First inauguration of Donald Trump

{{short description|58th United States presidential inauguration}} {{Use American English|date = August 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}} {{Infobox event | title = First presidential inauguration of Donald Trump | image = Donald Trump swearing in ceremony.jpg | image_alt = With right hand raised, Donald Trump looks at Chief Justice John Roberts with his back to the camera, as Melania Trump and others watch. | caption = Donald Trump takes the oath of office as the 45th president of the United States. | date = {{Start date and age|2017|01|20}} | location = United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. | organizers = Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, [https://web.archive.org/web/20170101220456/https://www.58pic2017.org/ Inaugural Committee] | participants = Donald Trump 45th president of the United States ''— Assuming office'' <hr>John Roberts Chief Justice of the United States ''— Administering oath'' <hr>Mike Pence 48th vice president of the United States ''— Assuming office'' <hr>Clarence Thomas Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States ''— Administering oath'' | website = {{URL|https://web.archive.org/web/20170119201548/https://www.58pic2017.org/home|Trump Pence Inaugural Committee {{small|(archived)}}}} | notes = 70px {{Succession links|left=2013|right=2021}} }} {{Donald Trump series|expanded=45th and 47th president of the United States}}

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States marked the commencement of the first term of Trump as president and the only term of Mike Pence as vice president.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inaugural.senate.gov/58th-inaugural-ceremonies/|title=58TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES|publisher=United States Senate|access-date=June 15, 2021}}</ref> An estimated 300,000 to 600,000<ref name="Bump">{{cite news |last=Bump |first=Philip |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/01/23/theres-no-evidence-that-trumps-inauguration-was-the-most-watched-in-history-period/|title=There's no evidence that Trump's inauguration was the most-watched in history. Period.|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 23, 2017|access-date=July 13, 2017|quote=The ''Times'' spoke with crowd estimation experts who pegged the number in attendance on Friday at one-third of Obama's 2009 audience, or 600,000 people.|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124042959/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/01/23/theres-no-evidence-that-trumps-inauguration-was-the-most-watched-in-history-period/ |archive-date=January 24, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="Pretty Average">{{cite web|last=Frostenson|first=Sarah|url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/1/24/14354036/crowds-presidential-inaugurations-trump-average|title=A crowd scientist says Trump's inauguration attendance was pretty average|work=Vox|date=January 24, 2017|access-date=July 13, 2017|quote=To try to settle the question of how many people attended the inauguration ceremony on the National Mall in Washington, DC, we reached out to Keith Still, a professor of crowd science at Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK. (He analyzed aerial shots of the crowds of both President Obama's 2009 inaugural address and President Trump's for ''The New York Times''.) He concludes that the crowd at the Mall on Friday was roughly one-third the size of President Obama's.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728160812/https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/1/24/14354036/crowds-presidential-inaugurations-trump-average|archive-date=July 28, 2017}}</ref> people attended the public ceremony held on Friday, January 20, 2017, at the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. The event was the 58th presidential inauguration.<ref>{{cite news |first=Roxanne |last=Roberts |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/what-we-know-about-trumps-inauguration-so-far/2017/01/06/6bb05fb0-d435-11e6-9cb0-54ab630851e8_story.html |title=What we know about Trump's inauguration so far |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 6, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130123032/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/what-we-know-about-trumps-inauguration-so-far/2017/01/06/6bb05fb0-d435-11e6-9cb0-54ab630851e8_story.html |archive-date=January 30, 2017 }}</ref> Held in Washington, D.C., from January 17 to 21, 2017, inaugural events included concerts, the swearing-in ceremony, a congressional luncheon, parade, inaugural balls, and the interfaith inaugural prayer service. The inauguration was protested worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/donald-trump-inauguration-protests/|title=Trump inauguration protests|date=May 8, 2017|access-date=May 11, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512112239/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/donald-trump-inauguration-protests/|archive-date=May 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Administered by Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts, the presidential oath was taken by Trump as his first task after becoming president, in keeping with Article Two, Section 1, Clause 8 and the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, with the vice presidential oath taken by Pence and administered by Associate Justice Clarence Thomas immediately preceding it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/34259109/vp-pence-to-be-sworn-in-by-clarence-thomas |title=VP Pence to be sworn in by Clarence Thomas |publisher=WPSD-TV |agency=Associated Press |date=January 13, 2017 |access-date=January 16, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115154626/http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/34259109/vp-pence-to-be-sworn-in-by-clarence-thomas |archive-date=January 15, 2017 }}</ref> Trump was sworn in with his left hand on a pair of Bibles: his personal copy and the Lincoln Bible.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.npr.org/2017/01/17/510252058/trump-will-be-sworn-in-with-same-bible-as-lincoln-and-obama| title =Trump Will Be Sworn in With Same Bible As Lincoln And Obama| website =NPR| date =January 17, 2017| publisher =NPR| access-date =January 19, 2017| url-status =live| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170118161759/http://www.npr.org/2017/01/17/510252058/trump-will-be-sworn-in-with-same-bible-as-lincoln-and-obama| archive-date =January 18, 2017| last1 =Naylor| first1 =Brian}}</ref><ref>Kim, Eun Kyung, [http://www.today.com/news/inauguration-day-why-were-there-2-bibles-what-was-blue-t107242 "Inauguration Day: Why were there 2 Bibles? What was in that blue box?"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319111943/http://www.today.com/news/inauguration-day-why-were-there-2-bibles-what-was-blue-t107242 |date=March 19, 2017 }}, Today, January 20, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref>

At {{age in years and days|1946|6|14|2017|1|20}} of age on Inauguration Day, Trump was the oldest person to assume the presidency. Four years later, in 2021, he was surpassed by Joe Biden at {{age in years and days|1942|11|20|2021|1|20}}. Trump reclaimed the title with his second inauguration, exactly eight years later, on January 20, 2025, at {{age in years and days|1946|6|14|2025|1|20}} of age.

== Context == The inauguration marked the formal culmination of Donald Trump's presidential transition that began with his election on November 9, 2016, him becoming the president-elect.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-president.html |title=Donald Trump Is Elected President in Stunning Repudiation of the Establishment |work=The New York Times |access-date=January 21, 2017 |date=November 9, 2016 |author=Flegenheimer, Matt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121005319/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-president.html |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }}</ref> Trump and his running mate Mike Pence were formally elected by the Electoral College on December 19, 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/dec/19/electoral-college-votes-donald-trump-electors|title=Electoral college formally elects Donald Trump as president|last=Jacobs|first=Ben|date=December 19, 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=December 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219234640/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/dec/19/electoral-college-votes-donald-trump-electors|archive-date=December 19, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/19/us/politics/electoral-college-vote.html|title=Donald Trump Completes Final Lap, Electoral College, to White House|first=Richard|last=Pérez-Peña|date=December 19, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=December 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219123229/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/19/us/politics/electoral-college-vote.html|archive-date=December 19, 2016}}</ref> The victory was certified by an electoral vote tally by a joint session of Congress on January 6, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-electoral-college-vote-certified-by-congress/|title=Congress certifies Trump's election victory|work=CBS News|access-date=January 16, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108163749/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-electoral-college-vote-certified-by-congress/|archive-date=January 8, 2017}}</ref>

== Planning == The inauguration was planned primarily by two committees: the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies and the 2017 Presidential Inaugural Committee. The election was scheduled for November 8, 2016, but the congressional committee began construction of the inaugural platform on September 21.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.salon.com/2016/09/21/construction-begins-on-presidential-inauguration-platform/ |title=Construction begins on presidential inauguration platform |work=Salon |agency=Associated Press |author=Jalonick, Mary Clare |date=September 21, 2016 |access-date=January 17, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118222238/http://www.salon.com/2016/09/21/construction-begins-on-presidential-inauguration-platform/ |archive-date=January 18, 2017 }}</ref>

Several artists approached to perform refused, including Jennifer Holliday, who originally intended to perform, but withdrew herself from the program after further consideration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/artists-who-turned-down-trump-inauguration-2017-1|title=9 artists who reportedly turned down performing at Trump's inauguration|work=Business Insider|access-date=January 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120080546/http://www.businessinsider.com/artists-who-turned-down-trump-inauguration-2017-1|archive-date=January 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Donald Trump inauguration: Jennifer Holliday pulls out of President's show and apologises to LGBT community|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-inauguration-jennifer-holliday-cancels-lgbt-apologies-open-letter-a7528041.html|work=The Independent|date=January 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130053110/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-inauguration-jennifer-holliday-cancels-lgbt-apologies-open-letter-a7528041.html|archive-date=January 30, 2017}}</ref>

=== Joint Congressional Committee === The swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural luncheon for President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Pence were planned by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, a committee composed of Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri, the committee chair, and Senate party leaders Sen. Mitch McConnell Kentucky and Chuck Schumer of New York, and House speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, and House party leaders Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California and Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/about/past-committees |title=The 58th Inaugural Committee |access-date=January 17, 2017 |publisher=Joint Congressional Inauguration Committee |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120034439/https://www.inaugural.senate.gov/about/past-committees/ |archive-date=January 20, 2017 }}</ref> The committee was overseen by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies chose the inaugural theme "Uniquely American" to highlight the inaugural ceremony as "a uniquely American expression of our Constitutional system" and stress the peaceful transition of power.<ref name="theme">{{cite web |url=https://www.inaugural.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Entire%20Program.pdf |title=Entire Program |access-date=January 18, 2017 |publisher=Joint Congressional Inauguration Committee |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120232548/https://www.inaugural.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Entire%20Program.pdf |archive-date=January 20, 2017 }}</ref>

The Inauguration Committee released the full January 20 inaugural events schedule on December 21, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.58pic2017.org/press-releases/presidential-inaugural-committee-pic-unveils-inaugural-schedule-of-events |title=Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) Unveils Inaugural Schedule of Events |publisher=58th Presidential Inauguration Committee |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=December 21, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119211525/https://www.58pic2017.org/press-releases/presidential-inaugural-committee-pic-unveils-inaugural-schedule-of-events |archive-date=January 19, 2017 }}</ref> Military support to the 58th inauguration was coordinated by Joint Task Force National Capital Region, providing musical military units, marching bands, color guards, ushers, firing details, and salute batteries.<ref>{{cite web|title=On the road to the 58th U.S. Presidential Inauguration|url=https://www.army.mil/article/175648/on_the_road_to_the_58th_us_presidential_inauguration|website=army.mil|publisher=U.S. Army|access-date=December 23, 2016|date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223135419/https://www.army.mil/article/175648/on_the_road_to_the_58th_us_presidential_inauguration|archive-date=December 23, 2016}}</ref>

=== Presidential Inaugural Committee === [[image:Rick Gates at 2016 RNC.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Rick Gates was deputy chairman of the inauguration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2018/7/5/17505728/trump-inauguration-mueller-russians-rick-gates|title=Why Trump's inauguration money is a major part of Mueller's Russia investigation|first=Andrew|last=Prokop|date=July 5, 2018|website=Vox|access-date=December 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206194934/https://www.vox.com/2018/7/5/17505728/trump-inauguration-mueller-russians-rick-gates|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

