controlled Congress are already charting a newly conservative course for the nation. And they’re promising to reverse the work of the 44th president, Barack Obama.
Up next is Trump’s inaugural address — where the new commander in chief is expected to set out his vision for the country’s next four years.
11:55 a.m.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas administered the oath of office.
President-elect Donald Trump chose Pence, the former governor of Indiana, as his running mate last summer.
11:45 a.m.
U.S. embassies and consulates in at least 10 nations in Asia, Europe and Latin America are warning of potentially violent protests through the weekend against the inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president.
Security notices posted by U.S. diplomatic missions in Chile, Denmark, France, Greece, Haiti, Italy the Netherlands, Paraguay, Portugal and the Philippines advise American in those countries to steer clear of embassies and consulates on Friday and, in some cases, on Saturday and Sunday. That’s due to the possibility of unrest and clashes with police.
The notices say the planned demonstrations are either focused on “U.S. politics” or are “inauguration-related.”
___
11:32 a.m.
President-elect Donald Trump has taken the stage for his inauguration.
The Republican businessman from New York flashed a thumbs-up to the crowd as he was introduced.
Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence took the stage at the Capitol minutes after President Barack Obama and members of his family and administration.
Trump will soon be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States.
11:30 a.m.
Hundreds of people who worked for President Barack Obama are arriving at Andrews Air Force Base to hear some final parting words from the soon-to-be ex-president.
Hours before Obama was to speak, former White House and administration staffers are gathering in a hangar where a small stage with a lone American flag was set up for him.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, are leaving the Capitol by military helicopter after witnessing Donald Trump’s swearing-in, and they’re being flown to the base in Maryland just outside Washington.
The Obamas will vacation in Palm Springs, California.
11:25 a.m.
The dais is filled for the inauguration on the West Front of the Capitol.
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have taken their seats.
And President-elect Donald Trump’s family is ready.
The stage is set for Donald Trump to be sworn in as the next president of the United States.
11:20 a.m.
In the crowd gathered on the National Mall for the inauguration, there’s no shortage of fans of Democratic figures.
Big cheers went up when images were shown of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who ran for president against Hillary Clinton. But the biggest cheer so far for a Democrat has gone to first lady Michelle Obama. She received sustained applause as people watched her appear on the television screens.
11:15 a.m.
As Donald Trump and President Barack Obama made their way to the Capitol, police were confronting a group of demonstrators wearing black in downtown Washington and using what appeared to be pepper spray.
Protesters were carrying signs denouncing capitalism and Trump.
Police cordoned off about 100 demonstrators who chanted “hands up, don’t shoot.”
A helicopter hovered overhead.
President Barack Obama and his successor, Donald Trump, have arrived at the Capitol for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
Trump is joined by his family, including his five children Eric, Don Jr., Ivanka, Tiffany and youngest son, Barron.
11:05 a.m.
Incoming first lady Melania (meh-LAH’-nee-ah) Trump is wearing a sky blue cashmere jacket and mock turtleneck combination by Ralph Lauren for Inauguration Day.
In a statement, the Lauren Corp. says: “It was important to us to uphold and celebrate the tradition of creating iconic American style for this moment.”
Mrs. Trump’s hair is in a soft updo and accessorized with long suede gloves and matching stilettos. She was greeted at the White House by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama was wearing red, short-sleeve dress.
Ivanka Trump chose Oscar de la Renta, and Hillary Clinton showed up in a white Ralph Lauren pantsuit that harkened back to the one she wore to accept the Democratic nomination for president at her party’s convention in July. Her jacket matched.
Who else made a large fashion statement for Trump’s big day?
Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conway wore a military-style wool coat by Gucci of red, white and blue, with two rows of cat-head buttons and a matching red cloche hat. She described her look as “Trump revolutionary wear.”
11 a.m
President Barack Obama’s departing White House staff is offering a subtle message on the walls of their lower press office as he leaves office.
Obama aides left up on a wall printed front pages from some of Obama’s biggest moments, including his 2009 inaugural, his signing of his health care law and the death of Osama bin Laden.
The wall typically features the day’s front pages. The compilation of Obama front pages was put up about a week ago.
Obama’s press offices were largely emptied out when Trump arrived at the White House for tea with the outgoing president.
It was unclear whether the front pages will still be there when Trump’s team arrives. A cleaning crew was expected to prepare the premises for the incoming administration.
10:55 a.m.
