Shortly after taking the oath of office, administered by US Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, President Donald J Trump took to the dais to deliver his inaugural address.
With tone and content very similar to Trump’s campaign rallies, many noted the forthright speech was a break from previous inaugural address, which have tended to focus on unity and citizenship.
After thanking President Obama for facilitating a peaceful transfer of power, Trump took aim at the Washington establishment he ran so passionately against in his campaign for the Republican nomination, and then the presidency.
“For too long, a small group in our nation's capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have bore the cost,” President Trump said. "We are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the people."
“Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered but the jobs left and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.”
“Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner-cities, rusted out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation.”
“The crime and the gangs and the drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential,” he said.
“This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.”