The 2017 Presidential Inaugural Committee<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.58pic2017.org/|title=The 58th Presidential Inauguration|publisher=58pic2017.org|access-date=December 19, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220080123/https://www.58pic2017.org/|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> organized several other inauguration-related events at the direction of the president‑elect and vice president-elect of the United States, such as the concerts, parade, balls, and prayer service. The chairman of the committee was Thomas J. Barrack Jr., a real estate investor and longtime Trump friend and ally, and the founder of Colony Capital. The co-chairs of the committee were Lewis M. Eisenberg and Roy Bailey.<ref>{{cite news |last=Roberts |first=Roxanne |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/trumps-inaugural-chairman-promises-a-celebration-of-harmony-inclusion-and-democracy/2016/12/06/51fb5e30-b8b0-11e6-b994-f45a208f7a73_story.html |title=Trump inaugural chairman promises a celebration of 'harmony, inclusion and democracy' |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 6, 2016 |access-date=December 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728180924/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/trumps-inaugural-chairman-promises-a-celebration-of-harmony-inclusion-and-democracy/2016/12/06/51fb5e30-b8b0-11e6-b994-f45a208f7a73_story.html |archive-date=July 28, 2017 }}</ref> Committee members included casino magnates Sheldon Adelson and Miriam Adelson, Steve Wynn, and Phil Ruffin, oil and gas entrepreneur Harold Hamm, businesswoman and film producer Diane Hendricks, coal businessman and philanthropist Joe Craft, Gail Icahn (wife of Carl Icahn), Dallasites Ray Washburne, Gentry Beach, Roy Bailey, and Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets.<ref name="Comm">{{cite web|title=President-Elect Trump Announces Presidential Inaugural Committee Leadership |url=https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/president-elect-trump-announces-presidentialinaugural-committee-leader |publisher=donaldjtrump.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227200140/https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/president-elect-trump-announces-presidentialinaugural-committee-leader |archive-date=December 27, 2016 }}</ref>

The inaugural committee raised an unprecedented $107 million "from wealthy donors who gave $1 million or more."<ref>Scannel, Kara, et al. [https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/13/politics/trump-inauguration-spending-investigation/index.html "Trump inaugural committee under criminal investigation, sources say"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214203109/https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/13/politics/trump-inauguration-spending-investigation/index.html |date=December 14, 2018 }}. CNN. December 14, 2018. December 14, 2018.</ref> This was twice the amount raised by any previous inauguration committee.<ref name="missing">{{cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/trump-inauguration-money-still-missing-783934|title=Trump's inauguration money is still missing one year after his administration took control of the White House|last=Sanders|first=Linley|date=January 18, 2018|work=Newsweek|access-date=September 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903045912/https://www.newsweek.com/trump-inauguration-money-still-missing-783934|archive-date=September 3, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Observers agree that the actual inauguration expenses would have been a fraction of that amount, and the advocacy group Public Citizen has been seeking to know what happened to the remaining funds.<ref name = missing/> Committee officials said they were evaluating charities to give the remaining funds to.<ref name=FUNDS>{{cite web|title=Funds from Trump's massive inaugural fundraiser still unavailable to charity|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-inaugural-funds-charity-2017-9|website=Business Insider|date=September 15, 2017|access-date=January 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117023110/http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-inaugural-funds-charity-2017-9|archive-date=January 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2017, the committee said it had given $3 million to three separate hurricane rescue organizations.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Haberman|first1=Maggie|author-link=Maggie Haberman|title=Trump's Inaugural Committee to Donate $3 Million to Hurricane Relief|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/27/us/politics/trump-inaugural-committee-donations-hurricanes.html|website=The New York Times|date=September 27, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930220616/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/27/us/politics/trump-inaugural-committee-donations-hurricanes.html|archive-date=September 30, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> An unspecified amount had also been used for redecorating the White House and Vice President Mike Pence's Washington residence.<ref name = missing/> Thomas Barrack, the committee chair, said that further information about charitable donations would be released in November 2017, but no such announcement was made.<ref name = missing/> The inauguration committee reported having $2.8 million in the bank {{as of|year=|2017|October|lc=y|month=}}.<ref name = "paid"/>

According to a tax filing released on February 15, 2018, the committee donated $5 million to charity in 2017 – namely, the previously announced donations to hurricane relief, the White House Historical Association, and the Vice President's Residence Foundation. The majority of the committee's outlay – $57 million – went to four event-planning companies.<ref name="paid">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/us/politics/trumps-inaugural-committee-paid-26-million-to-first-ladys-friend.html|title=Trump's Inaugural Committee Paid $26 Million to Firm of First Lady's Adviser|last1=Haberman|first1=Maggie|last2=Vogel|first2=Kenneth P.|date=February 15, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901203617/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/us/politics/trumps-inaugural-committee-paid-26-million-to-first-ladys-friend.html|archive-date=September 1, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The largest amount, $26 million, went to a California firm called WIS Media Partners, which was created in December 2016 by a close friend and advisor to Melania Trump, named Stephanie Winston Wolkoff,<ref name= "paid"/> whose staff stayed at the Trump International Hotel during the planning of the inauguration.<ref name="DC hotel">{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-donald-trumps-inaugural-fund-spent-lavishly-dc/story?id=60361242 |title=President Donald Trump's inaugural fund spent lavishly at his DC hotel, new docs show |author=Santucci, John, Mosk, Matthew, Pecorin, Allison, Siegel, Benjamin |work=ABC News |date=January 15, 2019 |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207201910/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-donald-trumps-inaugural-fund-spent-lavishly-dc/story?id=60361242 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Wolkoff was personally paid about $500,000 for the inauguration.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bennett|first=Kate|date=July 7, 2020|title=East Wing braces for upcoming book by former Melania Trump aide|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/07/politics/stephanie-winston-wolkoff-melania-and-me/index.html|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=CNN|archive-date=July 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707205131/https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/07/politics/stephanie-winston-wolkoff-melania-and-me/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Twenty-four million dollars went to an independent organization, "Inaugural Productions", for the staging of several events.<ref name="Disgusted">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2019/02/behind-the-scenes-of-trumps-107-million-inauguration |title='I Am Disgusted': Behind The Scenes of Trump's Increasingly Scrutinized $107 Million Inauguration |author=Fox, Emily Jane |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190211211809/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2019/02/behind-the-scenes-of-trumps-107-million-inauguration |archive-date=February 11, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The committee reported nearly $15 million in administrative expenses, including $9.4 million for travel and $4.6 million for salaries and benefits for 208 employees.<ref name = "paid"/> The committee spent more than $1.5 million at the Trump International Hotel.<ref name="DC hotel"/> Ivanka Trump helped negotiate a rate of $175,000 per day for the committee's use of the hotel's Presidential Ballroom and meeting rooms after Gates and Wolkoff complained that Trump International Hotel managing director Mickael Damelincourt attempted to charge them above-market rates.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-inc-podcast-trumps-inauguration-paid-trumps-company-with-ivanka-in-the-middle |title=Trump's Inauguration Paid Trump's Company — With Ivanka in the Middle |author=Maritz, Ilya |display-authors=etal |publisher=ProPublica |date=December 14, 2018 |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117220742/https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-inc-podcast-trumps-inauguration-paid-trumps-company-with-ivanka-in-the-middle |archive-date=January 17, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Pre-inaugural events == === Diplomat summit: Chairman's Global Dinner === thumb|upright|Then-President-elect Trump and his wife, Melania, arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration On Tuesday, January 17, then-President-elect Trump arrived in Washington, D.C., to attend what was titled the "Chairman's Global Dinner," a high-profile dinner that was intended to serve as an introduction between foreign diplomats and the incoming Trump administration officials and appointees.<ref name="hill">{{cite web |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/314726-trump-lands-in-dc-for-pre-inauguration-dinner/ |title=Trump lands in DC for pre-inaugural dinner |work=The Hill |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 17, 2017 |author=Hensch, Mark |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120153102/http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/314726-trump-lands-in-dc-for-pre-inauguration-dinner |archive-date=January 20, 2017 }}</ref> The dinner was black tie and invitation-only, and was described by ''The Wall Street Journal'' as the most high-profile event preceding the inauguration,<ref name="wjglobal">{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/chairmans-global-dinner-most-exclusive-event-preceding-trump-inauguration-1484571781 |title=Chairman's Global Dinner Most Exclusive Event Preceding Trump Inauguration |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 17, 2017 |author=Bender, Michael |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121225842/http://www.wsj.com/articles/chairmans-global-dinner-most-exclusive-event-preceding-trump-inauguration-1484571781 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }}</ref> with both Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence addressing the gathering.<ref name="hill" /> The event was held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.<ref name="hill" />

Rex Tillerson, Trump's choice to succeed John Kerry as secretary of state, was in attendance, as well as former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and National Security Advisor-designate Michael T. Flynn, and Israeli ambassador Ron Dermer, according to reporters in attendance at the event.<ref name="hill" /> More than 200 foreign diplomats attended the event out of 500 total guests.<ref name="hill" /> During his speech to the group, Trump praised his choices thus far for Cabinet positions as well as his choice of Pence as his vice president.<ref name="bg">{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2017/01/17/donald-trump-speaks-dinner-event/MttdAGSFF5ykboLhEiNF9H/story.html |title=Donald Trump speaks at dinner event in D.C. |work=The Boston Globe |agency=Associated Press |author=Reiss, Jaclyn |date=January 17, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120211010/http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2017/01/17/donald-trump-speaks-dinner-event/MttdAGSFF5ykboLhEiNF9H/story.html |archive-date=January 20, 2017 }}</ref> According to ''The Boston Globe'' and the Associated Press, the menu included mustard black cod and filet mignon as entrees, and baked Alaska for dessert.<ref name="bg" />

=== Voices of the People concert === On the morning and afternoon of January 19, a day-long "Voices of the People" public concert was held at the Lincoln Memorial. The concert featured The King's Academy (West Palm Beach, Florida) Honor Choir, the Republican Hindu Coalition, the Montgomery Area High School Marching Band, Marlana VanHoose, the Maury NJROTC Color Guard, the Pride of Madawaska, Webelos Troop 177, the Northern Middle School Honors Choir, the American Tap Company, the Everett High School Viking Marching Band, the TwirlTasTix Baton Twirling group, and three bagpipe groups.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/01/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-a-peaceful-transition-of-power/513554/ |title=What to Expect When You're Expecting a Peaceful Transition of Power |magazine=The Atlantic |access-date=April 30, 2017 |date=January 19, 2017 |author=Garber, Megan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121105255/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/01/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-a-peaceful-transition-of-power/513554/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }}</ref>

=== Arlington National Cemetery wreath laying ceremony === thumb|Donald Trump and Mike Pence at the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier After returning home to New York City, Trump returned to Washington, D.C., on Thursday, January 19, arriving at Joint Base Andrews on a plane flown by the U.S. Air Force.<ref name="al">{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-01-19/trump-touches-down-in-washington-to-become-45th-u-s-president |title=Trump Era Dawns With Wreath-Laying and Reception Before Oath |publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 19, 2017 |author=Sink, Justin |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120075232/https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-01-19/trump-touches-down-in-washington-to-become-45th-u-s-president |archive-date=January 20, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/01/watch_president-elect_trump_me.html |title=Watch President-elect Trump, Melania Trump arrive in Washington, D.C. for Inauguration |publisher=AL.com |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 19, 2017 |author=Gore, Leada |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909153809/http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/01/watch_president-elect_trump_me.html |archive-date=September 9, 2017 }}</ref>