Hillary Clinton says she’s attending Donald Trump’s inauguration to “honor our democracy.”
Clinton made the comment on Twitter Trump took the oath of office. Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton are both in attendance.
Here’s what Clinton is saying: “I’m here today to honor our democracy & its enduring values. I will never stop believing in our country & its future.”
10:50 a.m.
President Barack Obama and his successor, Donald Trump, are departing the White House to head to Trump’s inauguration.
The pair got into a limousine that will take them to the Capitol.
Also on their way are Vice President Joe Biden, first lady Michelle Obama and Trump’s wife, Melania.
10:35 a.m.
Crowds on the National Mall — where people without tickets can watch the inauguration — are growing steadily.
But less than two hours before the swearing-in, there are still wide swaths of empty space. There are strong suggestions that the crowds will not match President Barack Obama’s first inaugural eight years ago.
Some people were prevented by security barriers from getting closer to the Capitol despite having plenty of space in front of them.
The grass on the Mall was protected by white plastic and there were some muddy spots amid intermittent rain.
10:33 a.m.
Most of the Donald Trump backers who are walking to the inauguration past Union Station in Washington are trying to ignore protesters outside the train station.
Then there’s Doug Rahm, who engaged in a lengthy and sometimes profane yelling match with protesters.
“Get a job,” Rahm said. “Stop crying snowflakes, Trump won.”
Rahm — who’s from Philadelphia and does high-rise restorations, is with Bikers for Trump. He says the protesters should get behind the new president.
He says, “This is unite America day.”
10:30 a.m.
Hillary Clinton has arrived for the inauguration of the man who defeated her in a bitter presidential contest.
Clinton is at the Capitol with her husband, former President Bill Clinton.
Trump and Clinton were last face to face at a charity dinner in New York in October.
The Democratic nominee and former secretary of state waved to reporters when she arrived for the ceremony on Friday morning, but she’s not answering questions.
Trump viciously attacked Clinton throughout the campaign and his pledge to incarcerate her led to “Lock her up!” chants becoming a staple at his rallies.
After the election, Trump appeared to back off that threat.
10:25 a.m.
President Barack Obama has left a letter for his successor in the Oval Office before departing the White House — as is the tradition from one president to the next.
The White House is providing no details about what Obama conveyed to Donald Trump.
Obama campaigned vigorously against Trump. But the president and president-elect have had regular phone conversations since the election, with the president offering guidance and advice.
10:20 a.m.
Belgium’s prime minister Donald Trump will uphold NATO’s security guarantees and live up to the expectations of the American people.
Charles Michel says in a statement before Trump takes the oath of office that “it is essential that our engagement is maintained” to guarantee peace and stability through NATO.
Trump has called NATO “obsolete” and says European members aren’t paying their fair share.
Michel’s statement contains no congratulations. He does say “the expectations of the American people are high” and hopes Trump “will be able to deliver.”
Michel also says the European Union is entering a new era and it’s his belief “that Europe more than ever needs to defend its own agenda and interests.”
10:15 a.m.
A high-profile Republican congressman says he would have attended the inauguration if Democrat Hillary Clinton won the election.
But Utah’s Jason Chaffetz (CHAY’-fits) — a persistent Clinton investigator — says he would have been thinking: “Here we go again. I’d be so distraught.”
He also says, “It was never an easy or predictable path to the White House, but here’s Donald Trump.”
More than 50 House Democrats are planning to boycott the ceremony. Some are citing Trump’s criticism of John Lewis, the Georgia congressman and civil rights leader who’s questioned Trump’s legitimacy to be the next president.
10:05 a.m.
The White House says members of the residence staff have presented President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama with two American flags that were flown atop the building.
One of the flags was flown on the first day of Obama’s presidency. The other was flown on his final morning as president.
The Obamas are preparing to depart the White House for the last time as president and first lady when they head to Donald Trump’s inauguration.
9:55 a.m.
President Barack Obama and the first lady Michelle Obama are welcoming President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, to the White House.
The Obamas have greeted the Trumps at the grand North Portico, the column-lined entrance facing Pennsylvania Avenue.
Obama told Trump that it was good to see him. They exchanged pleasantries, and Melania Trump brought a gift for Michelle Obama.
Melania Trump initially reached to shake Michelle Obama’s hand, but the first lady instead gave her a hug.
The families will have coffee and tea at a reception that’s closed to the media.
9:45 a.m.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are asking the public to help them develop projects for his new presidential center on Chicago’s South Side.