Trump and Vice President-elect Pence attended a luncheon at Trump's hotel at the Old Post Office Pavilion,<ref name="cbswr">{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-arrives-in-washington-ahead-of-inauguration-day/ |title=Donald Trump arrives in Washington ahead of Inauguration Day |work=CBS News |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122142837/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-arrives-in-washington-ahead-of-inauguration-day/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> and afterwards, the official wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, accompanied by his wife and family.<ref name="wreath">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/19/politics/donald-trump-arlington-wreath/index.html |title=Donald Trump places wreath at Arlington |work=CNN|access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 19, 2017 |author=Schleifer, Theodore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121083657/http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/19/politics/donald-trump-arlington-wreath/index.html |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }}</ref> Trump and Pence were escorted by Major General Bradley Becker at the ceremony.<ref name="cbswr" /> The Arlington National Cemetery is the burial place of more than 400,000 people, mostly members of the armed forces, Medal of Honor recipients, and high ranking political officials.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://patch.com/district-columbia/washingtondc/presidential-inauguration-2017-wreath-laying-ceremony-thursday |title=Watch Replay: Wreath-Laying Ceremony for Presidential Inauguration 2017 |publisher=Patch |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 19, 2017 |author=Barton, Mary Ann |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122183529/http://patch.com/district-columbia/washingtondc/presidential-inauguration-2017-wreath-laying-ceremony-thursday |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref>

=== Make America Great Again Welcome Celebration concert === On the evening of January 19, Trump hosted the "Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration," a concert for his supporters that were attending his inauguration the following day. The concert, held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, featured performances by Lee Greenwood (who performed "God Bless the USA"), Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down, DJ Ravidrums,<ref name="npr">{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2017/01/19/510657291/trump-at-lincoln-memorial-concert-youre-not-forgotten-anymore |title=Trump at Lincoln Memorial Concert: 'You're Not Forgotten Anymore' |publisher=NPR|author=Taylor, Jessica |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121105204/http://www.npr.org/2017/01/19/510657291/trump-at-lincoln-memorial-concert-youre-not-forgotten-anymore |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }}</ref> The Piano Guys,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Karsen |first=Shira |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/inauguration/7662397/piano-guys-trumps-inaugural-concert |magazine=Billboard |title=YouTube Sensations The Piano Guys Perform at Trump's Inaugural Concert: Watch |date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122153158/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/inauguration/7662397/piano-guys-trumps-inaugural-concert |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> and The Frontmen of Country (Tim Rushlow, Larry Stewart, and Richie McDonald).<ref>{{cite news |last=Roberts |first=Randall |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-inaugural-concert-greenwood-tim-rushlow-20170119-story.html |title=Trump inauguration performers Lee Greenwood and Tim Rushlow talk about performing at celebrations in Washington |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124230748/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-inaugural-concert-greenwood-tim-rushlow-20170119-story.html |archive-date=January 24, 2017 }}</ref> Trump addressed his supporters at the end of the festivities, saying that the "forgotten man and the forgotten woman will not be forgotten anymore".<ref name="npr" /> Actor Jon Voight also spoke at the event, stating, "We have been witness to a barrage of propaganda that left us all breathless with anticipation, not knowing if God could reverse all the negative lies against Mr. Trump, whose only desire was to make America great again."<ref name="npr" /> The concert concluded with a fireworks celebration, accompanied by a U.S. military choir and band performing the Battle Hymn of the Republic.<ref name="npr" />

=== Church service and White House reception === [[File:U.S. Capitol on 58th Inauguration Day 01-20-17.jpg|thumb|alt=U.S. Capitol at dawn, mostly darkened but with the dome floodlit from without|Preparations at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. as the sun begins to rise on the morning of the inauguration]] On the morning of the inauguration, on January 20, after staying the night at the Blair House, the traditional house used by the incoming president-elect due to its proximity to the White House,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/01/19/trumps-inauguration-eve-blair-house-stay-follows-inaugural-tradition/96800516/ |title=Trump's pre-inaugural Blair House stay follows presidential tradition |work=USA Today |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Korte, Gregory |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121151633/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/01/19/trumps-inauguration-eve-blair-house-stay-follows-inaugural-tradition/96800516/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }}</ref> Trump and his wife, Melania, and Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, attended a church service at St. John's Episcopal Church.<ref name="time">{{cite magazine |url=http://time.com/4641208/donald-trump-robert-jeffress-st-john-episcopal-inauguration/ |title=Read the Sermon Donald Trump Heard Before Becoming President |magazine=Time|access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121143716/http://time.com/4641208/donald-trump-robert-jeffress-st-john-episcopal-inauguration/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }}</ref> The tradition dates back to James Madison, with every president since then attending the church service the morning of their inauguration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/16/politics/inauguration-day-events-traditions/ |title=Presidents change, Inauguration Day stays the same |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Williams, Brenna |work=CNN|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122023134/http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/16/politics/inauguration-day-events-traditions/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> The service was led by Robert Jeffress, a Southern Baptist minister who campaigned for Trump during the election.<ref name="time" />

After the church service, Trump and his wife went to the White House to meet with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The Obamas greeted the Trumps, and Melania presented the couple with a gift.<ref name="tea">{{cite web |url=http://people.com/politics/presidential-inauguration-obamas-welcome-trumps-white-house-tea-coffee-meeting/ |title=The Obamas Welcome Donald and Melania Trump to the White House Just Before Inauguration |work=People |last=McAfee |first=Tierney |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122001902/http://people.com/politics/presidential-inauguration-obamas-welcome-trumps-white-house-tea-coffee-meeting/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> They then posed for photos in front of the White House press corps.<ref name="tea" /> The presentation of a gift was a tradition started by Michelle Obama when she presented George W. Bush and Laura Bush with a gift on the day of her husband's inauguration in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/melania-trump-gifts-michelle-obama-blue-tiffany-box-watch-w462077 |title=Melania Trump Gifts Michelle Obama a Blue Tiffany Box: Watch Her Reaction |work=Us Magazine |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Blynn, Jamie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122121049/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/melania-trump-gifts-michelle-obama-blue-tiffany-box-watch-w462077 |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> Afterward, they held a tea reception inside the White House, along with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, and Mike Pence and his wife, Karen Pence.<ref name="tea" /> As per tradition, following the meeting between the president and the president-elect, they shared the presidential motorcade limousine, and made their way to the Capitol for the inaugural ceremony.<ref name="tea" />

== Inaugural events == === Ceremony === The ceremony was held at the West Front of the Capitol building. The weather conditions for 12 noon at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, located 3.1 miles from the ceremony, were: 48 °F (9 °C), wind 5 mph, and cloudy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wunderground.com/history/daily/us/va/arlington/KDCA/date/2017-1-20|title=Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Weather Hourly History, January 20, 2017|publisher=Weather Underground|access-date=January 17, 2025}}</ref> Outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama, outgoing U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (who later defeated Trump in 2020 and then inaugurated as the 46th president in 2021), former U.S. presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, and former U.S. vice presidents Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney, along with their respective wives, attended the inauguration,<ref>{{cite news|last=Jackson|first=David M.|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/01/03/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-bill-clinton-inauguration/96117260|title=Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush to attend Trump inauguration|work=USA Today|date=January 3, 2017|access-date=January 3, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103205117/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/01/03/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-bill-clinton-inauguration/96117260/|archive-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Liptak |first=Kevin |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/politics/michelle-obama-trump-inauguration/index.html |title=Michelle Obama to skip Trump inauguration. White House reporter: 'Michelle Obama has made no secret about her feelings towards Donald Trump' |work=CNN |date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117201302/https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/politics/michelle-obama-trump-inauguration/index.html |archive-date=January 17, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Watkins |first=Eli |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/12/politics/michelle-obama-book-trump/index.html |title=ABC News: Michelle Obama 'stopped even trying to smile' at Trump inauguration |work=CNN |date=November 13, 2018 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918040918/https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/12/politics/michelle-obama-book-trump/index.html |archive-date=September 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mizelle |first=Shawna |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/07/politics/michelle-obama-trump-inauguration-sobbing/index.html |title=Michelle Obama opens up about her 'uncontrollable sobbing' on day of Trump's inauguration |work=CNN |date=March 7, 2023 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114171412/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/07/politics/michelle-obama-trump-inauguration-sobbing/index.html |archive-date=January 14, 2025}}</ref> including Hillary Clinton, who had been Trump's main opponent in 2016 (Clinton was attending as a former first lady, not as the losing candidate<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/03/politics/george-w-bush-laura-bush-to-attend-trump-inauguration/index.html|title=Bill, Hillary Clinton to attend Trump Inauguration|first1=Dan|last1=Merica|first2=Theodore|last2=Schleifer|publisher=CNN|access-date=January 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116173710/http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/03/politics/george-w-bush-laura-bush-to-attend-trump-inauguration/index.html|archive-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref>). Former U.S. president George H. W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush could not attend due to their health issues,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kbtx.com/content/news/George-HW-Bush-Barbara-will-not-attend-Trump-inauguration-409577605.html|title=George H.W. Bush, Barbara will not attend Trump inauguration|last=Fullhart|first=Steve|access-date=January 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118061000/http://www.kbtx.com/content/news/George-HW-Bush-Barbara-will-not-attend-Trump-inauguration-409577605.html|archive-date=January 18, 2017}}</ref> and former U.S. vice presidents Walter Mondale and Al Gore were also absent.