The Obamas are starting up a foundation website — Obama.org — in the hours before Donald Trump is inaugurated the 45th president.
Obama says the foundation’s projects will be developed “all over the city, the country and the world.” He asks Americans to “tell us what you want this project to be and tell us what’s on your mind.”
The foundation is developing Obama’s presidential library and center in Chicago.
9:40 a.m.
Donald Trump is heading to the White House to meet with President Barack Obama.
Trump has left St. John’s Church across from the White House. He paused to shake hands with a clergy member at the door and then walked to his waiting vehicle.
There were cheers from supporters as Trump left the church.
He was followed by family members and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Pence said he was “very humbled” when he was asked about his message for the day.
9:35 a.m.
President Barack Obama is taking a final stroll from the Oval Office through the Rose Garden as a sitting president. He’s soon to welcome his successor, Donald Trump, to the White House.
Obama was seen leaving papers on his desk in the Oval Office. He’s told reporters he’s feeling nostalgic on his final day as president.
He says his final message to the American people is “thank you.”
9:30 a.m.
President Barack Obama is bidding farewell on Twitter.
Here’s what it says on the official presidential account:
It’s been the honor of my life to serve you. You made me a better leader and a better man.
— President Obama (@POTUS) January 20, 2017
I won’t stop; I’ll be right there with you as a citizen, inspired by your voices of truth and justice, good humor, and love.
— President Obama (@POTUS) January 20, 2017
The president has been striking an optimistic tone in the final days of his administration and he is also asking people to share their thoughts about the focus of his new foundation’s work.
9:25 a.m.
Donald Trump will soon have a new home — the White House.
But what about another property just down Pennsylvania Avenue: the hotel he leases from the federal government at the Old Post Office building.
The contract with the General Services Administration bars elected officials from benefiting from it. Yet Trump hasn’t said he’s divested from the hotel — and he hasn’t tried to alter the contract.
House Democrats say GSA officials told them that Trump would violate the contract the moment he takes office. The GSA has said publicly it won’t weigh in on the matter until after Trump’s in office.
9:10 a.m.
About 100 protesters are attempting to block a gate near the inaugural parade route in Washington.
They’re calling for a response to climate change and they’re holding signs that say “Resist Trump, climate justice now.”
There are also chants of “This is what democracy looks like!”
Police are keeping a lane open for ticket holders to get through.
9:05 a.m.
House Democrats will wear special buttons at Donald Trump’s inauguration as a silent protest of Republican efforts to repeal President Barack Obama’s health care law.
The blue buttons say #protectourcare. That’s a Twitter hashtag that some advocacy groups have been using to rally support for the law.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi has asked Democrats to show solidarity at the swearing-in and wear the buttons.
More than 50 House Democrats plan to boycott the ceremony. Some are citing Trump’s criticism of John Lewis, the Georgia congressman and civil rights leader who’s questioned Trump’s legitimacy to be the next president.
8:55 a.m.
Donald Trump says his inauguration will have “an unbelievable, perhaps record-setting turnout.” Organizers of a protest the next day say their event will be the biggest demonstration in history to welcome a new president.
But how many people will show up at those gatherings? That’s a question that may never be answered satisfactorily.
There won’t be an official tally at Friday’s inaugural festivities or the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday.
For decades, the National Park Service provided official crowd estimates for gatherings on the National Mall.
But the agency stopped providing counts after organizers at 1995’s Million Man March threatened a lawsuit. They complained that the National Park Service undercounted attendance at the march.
8:50 a.m.
It was still dark when Jeff McNeely and Rob Wyatt woke up and caught an early train to Washington for Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The political activists from North Carolina say they supported Trump from early on and wanted to witness the historic day in person.
McNeely calls Trump’s victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton “the greatest political upset of all time.”
Wyatt wants Americans to give Trump “the opportunity to learn.” Wyatt says Trump’s “going to make mistakes,” but he also says, “so has every president we’ve had.”
8:45 a.m.
Actor Matthew McConaughey says the American people need to “embrace” the fact that Donald Trump won the election and make the best of the next four years.
The movie star says Americans need to “shake hands with the fact that this is happening and it’s going down.”
McConaughey is in London promoting two new movies and says he’s planning to watch the swearing-in live.
He’s predicting that “it’s going to be a dynamic four years.”
8:40 a.m.
President-elect Donald Trump has emerged from Blair House to start the Inauguration Day festivities.
Trump and his wife, Melania, stepped out of the government guest house next to the White House just after 8:30 a.m. and took a motorcade for the short drive to St. John’s Episcopal Church.
After the service, they’ll head to the White House to be greeted by President Barack Obama.
8:35 a.m.
Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s team are starting to arrive as Inauguration Day festivities get underway.
Incoming White House chief of staff Reince Priebus arrived shortly after 8 a.m. at Blair House — the government guest house across from the White House. It’s where Trump stayed on his final night before becoming president.
Also seen arriving are senior adviser and former campaign manager Kellyanne Conway and communications aide Hope Hicks.
Trump’s motorcade is waiting for him outside Blair House. He’ll soon go to a nearby church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, for a prayer service.
7:30 a.m.
President-elect Donald Trump is starting inaugural day off with a tweet.
It all begins today! I will see you at 11:00 A.M. for the swearing-in. THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES – THE WORK BEGINS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2017
Trump and his wife Melania will begin their day at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located across Lafayette Park from the White House. They’ll then meet with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at the White House before joining them for the trip to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony.
7:25 a.m.
It’s still early in Washington on Inauguration Day, but the protesters who vowed to keep guests with tickets from watching Donald Trump take the oath of office aren’t having much luck.
Dozens of protesters are lined up at the “blue gate” entrance to a seating area on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, holding signs that read “Free Palestine” and “Let Freedom ring.” Some are wearing orange jumpsuits with black hoods over their faces, protesting U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.
But police are behind the protesters, allowing those with tickets to make their way through the gate. On the other side of the Capitol, things are quiet and orderly at the “orange gate.”
Eleanor Goldfield helped organize the #DisruptJ20 protests. At the “blue gate,” she says they want to show Trump and his supporters that they will not be silent throughout his presidency. She calls Trump supporters “misguided, misinformed or just plain dangerous.”
7:15 a.m.
Kevin Puchalski is a 24-year-old construction worker who drove to Washington from Philadelphia with two friends to see Donald Trump’s inauguration as the next president.
He says that while Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton had much more support than Trump in his hometown, he attended a Trump rally in rural Pennsylvania and “it was fantastic.”
He says, “I’m here for history. This is the first president that I voted for that won.”
Trump’s victory in Pennsylvania was key to his Electoral College win over Clinton. The state had voted for the Democratic nominee in the previous six presidential elections.
Puchalski says his main hope for Trump is that he fulfills his promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border. He says, “The wall. Honestly, that is true. The wall. Keep the illegals out.”
7 a.m.
It’s not just voters from across the country visiting Washington to celebrate the inauguration of Donald Trump.
On the eve of the inauguration, Brexit leader Nigel Farage toasted the president-elect at a reception on the top floor of a hotel overlooking the White House.
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant joined him on Thursday night, describing himself as the matchmaker between Trump and Farage.
Farage noted that in 2016, British voters chose to leave the European Union and American voters picked Trump. It said it would be a year remembered as a pivot point in history, and the crowd of lobbyists, Trump boosters and British political and media figures cheered.
Farage said he agreed with Trump’s assessment of himself as “Mr. Brexit plus-plus-plus.” He added that Trump is “the only person I’ve ever met in my life who makes me feel like an introvert.”
6:45 a.m.
Before dawn on Inauguration Day in Washington, only a few lights were at the White House residence, where President Barack Obama and his family have lived for the past eight years.
Klieg lights brightened the viewing stand from which incoming President Donald Trump will view the parade route later in the day.
Trump and his family were spending the night at Blair House, just across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House.
Lafayette Square outside the White House was fenced off with large metal barriers and security lines moved briskly to let outgoing White House staff and members of the media into the White House complex early in the morning.
6:35 a.m.
Americans eager to see the Donald Trump take the oath of office as the nation’s next president are starting to make their way through downtown Washington and onto the National Mall.
Dump trucks, police cars and National Guard soldiers and Washington D.C. police are manning street corners in the city’s downtown, blocking vehicle access for blocks around the Mall.
But there’s plenty of room on the sidewalks for those clutching engraved tickets for a seat to Trump’s inauguration, as well as those without who plan to watch from spots between the Capitol and the Washington monument.
The “red gate” ticket entrance opened to cheers before dawn from those who are braving the cold and waiting in line in the city’s East End neighborhood. Some in the crowd began a chant of “USA!” Others picked up “Make America Great Again” hats and other Trump gear from street vendors.
Send questions/comments to the editors.