Roy Blunt commenced the inauguration ceremony at 11:41 a.m. with welcoming remarks about the nation's "commonplace and miraculous" tradition of a peaceful transition of power. Courtney Williams, Senior Chief Musician and concert moderator for the U.S. Navy Concert Band, returned as the platform announcer for his 3rd consecutive inauguration.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Nickelle |title=Middle Tennessee native serves as announcer for fourth presidential inauguration |url=https://www.wate.com/news/politics/middle-tennessee-native-serves-as-announcer-for-fourth-presidential-inauguration/ |website=WATE 6 On Your Side |date=January 20, 2021 |access-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122013605/https://www.wate.com/news/politics/middle-tennessee-native-serves-as-announcer-for-fourth-presidential-inauguration/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Three religious figures delivered invocations, followed by the Missouri State University chorale performing an original work, "Now We Belong". After short remarks, Chuck Schumer ended his speech by asking everyone to stand for the Vice-Presidential swearing-in.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2017/live-updates/politics/live-coverage-of-trumps-inauguration/president-elect-donald-trump-introduced-blunt-kicks-off-ceremony/|title=Blunt kicks off 'commonplace and miraculous' transfer of power|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 20, 2016|access-date=January 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130152540/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2017/live-updates/politics/live-coverage-of-trumps-inauguration/president-elect-donald-trump-introduced-blunt-kicks-off-ceremony/|archive-date=January 30, 2017}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2017/january/unprecedented-prayer-on-display-at-trump-inauguration|title=Unprecedented Prayer on Display at Trump Inauguration|work=CBN News|date=January 21, 2016|access-date=January 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121154529/http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2017/january/unprecedented-prayer-on-display-at-trump-inauguration|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/missouri-state-chorale-now-we-belong-lyrics/|title=Missouri State Chorale performs 'Now We Belong' at inauguration|publisher=CNN|date=January 20, 2016|access-date=January 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128204915/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/missouri-state-chorale-now-we-belong-lyrics/|archive-date=January 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/sen-chuck-schumer-inauguration-speech/|title=Sen. Chuck Schumer delivers remarks at Trump inauguration ceremony|publisher=CNN|date=January 20, 2016|access-date=January 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128224319/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/sen-chuck-schumer-inauguration-speech/|archive-date=January 28, 2017}}</ref>

==== Oath of office ==== {{Multiple image | align = right | total_width = 500 | image1 = Mike Pence is sworn in as Vice President of the United States.webm | alt1 = | caption1 = Mike Pence takes the vice presidential oath of office, administered by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. | image2 = Donald Trump sworn in as 45th President of the United States.webm | alt2 = | caption2 = Donald Trump takes the presidential oath of office, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. }} At 11:54 a.m., Associate Justice Clarence Thomas swore in Mike Pence as the 48th vice president of the United States, with Pence's hand on his personal Bible as well as the Bible of Ronald Reagan, the politician who inspired Pence to join the Republican Party. Pence became the first vice president to be sworn in by an African-American justice of the Supreme Court.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Groppe|first=Maureen|title=5 things to know about Pence's inauguration as vice president|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/20/5-things-know-pences-inauguration-vice-president/96790350/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z114139v114139d--46--b--46--&gca-ft=243&gca-ds=sophi|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=February 14, 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260214004102/https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/20/5-things-know-pences-inauguration-vice-president/96790350/ |archive-date=February 14, 2026 |url-access=limited}}</ref> A performance of "America the Beautiful" by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square followed. At noon, Trump became the 45th president of the United States, taking the oath of office with Chief Justice John Roberts. Trump was also sworn in using two Bibles, a Bible his mother gifted him and the historic Lincoln Bible. After the swearing-in, the Marine Band performed "Hail to the Chief" and Trump received the traditional 21-gun salute in his honor.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/19/mike-pence-vice-president-swearing-in-symbolism/96782426/|title=Mike Pence's swearing-in is full of symbolism|work=USA Today|date=January 19, 2017|last=Groppe|first=Maureen|access-date=January 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122132021/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/19/mike-pence-vice-president-swearing-in-symbolism/96782426/|archive-date=January 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/inauguration-live-coverage/index.html |title=Trump inauguration: Live coverage |publisher=CNN |date=January 21, 2017 |first1=Daniella |last1=Diaz |first2=Sophie |last2=Tatum |first3=Amanda |last3=Wills |first4=Alysha |last4=Love |access-date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120235847/http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/inauguration-live-coverage/index.html |archive-date=January 20, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/expect-donald-trumps-inauguration/story?id=44737678|title=The Tick-Tock of Donald Trump's Inauguration|work=ABC News|date=January 19, 2017|last=Stracqualursi|first=Veronica|access-date=January 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121153048/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/expect-donald-trumps-inauguration/story?id=44737678|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/01/18/the-symbolism-of-trumps-two-inaugural-bible-choices-from-lincoln-to-his-mother/|title=The symbolism of Trump's two inaugural Bible choices, from Lincoln to his mother|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 18, 2017|last=Stracqualursi|first=Veronica|access-date=January 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121003555/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/01/18/the-symbolism-of-trumps-two-inaugural-bible-choices-from-lincoln-to-his-mother/|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref>

==== Inaugural address ==== {{Multiple image | align = | direction = vertical | width = 220 | image1 = President Trump's Inaugural Address.webm | image2 = President Donald Trump's First Inaugural Address - January 20, 2017.wav | footer = Donald Trump delivers his first inaugural address as president of the United States. }} President Trump then delivered his 16-minute inaugural address of 1,433 words.<ref>Sean Rossman, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/01/20/how-short-president-donald-trumps-speech/96830014/ How short was President Donald Trump's speech?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406022522/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/01/20/how-short-president-donald-trumps-speech/96830014/ |date=April 6, 2017 }}, ''USA Today'' (January 20, 2017).</ref> The speech was the shortest inaugural address since Jimmy Carter's in 1977.<ref name="Bierman">{{cite news |first=Noah |last=Bierman |url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-trailguide-updates-donald-trump-delivers-short-populist-1484934128-htmlstory.html |title=Donald Trump delivers short, populist inaugural address |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129191554/http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-trailguide-updates-donald-trump-delivers-short-populist-1484934128-htmlstory.html |archive-date=January 29, 2017 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=January 20, 2017}}</ref>

In late December 2016, Trump told visitors that he was writing the first draft of his inaugural address, citing previous inauguration speeches by John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan as inspirations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/12/28/trump-tells-visitors-hes-drafting-his-inaugural-speech-with-reagan-and-kennedy-in-mind/|title=Trump tells visitors he's drafting his inaugural speech with Reagan and Kennedy in mind|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=January 29, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122045956/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/12/28/trump-tells-visitors-hes-drafting-his-inaugural-speech-with-reagan-and-kennedy-in-mind/|archive-date=January 22, 2017}}</ref> Trump "insisted publicly that he wrote his own speech,"<ref name="Calamur">Krishnadev Calamur, [https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/trump-america-first/514037/ A Short History of 'America First'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130094648/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/trump-america-first/514037/ |date=January 30, 2017 }}, ''The Atlantic'' (January 21, 2017).</ref> although ''The Wall Street Journal'' and others reported that it had been written by Trump senior aides Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon.<ref name="Calamur"/><ref name="BenderWSJ">{{citation |title=Donald Trump Strikes Nationalistic Tone in Inaugural Speech: Historians and speechwriters call the address one of the most ominous entrances ever, reinforcing familiar campaign themes of American decline |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=January 21, 2017 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-strikes-nationalistic-tone-in-inaugural-speech-1484957527 |first=Michael C. |last=Bender |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310014741/https://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-strikes-nationalistic-tone-in-inaugural-speech-1484957527 |archive-date=March 10, 2017 }}</ref><ref>Shane Goldmacher, [https://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/trump-miller-inauguration-speech-232967 Trump taps aide Stephen Miller to write inaugural address] , ''Politico'' (December 26, 2016).</ref><ref>{{citation|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/315464-bannon-miller-wrote-trumps-inauguration-address-report/|title=Miller and Bannon wrote Trump inaugural address: report|first=Max|last=Greenwood|work=The Hill |date=January 21, 2017|access-date=January 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126193550/http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/315464-bannon-miller-wrote-trumps-inauguration-address-report|archive-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref>

The speech struck a tone that was both nationalist and populist,<ref name="Bierman" /><ref name="BenderWSJ" /> with suggestions of absolutism<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Marietta|first1=Morgan|last2=Farley|first2=Tyler|last3=Cote|first3=Tyler|last4=Murphy|first4=Paul|date=July 2017|title=The Rhetorical Psychology of Trumpism: Threat, Absolutism, and the Absolutist Threat|url=https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/for.2017.15.issue-2/for-2017-0019/for-2017-0019.xml|journal=The Forum|volume=15|issue=2|pages=319|doi=10.1515/for-2017-0019|s2cid=148986197|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223055755/https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/for.2017.15.issue-2/for-2017-0019/for-2017-0019.xml|archive-date=February 23, 2018|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> and distrust of democracy.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ivie|first=Robert L.|date=June 2017|title=Rhetorical Aftershocks of Trump's Ascendency: Salvation by Demolition and Deal Making|url=http://cejsh.icm.edu.pl/cejsh/element/bwmeta1.element.desklight-11ca5677-0d3b-44b3-bd27-9d2f9abe11de|journal=Res Rhetorica|issue=2|pages=67|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051329/http://cejsh.icm.edu.pl/cejsh/element/bwmeta1.element.desklight-11ca5677-0d3b-44b3-bd27-9d2f9abe11de|archive-date=February 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Los Angeles Times'' described the address as "a truncated version of Trump's campaign rally addresses, absent specific policy and big on a sense of anger at what he defined as a ruling class that has raided America for its own benefit."<ref name="Bierman"/> Historians and speechwriters termed the inaugural address as "one of the most ominous" in U.S. history,<ref name="BenderWSJ"/> striking an unusually dark and bleak note.<ref name="Page">{{Cite web |last=Page |first=Susan |date=20 January 2017 |title=Analysis: Trump's short, dark and defiant inaugural address |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/20/donald-trump-president-inauguration-speech-analysis-defiant-address-and-political-revolt/96836152/ |access-date= |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>Thomas Leeper, [http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2017/01/23/president-trumps-inaugural-address-experts-reactions/#One Remarkably pessimistic, remarkably despondent] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201141331/http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2017/01/23/president-trumps-inaugural-address-experts-reactions/ |date=February 1, 2017 }}, in ''President Trump's inaugural address: Expert reactions'', London School of Economics and Political Science (January 23, 2017).</ref><ref name="Graham">David A. Graham, [https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/trump-inaugural-speech-analysis/513956/ 'America First': Donald Trump's Populist Inaugural Address] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121003122/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/trump-inaugural-speech-analysis/513956/ |date=January 21, 2017 }}, ''The Atlantic'' (January 20, 2017): "President Donald Trump took office on Friday with an inaugural address that was striking for both its bleakness and its fiery, populist promises for a better future."</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Altman|first1=Alex|last2=Miller|first2=Zeke J.|title=The Same Trump From the Campaign Spoke at Inauguration|url=http://time.com/4641313/trump-inauguration-speech-analysis/|magazine=Time|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403020158/http://time.com/4641313/trump-inauguration-speech-analysis/|archive-date=April 3, 2017}} (January 20, 2017)</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ivie|first=Robert L.|date=Winter 2017|title=Trump's Unwitting Prophecy|jstor=10.14321/rhetpublaffa.20.4.0707|journal=Rhetoric and Public Affairs|volume=20|issue=4|pages=707–718|doi=10.14321/rhetpublaffa.20.4.0707|s2cid=158881745}}</ref>

Trump pledged to end what he referred to as "American carnage,"<ref>{{citation |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/3194820/donald-trump-inauguration-speech-and-transcript/ |title=Donald Trump's full inauguration speech and transcript |publisher=Global News |date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 28, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128155656/http://globalnews.ca/news/3194820/donald-trump-inauguration-speech-and-transcript/ |archive-date=January 28, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="WaPo">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-to-be-sworn-in-marking-a-transformative-shift-in-the-countrys-leadership/2017/01/20/954b9cac-de7d-11e6-ad42-f3375f271c9c_story.html|title=Donald Trump is sworn in as president, vows to end 'American carnage'|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=January 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122040205/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-to-be-sworn-in-marking-a-transformative-shift-in-the-countrys-leadership/2017/01/20/954b9cac-de7d-11e6-ad42-f3375f271c9c_story.html|archive-date=January 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2017/01/american-carnage|title=Donald Trump becomes America's 45th president|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2017|newspaper=The Economist|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121235051/http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2017/01/american-carnage|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref> depicting the United States in a dystopian light—as a "land of abandoned factories, economic angst, rising crime"—while pledging "a new era in American politics."<ref name="Page"/><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Torpey|first=John|date=December 2017|title=The End of the World as We Know It?: American Exceptionalism in an Age of Disruption|journal=Sociological Forum|volume=32|issue=4|pages=701–725|doi=10.1111/socf.12372}}</ref> [[File:Obama hands over presidency to Trump at 58th Presidential Inauguration 170120-D-NA975-0960.jpg|thumb|Barack Obama with Donald Trump on Inauguration Day. Joe Biden stands behind Trump.|alt=]]

Fact-checking organizations, such as FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and ''The Washington Post''{{'}}s Fact Checker claimed that Trump's portrayal of the United States in decline "did not always match reality."<ref name="FactCheck">Eugene Kiely, Lori Robertson & Robert Farley, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/20/fact-check-president-trump-inaugural-address/96836370/ Fact check: President Trump's inaugural address] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515185857/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/20/fact-check-president-trump-inaugural-address/96836370/ |date=May 15, 2017 }}, FactCheck.org, Annenberg Public Policy Center (January 20, 2017) (republished by ''USA Today'').</ref><ref name="PolitiFact">[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2017/jan/20/donald-trumps-inaugural-address-fact-checked/ Fact-checking Donald Trump's inaugural address] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128071705/http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2017/jan/20/donald-trumps-inaugural-address-fact-checked/ |date=January 28, 2017 }}, ''PolitiFact'' (January 20, 2017).</ref><ref name="Kessler">Glenn Kessler & Michelle Ye Hee Lee, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/01/20/fact-checking-president-trumps-inaugural-address/ Fact-checking President Trump's inaugural address] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131015121/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/01/20/fact-checking-president-trumps-inaugural-address/ |date=January 31, 2017 }}, ''The Washington Post'' (January 20, 2016).</ref> The fact-checking organizations noted, among other things, that the U.S. violent crime rate was far below its 1991 peak; that the U.S. economy had gained jobs for 75 consecutive months and that unemployment was significantly below its historical average; and participation in U.S. welfare programs had declined.<ref name="FactCheck"/><ref name="PolitiFact"/><ref name="Kessler"/>

In the speech, Trump repeated his campaign-trail "America First" slogan in reference to economic<ref name="WaPo"/><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Fidler|first=David P.|date=March 2017|title=President Trump, Trade Policy, and American Grand Strategy: From Common Advantage to Collective Carnage|url=http://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/aihlp12&i=4|journal=Asian Journal of WTO & International Health Law and Policy|volume=12|issue=1|pages=3–14|via=HeinOnline|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017043032/https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals%2Faihlp12&i=4|archive-date=October 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and foreign policy issues.<ref>Michael Crowley, [https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/2017-trump-inauguration-foreign-policy-reaction-233924 Foreign policy experts fret over Trump's America First approach] , ''Politico'' (January 20, 2017).</ref> Trump's use of the phrase was controversial because of the slogan's association with U.S. isolationists who had opposed American entry in World War II.<ref name="Graham"/><ref name="WaPo"/> Trump's decision "not to make a strong case for the role of American power in shaping the outside world was a departure from the inaugural addresses of recent Republican presidents from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush," and represented "a sharp break with the internationalist vision of nearly every U.S. president of the past 100 years that troubled veteran foreign policy experts."<ref name="CrowleyAmericaFirst">Michael Crowley, [https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/2017-trump-inauguration-foreign-policy-reaction-233924 Foreign policy experts fret over Trump's America First approach] , ''Politico'' (January 20, 2017).</ref> Nevertheless, Trump's themes on foreign policy appealed "to many Americans as well as to critics of Washington's bipartisan foreign policy establishment."<ref name="CrowleyAmericaFirst"/>

==== Benedictions ==== Three religious leaders delivered benedictions following Trump's speech, bringing the total number of prayers during the ceremony to six, a record number. Reverend Franklin Graham; Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York; Reverend Dr. Samuel Rodriguez; Pastor Paula White; Rabbi Marvin Hier; and Bishop Wayne T. Jackson gave the benedictions.<ref name="auto" /> Jackie Evancho concluded the ceremony with a performance of the U.S. national anthem.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/inauguration/7662486/jackie-evancho-national-anthem-performance-donald-trump-inauguration-video|title=Watch Jackie Evancho Deliver the National Anthem at Donald Trump's Inauguration|magazine=Billboard|date=January 20, 2016|access-date=January 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121101923/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/inauguration/7662486/jackie-evancho-national-anthem-performance-donald-trump-inauguration-video|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref>

=== Post-ceremony events === After the inaugural ceremony, President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence escorted former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama to a departure ceremony on the east side of the U.S. Capitol. The Trumps exchanged remarks and bid farewell to the Obamas at the base of the helicopter that would transport them to Joint Base Andrews, and then returned to the steps of the Capitol building where they waved as the Obamas' helicopter took off. Meanwhile, the Bidens took a limousine to Union Station where they boarded a train for Wilmington, Delaware.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fishman|first=Margie|date=January 20, 2017|title=Joe Biden leaves D.C. on -- what else? -- Amtrak|work=The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal|url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/20/biden-returns-delaware-amtrak-inauguration/96840088/|access-date=June 26, 2021}}</ref> Before the luncheon and in keeping with tradition, President Trump signed his first presidential orders in the President's Room at the Capitol,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2017/live-updates/politics/live-coverage-of-trumps-inauguration/trump-signs-documents-to-formalize-his-new-role/ |title=Trump signs documents to formalize his new role |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Hedgpeth, Dana |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120205105/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2017/live-updates/politics/live-coverage-of-trumps-inauguration/trump-signs-documents-to-formalize-his-new-role/ |archive-date=January 20, 2017 }}</ref> and then signed the guest book for the luncheon.

left|thumb|President and Mrs. Trump bidding farewell to former president and Mrs. Obama on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol Next, Trump signed orders to officially present the nominations for his Cabinet and several sub‑Cabinet officials to the Senate for confirmation.<ref name="signing">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/donald-trump-first-law-actions/ |title=President Donald Trump signs first bill into law |author=Kopan, Tal |work=CNN|access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123063737/http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/donald-trump-first-law-actions |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref> His first bill that he signed into law was a waiver of the National Security Act of 1947 granted to him that allowed the nomination of retired general James Mattis to be nominated for the position of United States secretary of defense.<ref name="dlamothe1">{{cite news|last1=Lamothe|first1=Dan|title=Trump has chosen retired Marine Gen. James Mattis for secretary of defense|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-has-chosen-retired-marine-gen-james-mattis-for-secretary-of-defense/2016/12/01/6c6b3b74-aff9-11e6-be1c-8cec35b1ad25_story.html|access-date=December 1, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 1, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201214008/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-has-chosen-retired-marine-gen-james-mattis-for-secretary-of-defense/2016/12/01/6c6b3b74-aff9-11e6-be1c-8cec35b1ad25_story.html|archive-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref> The National Security Act of 1947 requires a seven-year waiting period before retired military personnel can assume the role of Secretary of Defense.<ref name="dlamothe1" /> Mattis became only the second secretary of defense to receive such a waiver, following George Marshall, who served under President Harry S. Truman.<ref name="dlamothe1" /> Following in tradition, Trump used various commemorative pens to sign the Cabinet nominations, and distributed them among the lawmakers and guests that had gathered. The pens are traditionally given as a gift to politicians or individuals touched by the action, or were instrumental in its implementation.<ref name="signing" />

Trump also signed a proclamation declaring his inauguration a National Day of Patriotic Devotion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/what-does-trumps-day-of-patriotic-devotion-really-mean/514196/|title=What Does Trump's 'Day of Patriotic Devotion' Really Mean?|first=Andrew|last=McGill|work=The Atlantic|publisher=Atlantic Media|date=January 23, 2017|access-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207113125/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/what-does-trumps-day-of-patriotic-devotion-really-mean/514196/|archive-date=February 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/23/trump-declares-national-day-of-patriotic-devotionbut-you-already-missed-it.html|title=Trump declares National Day of Patriotic Devotion...but you already missed it|first=Christine|last=Wang|work=CNBC|publisher=NBCUniversal|location=Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey|date=January 23, 2017|access-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206024918/http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/23/trump-declares-national-day-of-patriotic-devotionbut-you-already-missed-it.html|archive-date=February 6, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/24/2017-01798/national-day-of-patriotic-devotion|title=National Day of Patriotic Devotion, 2017 Proclamation|work=Federal Register|publisher=National Archives and Records Administration|location=Washington, D.C.|language=en|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202031259/https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/24/2017-01798/national-day-of-patriotic-devotion|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> In this he followed Barack Obama, who declared his a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2017/01/23/trump-names-his-inauguration-day-a-national-day-of-patriotic-devotion/|title=Trump names his Inauguration Day a 'National Day of Patriotic Devotion'|first=Amy|last=Phillip|newspaper=The Washington Post|location=Washington, D.C.|date=January 23, 2017|access-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208061646/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2017/01/23/trump-names-his-inauguration-day-a-national-day-of-patriotic-devotion/|archive-date=February 8, 2017}}</ref> and previous declarations of periods of patriotism by such former presidents as Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.<ref name="timesign">{{cite magazine |url=http://time.com/4641112/trump-patriotism-day-history/ |title=Donald Trump's National Celebration of Patriotism Won't Be the First |magazine=Time |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Rothman, Lily |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123061525/http://time.com/4641112/trump-patriotism-day-history/ |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref>

Trump was accompanied at the signing ceremony by his wife, and children, and several of his grandchildren, as well as the chairs of the Joint Congressional Inauguration Committee, including senators Roy Blunt, Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer, and Congressional leaders Paul Ryan, Kevin McCarthy and Nancy Pelosi.<ref name="timesign" /> During the ceremony, the lawmakers joked with President Trump, he handed pens to participants (e.g. Elaine Chao's nomination pen to Nancy Pelosi, Trump stating, because "they were both women") and then traded pens in an offer to give, not as an ask to receive (Nancy Pelosi gave Elaine Chao's nomination pen to Chao's husband, Mitch McConnell).<ref name="timesign" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UXYMPTdC40|title=Donald Trump inauguration day|last=Guardian Wires|date=January 21, 2017|access-date=February 2, 2017|via=YouTube|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202150430/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UXYMPTdC40|archive-date=February 2, 2017}} (Press Pool feed)</ref> The Trumps and Pences then attended an inaugural luncheon at the U.S. Capitol before traveling from there to the presidential reviewing stand at the White House to watch the parade.<ref name="menu" /><ref name="parade" /> thumb|President Trump signing his first official orders as president, including nominating his Cabinet

=== Luncheon === The Trumps and Pences joined several congressional guests for the inaugural luncheon in National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. Guests included top Washington lawmakers as well as former presidents and vice presidents. During his formal address at the lunch, Trump asked those in attendance to give Hillary Clinton, one of his opponents during the 2016 election, a standing ovation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rollcall.com/news/hoh/statuary-lunch-hall-model-make-nice-decorum|title=Statuary Lunch Hall a Model of Make-Nice Decorum|work=Roll Call|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=January 21, 2017|first=John T.|last=Bennett|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129015838/http://www.rollcall.com/news/hoh/statuary-lunch-hall-model-make-nice-decorum|archive-date=January 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://qz.com/888791/trump-and-pence-are-receiving-official-inauguration-gifts-from-the-american-people/|title=Trump and Pence are receiving official inauguration gifts from 'the American people'|work=Quartz|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=January 21, 2017|first=Zameena|last=Mejia|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130071529/https://qz.com/888791/trump-and-pence-are-receiving-official-inauguration-gifts-from-the-american-people/|archive-date=January 30, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/2017-trump-inauguration-clintons-233929|title=Hillary Clinton gets standing ovation at Trump luncheon|work=Politico|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=January 21, 2017|first=Louis|last=Nelson|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120232722/http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/2017-trump-inauguration-clintons-233929|archive-date=January 20, 2017}}</ref>

A luncheon at the U.S. Capitol has been part of the inaugural program since 1953 (before that time, the luncheon was usually held at the White House and hosted by the outgoing president and first lady). The menu for the 2017 inaugural luncheon, which in the past has often featured dishes representative of the home states of the new president and vice president, included more traditional dishes from around the country.<ref name="menu">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/17/politics/trump-inaugural-lunch-menu/ |title=Here's Donald Trump's inaugural lunch menu |work=CNN|access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 17, 2017 |author=Mueller, Eleanor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121114047/http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/17/politics/trump-inaugural-lunch-menu/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }}</ref> The first course consisted of Maine lobster and Gulf shrimp with saffron sauce and peanut crumble, accompanied by a J. Lohr 2013 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay.<ref name="menu" /> The second dish contained Seven Hills Angus beef in dark chocolate and juniper jus with potato gratin, served with a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and dessert included a chocolate soufflé and cherry vanilla ice cream with Korbel California champagne.<ref name="menu" /> Since 1985, a painting has served as a backdrop for the head table. For the 2017 inaugural luncheon, the featured painting was George Caleb Bingham's ''The Verdict of the People'', which depicts a Missouri town and its citizens both celebrating and mourning the election victory of what historians say was a likely proslavery candidate.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/donald-trump-will-eat-his-inaugural-lunch-in-front-of-an-image-of-slavery/2017/01/13/961a31e0-d76e-11e6-b8b2-cb5164beba6b_story.html |title=The controversy behind the painting that will hang at Trump's inaugural luncheon |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 13, 2017 |author=Kennicott, Philip |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122160543/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/donald-trump-will-eat-his-inaugural-lunch-in-front-of-an-image-of-slavery/2017/01/13/961a31e0-d76e-11e6-b8b2-cb5164beba6b_story.html |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref>

=== Parade === thumb|President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walking the parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue

Following the luncheon, Trump, Pence, and their wives reviewed an honor guard of troops at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol before beginning the parade.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.c-span.org/video/?422295-1/president-trump-reviews-troops-east-front-capitol |title=Presidential Review of Honor Guard |publisher=C-SPAN |date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202020708/https://www.c-span.org/video/?422295-1%2Fpresident-trump-reviews-troops-east-front-capitol |archive-date=February 2, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Heiman |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2017/01/20/cusp-trump-presidency/MR7Dg8uMaodt5AZ54rGadJ/story.html |title=Photo: Trump, with first lady Melania, Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen review troops on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol |work=The Boston Globe |agency=Getty Images |date=January 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126072402/http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2017/01/20/cusp-trump-presidency/MR7Dg8uMaodt5AZ54rGadJ/story.html |archive-date=January 26, 2017 }}</ref> The inaugural parade route ran along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW from the U.S. Capitol, ending at the north face of the White House.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/InaugParade.htm |title=Inaugural Parade 2017 |publisher=About.com |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Cooper, Rachel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126111026/http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/InaugParade.htm |archive-date=January 26, 2017 }}</ref> During most of the parade, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump traveled in the armored limousine used by the president because of potential security threats. The president and first lady exited their limousine twice, walking on Pennsylvania Avenue for portions of the parade,<ref name="parade">{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/donald-trump-inauguration |title=Trump Hops Out of Car a Second Time -- But Not in Front of His Hotel |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Paletta, Damian |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123015101/http://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/donald-trump-inauguration |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmQew6CSrU8|title=President Donald Trump walks parade route on Inauguration Day 2017|last=PBS NewsHour|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=February 2, 2017|via=YouTube|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126190121/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmQew6CSrU8|archive-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfeGlHY32q8|title=President Donald Trump walks parade route on Inauguration Day 2017|work=CNN|date=January 24, 2017|access-date=February 2, 2017|via=YouTube|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909153808/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfeGlHY32q8|archive-date=September 9, 2017}}</ref> a longstanding custom.<ref>{{cite web |first=Christine |last=Hauser |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/us/trump-inaugural-parade-walk.html |title=The Inaugural Parade, and the Presidents Who Walked It |work=The New York Times |date=January 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123171705/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/us/trump-inaugural-parade-walk.html |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref> Vice President Pence and his wife Karen walked the parade route at several points with their children as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/20/day-one-mike-pence-americas-new-vice-president/96851000/ |title=Day 1 for Mike Pence, America's new vice president |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Cook, Tony |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909153810/http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/20/day-one-mike-pence-americas-new-vice-president/96851000/ |archive-date=September 9, 2017 }}</ref>

The parade lasted approximately two hours during the afternoon and early evening following the inaugural ceremony.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mic.com/articles/166054/how-long-will-trump-s-presidential-inauguration-last-start-end-time-for-friday-s-events |title=How long will Trump's presidential inauguration last? Start, end time for Friday's events |publisher=Mic.com |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Tilford, Julia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120104119/https://mic.com/articles/166054/how-long-will-trump-s-presidential-inauguration-last-start-end-time-for-friday-s-events |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> Parade participants included more than 8,000 people,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.politico.com/blogs/donald-trump-administration/2016/12/inauguration-parade-lineup-233064 |title=Trump's inaugural parade lineup announced |work=Politico|access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=December 30, 2016 |author=McCaskill, Nolan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125154954/http://www.politico.com/blogs/donald-trump-administration/2016/12/inauguration-parade-lineup-233064 |archive-date=January 25, 2017 }}</ref> "representing forty organizations including high school and university marching bands, equestrian corps, first responders, and veterans groups," according to the Joint Congressional Inauguration Committee.<ref name="parader">{{cite web |url=https://www.58pic2017.org/press-releases/presidential-inaugural-committee-announces-inaugural-parade-participant-lin |title=Presidential Inaugural Committee Announces Inaugural Parade Participant Lineup |publisher=Joint Congressional Inauguration Committee |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=December 30, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120045825/https://www.58pic2017.org/press-releases/presidential-inaugural-committee-announces-inaugural-parade-participant-lin |archive-date=January 20, 2017 }}</ref> Each branch of the United States military was also represented.<ref name="parader" />

Vice President Mike Pence invited several groups from Indiana to march in the parade in the Indiana section, including the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Drill Team, the Culver Military Academy, and the Columbus North High School marching band from Pence's native Columbus, Indiana.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fox59.com/2017/01/20/video-three-indiana-groups-perform-in-inaugural-parade/ |title=Three Indiana groups perform in Inaugural Parade |work=FOX59 |publisher=Fox News |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121212009/http://fox59.com/2017/01/20/video-three-indiana-groups-perform-in-inaugural-parade/ |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }}</ref> Shortly after the parade, Trump went to the Oval Office to sign his first executive orders as president, including an order to start the process of dismantling the Affordable Care Act.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-executiveorder-idUSKBN155010|title=Trump, in Oval Office, signs first order on Obamacare|work=Reuters|date=January 21, 2017|access-date=January 21, 2017|first1=Jeff|last1=Mason|first2=Roberta|last2=Rampton|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121013753/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-executiveorder-idUSKBN155010|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/trump-inauguration-five-things-to-watch-233885|title=Trump sworn in as 45th president|work=Politico|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=January 21, 2017|first1=Louis|last1=Nelson|first2=Madeline|last2=Conway|first3=Eli|last3=Stokols|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121003902/http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/trump-inauguration-five-things-to-watch-233885|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref>

=== Inaugural balls === thumb|upright|The President and First Lady at the Liberty Ball on the evening of the inauguration President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended three official inaugural balls during the evening of January 20, 2017,<ref name="auto1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/01/21/510917522/photos-trump-ends-inauguration-day-his-way-with-dances-at-3-balls|title=PHOTOS: Trump Ends Inauguration Day His Way, With Dances At 3 Balls|website=NPR|date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121232857/http://www.npr.org/2017/01/21/510917522/photos-trump-ends-inauguration-day-his-way-with-dances-at-3-balls|archive-date=January 21, 2017|last1=Doubek |first1=James }}</ref> titled "Liberty and Freedom: The Official Presidential Inaugural Balls."<ref name="edition">{{cite web |url=http://www.insideedition.com/headlines/21152-trumps-to-dance-to-frank-sinatras-my-way-at-inaugural-ball-despite-controversy |title=Trumps to Dance to Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' at Inaugural Ball Despite Controversy |work=Inside Edition |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123182120/http://www.insideedition.com/headlines/21152-trumps-to-dance-to-frank-sinatras-my-way-at-inaugural-ball-despite-controversy |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref> Donald Trump wore a classic black tuxedo, with a white button up shirt, and a black bow tie, in keeping with tradition.<ref name="us">{{cite web |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/stylish/news/see-melania-ivanka-trumps-inaugural-ball-dresses-photos-w462272 |title=All the Details on Melania Trump's Inaugural Ball Dress |work=Us Magazine |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Walano, Rose |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123182138/http://www.usmagazine.com/stylish/news/see-melania-ivanka-trumps-inaugural-ball-dresses-photos-w462272 |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref> Melania Trump wore a white, off-the-shoulder, sleeveless gown designed by French-American fashion designer Hervé Pierre.<ref name="wwd">{{cite web |author=Foley, Bridget |date=January 20, 2017 |url=http://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/melania-trump-wears-herve-pierre-to-inaugural-balls-10760356/ |title=Melania Trump Wears Hervé Pierre to Inaugural Balls |work=Women's Wear Daily |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123015456/http://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/melania-trump-wears-herve-pierre-to-inaugural-balls-10760356/ |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref> Pierre has also designed dresses for first ladies Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama, and he has been styling for Melania Trump for several years.<ref name="wwd" /> The dress featured a front slit, a ruffled accent and a thin red belt to cinch the waist.<ref name="us" />

The Liberty Ball, one of two official balls held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, was the first stop of the evening for the president and first lady. The Trumps danced to their first song, which was chosen to be "My Way" by Frank Sinatra, and was performed by Erin Boheme, an American jazz singer.<ref name="edition" /><ref name="us" /> In an attempt to allow more access to the inaugural balls, the Presidential Inauguration Committee announced that they intended to make the inaugural balls the most affordable in recent history, offering $50 tickets to either the Liberty or Freedom Balls.<ref name="ballinfo">{{cite web |url=https://www.58pic2017.org/press-releases/pic-announces-inaugural-ball-information |title=PIC Announces Inaugural Ball Information |publisher=Presidential Inauguration Committee |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 17, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119203510/https://www.58pic2017.org/press-releases/pic-announces-inaugural-ball-information |archive-date=January 19, 2017 }}</ref> The second ball that the Trumps attended was the Freedom Ball, also held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and also featured a first dance to "My Way", as with the Liberty Ball.<ref name="us" />

left|thumb|President Trump speaking at the Armed Services Ball The third ball that the president and first lady attended was the Salute To Our Armed Services Ball, which took place at the National Building Museum. The ball was by invitation only, with free tickets being provided to "active duty and reserve military, Medal of Honor recipients, wounded warriors, military families, veterans, and first responders," according to the Presidential Inauguration Committee.<ref name="ballinfo" /> At the beginning of the ball, Trump and his wife, Melania, addressed the crowd of gathered service members, and then spoke via satellite with active duty soldiers in Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.<ref name="defensegov">{{cite web |url=https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/1055973/trump-honors-service-members-at-military-ball/ |title=Trump Honors Service Members at Military Ball |author=Ferdinando, Lisa |publisher=US Department of Defense |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128053047/https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1055973/trump-honors-service-members-at-military-ball |archive-date=January 28, 2017 }}</ref> Trump thanked the active duty soldiers for the congratulations on his inauguration as Commander-in-chief.<ref name="defensegov" /> Tony Orlando and the Josh Weathers Band performed at the Armed Services Ball.<ref name="defensegov" />

It is tradition for the president and first lady, and the vice president and second lady, to dance with military service members during the Armed Services Ball. Sgt. Angel Rodriguez, who danced with Second Lady Karen Pence, drew attention for his dancing style, spinning the Second Lady, which provoked playful laughter from Tiffany and Eric Trump.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-east-chicago-marine-karen-pence-0122-chicago-inc-20170121-story.html |title=East Chicago Marine who danced at D.C. ball: I survived Chicago shooting |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 21, 2017 |author=Janssen, Kim |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123003541/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-east-chicago-marine-karen-pence-0122-chicago-inc-20170121-story.html |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref>

=== Prayer service === thumb|President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arriving at Washington National Cathedral for the national prayer service On January 21, President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence gathered at the Washington National Cathedral for a national day of prayer,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/21/politics/trump-presidency-day-two/ |title=On Day Two, Trump prayed, met the CIA and attacked the press |author=Collinson, Stephen |work=CNN|date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123143712/http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/21/politics/trump-presidency-day-two |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref> a tradition dating back to the first president, George Washington.<ref name="voa" /> Among the parishioners were more than two dozen religious leaders from a variety of different faiths.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-donald-trump-attend-national-prayer-service/story?id=44941276 |title=President Trump Attends Service at National Cathedral |work=ABC News |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 21, 2017 |author=Stracqualursi, Veronica |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123004011/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-donald-trump-attend-national-prayer-service/story?id=44941276 |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref> Marlana VanHoose, a 20-year-old vocalist who was born with cytomegalovirus, performed at the ceremony, singing "How Great Thou Art".<ref name="marlana">{{cite web |url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/melania-trump-leads-standing-ovation-for-blind-singer-at-national-prayer-service-173305/ |title=Melania Trump Leads Standing Ovation for Blind Singer at National Prayer Service |work=The Christian Post |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 21, 2017 |author=Showalter, Brandon |url-status=live |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20170122213704/http://www.christianpost.com/news/melania-trump-leads-standing-ovation-for-blind-singer-at-national-prayer-service-173305/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> Melania Trump was visibly emotional during the performance, and led a standing ovation for her after she finished performing.<ref name="marlana" /> The service began with call to prayer by the Reverend Rosemarie Duncan, Mikhail Manevich, a Jewish cantor, and Mohamed Magid, a Muslim imam.<ref name="voa">{{cite web |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-pence-national-prayer-service-seeking-reconciliation/3686715.html |title=Trump, Pence Attend National Prayer Service Stressing Reconciliation |publisher=VOA News |access-date=January 23, 2017 |date=January 21, 2017 |author=Diallo, Mariama |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124191328/http://www.voanews.com/a/trump-pence-national-prayer-service-seeking-reconciliation/3686715.html |archive-date=January 24, 2017 }}</ref> The clergy spoke of both compassion and diversity.<ref name="voa" />

== Crowd size ==

{| class="wikitable sortable floatright" style="text-align:right;" |+ '''Attendance at presidential inaugurations per ''Vox''<ref name="Pretty Average"/>''' |- ! Year || Attendance |- | Clinton (1993) || 800,000 |- | Clinton (1997) || 250,000 |- | G. W. Bush (2001) || 300,000 |- | G. W. Bush (2005) || 400,000 |- | Obama (2009) || 1,800,000 |- | Obama (2013) || 1,000,000 |- | Trump (2017)|| 600,000 |- |- class="sortbottom" |}

Before the event, federal and local agencies had prepared for turnout of between 700,000 and 900,000 people.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/trump-inauguration-numbers-how-many-attended-545467|title=Inauguration and Women's March, By The Numbers|work=Newsweek|date=January 21, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Kutner|first=Max|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123182234/http://europe.newsweek.com/trump-inauguration-numbers-how-many-attended-545467?rm=eu|archive-date=January 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Trump-Inauguration-Crowd-Estimates-410559995.html|title=How Many People Will Attend Trump's Inauguration? Why to Take Turnout Estimates With a Grain of Salt|publisher=NBC|date=January 13, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Swalec|first=Andrea|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122115004/http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Trump-Inauguration-Crowd-Estimates-410559995.html|archive-date=January 22, 2017}}</ref> Trump predicted that there would be "an unbelievable, perhaps record-setting turnout" at his inauguration.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ben|last=Nukols|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213034009/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/7afad98b7d78423cbb5140fe810e3480/when-it-comes-inaugural-crowds-does-size-matter|archive-date=February 13, 2017|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/7afad98b7d78423cbb5140fe810e3480/when-it-comes-inaugural-crowds-does-size-matter|title=Inaugural crowds sure to be huge _ but how huge?|access-date=March 16, 2017|date=January 18, 2017|work=The Big Story|publisher=Associated Press}}</ref>

The National Park Service does not publish crowd estimates about events at the National Mall.<ref>(1) {{cite web|first=Ben|last=Nukols|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213034009/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/7afad98b7d78423cbb5140fe810e3480/when-it-comes-inaugural-crowds-does-size-matter|archive-date=February 13, 2017|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/7afad98b7d78423cbb5140fe810e3480/when-it-comes-inaugural-crowds-does-size-matter|title=Inaugural crowds sure to be huge _ but how huge?|access-date=March 16, 2017|date=January 18, 2017|work=The Big Story|publisher=Associated Press|quote=The agency still estimates crowd size for its own planning purposes, but does not publicly reveal the figures. "No matter what we said or did, no one ever felt we gave a fair estimate," U.S. Park Police Maj. J.J. McLaughlin, who had been in charge of coordinating crowd estimates, said in 1996 when the agency confirmed it would no longer count heads.}} (2) {{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Leef|last2=Melillo|first2=Wendy|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1996/10/13/if-its-crowd-size-you-want-park-service-says-count-it-out/0ec7dcf4-3206-48ee-b062-1459e4ddc28c/|title=If It's Crowd Size You Want, Park Service Says Count It Out; Congress Told Agency to Stop, Official Says|newspaper=The Washington Post|page=A.34|date=October 13, 1996|access-date=March 16, 2017}}</ref> Overhead imagery<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=Matt |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/inauguration-crowd-size/514058/ |title=Trump's Press Secretary Falsely Claims: 'Largest Audience Ever to Witness an Inauguration, Period' |work=The Atlantic |date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122211540/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/inauguration-crowd-size/514058/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> and statistics on public transportation ridership from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which operates Metrorail, are therefore used to estimate crowd sizes.<ref>{{cite news |first=Betsy |last=Klein |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/donald-trump-barack-obama-inauguration-crowd-size/ |title=Comparing Donald Trump and Barack Obama's inaugural crowd sizes |work=CNN |date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129033806/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/donald-trump-barack-obama-inauguration-crowd-size/ |archive-date=January 29, 2017 }}</ref>

The WMATA reported that 193,000 passengers rode the Metro before 11 a.m. on the day of Trump's inauguration, and 570,557 passengers during the entire day, noting that it was lower than the average weekday ridership of 639,000 passengers.<ref name="wp-metro">{{cite news|last1=Lazo|first1=Luz|title=Metro Inauguration Day trips top 500,000, but still lowest since 2005|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2017/01/21/metro-inauguration-day-trips-top-500000-but-still-lowest-since-2005/|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=January 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122001936/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2017/01/21/metro-inauguration-day-trips-top-500000-but-still-lowest-since-2005/|archive-date=January 22, 2017}}</ref> ''USA Today'' reported on a "notable number" of empty seats along the parade route.<ref>{{cite web|first=William|last=Cummings|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/01/20/inaugural-parade-crowd-size/96855252/|title=There were a lot of empty seats in the stands along Trump's parade route|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=January 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122004127/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/01/20/inaugural-parade-crowd-size/96855252/|archive-date=January 22, 2017}}</ref> thumb|Inauguration of Donald Trump

Crowd counting experts cited by ''The New York Times'' estimated that about 160,000 people were in the National Mall areas in the hour leading up to Trump's speech.<ref name="nyt average">{{cite news|last1=Wallace|first1=Tim|last2=Parlapiano|first2=Alicia|title=Crowd Scientists Say Women's March in Washington Had 3 Times More People Than Trump's Inauguration|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/22/us/politics/womens-march-trump-crowd-estimates.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|work=The New York Times|date=January 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313210125/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/22/us/politics/womens-march-trump-crowd-estimates.html|archive-date=March 13, 2017}}</ref> Crowd science professor Keith Still estimated the total attendance at 300,000 to 600,000 people, or one-third the estimated 1.1 million to 1.8 million people that attended Obama's 2009 inauguration<ref name="Pretty Average"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Meyer|first=Robinson|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/01/how-will-we-know-trumps-inaugural-crowd-size/513938/|title=How Will We Know Trump's Inaugural Crowd Size?|work=The Atlantic|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=July 13, 2017|quote=This is how the estimate for the 2009 inauguration was reached. Stephen Doig, a professor at Arizona State University, consulted a satellite image released by the company DigitalGlobe and concluded that about 1.1 million people had watched the ceremonies from the National Mall. But the D.C. government, working off the same satellite image and the reports of federal and municipals employees, arrived at a much larger figure: 1.8 million.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224152138/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/01/how-will-we-know-trumps-inaugural-crowd-size/513938/|archive-date=February 24, 2017}}</ref><ref name="telegraph-crowd">{{cite news|last1=Millward|first1=David|title=Trump inauguration turnout dwarfed by Obama in 2009|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/20/trump-inauguration-turnout-dwarfed-obama-2009/|website=The Daily Telegraph|date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122055227/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/20/trump-inauguration-turnout-dwarfed-obama-2009/|archive-date=January 22, 2017}}</ref> – which set a record for the total number of people in the National Mall at any one given time,<ref name="Ranked">{{cite news | last1=Gillin | first1=John | title=Inaugural Crowd Sizes Ranked | url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2017/jan/20/inaugural-crowd-sizes-ranked/ | date=January 20, 2017 | work=PolitiFact.com | access-date=January 21, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122002158/http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2017/jan/20/inaugural-crowd-sizes-ranked/ | archive-date=January 22, 2017}}</ref> and which marked the inauguration of the nation's first African American president.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/photos-president-trumps-inauguration-crowd-vs-president-obamas/ |title=President Trump's inauguration crowd was smaller than Obama's |work=CBS News |author=Adams, Cydney |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122121143/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/photos-president-trumps-inauguration-crowd-vs-president-obamas/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-inauguration-attendance_us_588238c7e4b070d8cad20a0d |title=The National Mall Looked Relatively Empty For Donald Trump's Inauguration |work=HuffPost |access-date=January 22, 2017 |date=January 20, 2017 |author=Reilly, Mollie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122124037/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-inauguration-attendance_us_588238c7e4b070d8cad20a0d |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> CNN provided a gigapixel panorama of the area.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gigapixel: The inauguration of Donald Trump|url=https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2017/01/politics/trump-inauguration-gigapixel/|website=CNN|access-date=March 22, 2017|date=January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316034623/http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2017/01/politics/trump-inauguration-gigapixel/|archive-date=March 16, 2017}}</ref>

=== Administration response === [[File:Sean Spicer White House statement crowd size 2017-01-21.webm|thumb|thumbtime=34|White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer giving Trump administration's statement on crowd size in his January 21 press conference (extract)]] In a press conference on January 21, Sean Spicer, Trump's White House press secretary, stated that the crowd "was the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe", and accused the media of reporting false crowd estimates to "lessen the enthusiasm of the inauguration".<ref name="nyt-crowd">{{cite web |first1=Julie |last1=Hirschfeld Davis |first2=Matthew |last2=Rosenberg |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/21/us/politics/trump-white-house-briefing-inauguration-crowd-size.html |title=With False Claims, Trump Attacks Media on Turnout and Intelligence Rift |work=The New York Times |date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314181933/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/21/us/politics/trump-white-house-briefing-inauguration-crowd-size.html |archive-date=March 14, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Chiacu |first1=Doina |last2=Lange |first2=Jason |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-priebus-idUSKBN1560RM |title=White House vows to fight media 'tooth and nail' over Trump coverage |work=Reuters |date=November 22, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122145857/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-priebus-idUSKBN1560RM |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="tpm-spicer">{{cite web|last1=Thompson|first1=Catherine|title=Spicer Assails Media For 'Misrepresenting' Inauguration Crow|url=http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/sean-spicer-assails-media-inauguration-crowd-size|website=Talking Points Memo|date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123075209/http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/sean-spicer-assails-media-inauguration-crowd-size|archive-date=January 23, 2017}}</ref> Spicer also stated that 420,000 people rode the Metro on the day of Trump's inauguration, and that only 317,000 rode on the day of Obama's.<ref name="nyt-crowd" /><ref name="tpm-spicer" /> In fact, 570,557 Metro trips were taken on the day of Trump's inauguration, compared to 1.1 million on Obama's 2009 inauguration day and 782,000 on Obama's 2013 inauguration day.<ref name="fortunetransit">{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=David |url=https://fortune.com/2017/01/22/dc-transit-statistics-inauguration/ |title=D.C. Transit Stats Show Weak Demand During Trump Inauguration |work=Fortune |date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122201524/http://fortune.com/2017/01/22/dc-transit-statistics-inauguration/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> Ridership at 11 a.m. was 193,000, 513,000 and 317,000 respectively.<ref name="fortunetransit" />

Numerous sources highlighted the fact that Spicer's statements were incorrect, and many accused him of intentionally misstating the figures.<ref name="nyt-crowd" /><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/01/sean-spicer-inauguration-statement-lies |title=Trump Spokesman Sean Spicer's Lecture on Media Accuracy Is Peppered With Lies |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122055956/http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/01/sean-spicer-inauguration-statement-lies |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kessler |first=Glenn |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/01/22/spicer-earns-four-pinocchios-for-a-series-of-false-claims-on-inauguration-crowd-size/ |title=Spicer earns Four Pinocchios for false claims on inauguration crowd size |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=January 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122170413/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/01/22/spicer-earns-four-pinocchios-for-a-series-of-false-claims-on-inauguration-crowd-size/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> In response, Donald Trump's counselor and spokesperson, Kellyanne Conway, in an interview with NBC's Chuck Todd, stated that Spicer merely presented "alternative facts".<ref>{{cite web |last=Jaffe |first=Alexandra |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/wh-spokesman-gave-alternative-facts-inauguration-crowd-n710466 |title=Kellyanne Conway: WH Spokesman Gave 'Alternative Facts' on Inauguration Crowd |work=NBC News |access-date=January 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122161236/http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/wh-spokesman-gave-alternative-facts-inauguration-crowd-n710466 |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> Todd responded by saying "alternative facts are not facts. They're falsehoods."<ref>{{cite web |last=Blake |first=Aaron |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/01/22/kellyanne-conway-says-donald-trumps-team-has-alternate-facts-which-pretty-much-says-it-all/ |title=Kellyanne Conway says Donald Trump's team has 'alternative facts.' Which pretty much says it all. |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202053741/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/01/22/kellyanne-conway-says-donald-trumps-team-has-alternate-facts-which-pretty-much-says-it-all/ |archive-date=February 2, 2017 }}</ref>

On January 23, Spicer admitted his error concerning WMATA ridership levels, stating that he was relying on statistics given to him, but he stood by his claim that the inauguration was the most-viewed, stating he also included online viewership in addition to in-person and television in his estimates.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Grynbaum | first1=Michael M. | title=Sean Spicer, Trump's Press Secretary, Reboots His Relationship With the Press | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/23/business/media/sean-spicer-trump-press-secretary.html | date=January 23, 2017 | work=The New York Times | access-date=January 24, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124080831/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/23/business/media/sean-spicer-trump-press-secretary.html | archive-date=January 24, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Berger | first1=Judson | title=Spicer Changes Up Format at WH Briefings, Moves to Hit Reset with Press | url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/spicer-changes-up-format-at-wh-briefings-moves-to-hit-reset-with-press | date=January 23, 2017 | publisher=Fox News Channel | access-date=January 24, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124004825/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/23/spicer-changes-up-format-at-wh-briefings-moves-to-hit-reset-with-press.html | archive-date=January 24, 2017}}</ref> Spicer's claim of the largest audience ever was still shown inaccurate as Nielsen reported 30.6 million viewers across 12 networks while Obama had 37.8 million and Ronald Reagan 41.8 million.<ref name="Tampa Bay Times">{{cite web|last1=Qiu|first1=Linda|title=Donald Trump had biggest inaugural crowd ever? Metrics don't show it|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2017/jan/21/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/ |website=PolitiFact|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=February 7, 2017 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205200625/http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2017/jan/21/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/|archive-date=February 5, 2017}}</ref> As for online viewership, Spicer himself cited a figure of 16.9 million livestreams provided by CNN. However, CNN served nearly 27 million streams in 2009 for Obama's inauguration.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sutter |first1=John |title=Online inauguration videos set records |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/21/inauguration.online.video/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170123214733/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/21/inauguration.online.video/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 23, 2017 |website=CNN|access-date=June 27, 2021}}</ref> CNN reported in 2009 that 7.7 million people watched the inauguration online, while nearly 27 million watched streaming video of any sort on CNN's website on that day.<ref name="CNN 2009">{{cite web|title=Online inauguration videos set records|url=https://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/21/inauguration.online.video/|publisher=CNN|first=John D.|last=Sutter|date=January 21, 2009|access-date=March 23, 2020|archive-date=March 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323062031/https://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/21/inauguration.online.video/|url-status=live}}</ref> NBC's livestream on YouTube of Trump's inauguration in 2017 accumulated over 8 million views within a day.<ref name="NBC YT1">{{cite news|title=The 58th Presidential Inauguration of Donald J. Trump - LIVE Friday, January 20, 2017 {{pipe}} NBC News|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prd2RfhF1tM|date=January 20, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170120083821/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prd2RfhF1tM|archive-date = January 20, 2017}}</ref><ref name="NBC YT2">{{cite news|title=The 58th Presidential Inauguration of Donald J. Trump (Full Video) {{pipe}} NBC News |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prd2RfhF1tM|date=January 21, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170121084559/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prd2RfhF1tM|archive-date = January 21, 2017}}</ref>

The incoming administration briefly shut down the Interior Department's Twitter accounts.<ref name="ReinTwitter" /> The National Park Service's official Twitter account had re-tweeted two Tweets on "omissions on policy areas" on the White House website and Trump's and Obama's crowd sizes.<ref name="ReinTwitter">{{cite news |first=Lisa |last=Rein |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/01/20/interior-department-banned-from-twitter-after-retweet-of-smaller-than-usual-trump-inauguration-crowd/ |title=Interior Department reactivates Twitter accounts after shutdown following inauguration |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123052729/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/01/20/interior-department-banned-from-twitter-after-retweet-of-smaller-than-usual-trump-inauguration-crowd/ |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref> An NPS spokesman issued an apology for "mistaken RTs".<ref name="ReinTwitter" />

On the morning following the inauguration, Trump telephoned acting National Park Service director Michael T. Reynolds and personally directed him to produce additional aerial photographs of the Inauguration Day crowds.<ref name="TumultyEilperin">Karen Tumulty & Juliet Eilperin, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-pressured-park-service-to-back-up-his-claims-about-inauguration-crowd/2017/01/26/12a38cb8-e3fc-11e6-ba11-63c4b4fb5a63_story.html Trump pressured Park Service to find proof for his claims about inauguration crowd] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131020024/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-pressured-park-service-to-back-up-his-claims-about-inauguration-crowd/2017/01/26/12a38cb8-e3fc-11e6-ba11-63c4b4fb5a63_story.html |date=January 31, 2017 }}, ''The Washington Post'' (January 26, 2017).</ref><ref>Michael D. Shear & Maggie Haberman, [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/26/us/politics/trump-inauguration-crowd-size-park-chief.html Trump Called National Park Chief Over Twitter Post on Inaugural Crowd] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131110038/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/26/us/politics/trump-inauguration-crowd-size-park-chief.html |date=January 31, 2017 }}, ''The New York Times'' (January 26, 2017).</ref> Reynolds and the Park Service complied with the directive; the additional photos, however, "did not prove Trump's contention that the crowd size was upward of 1 million."<ref name="TumultyEilperin"/> In September 2018, documents released from a Freedom of Information Act request showed that Reynolds and the National Park Service cropped photos of the inauguration, at the direction of the President, in an attempt to make the crowd size seem larger.<ref name="guardian2" />

=== Edited photos === In September 2018, a government photographer admitted that he, at Trump's request,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/06/donald-trump-inauguration-crowd-size-photos-edited|title=Trump inauguration crowd photos were edited after he intervened|first=Jon|last=Swaine|newspaper=The Guardian |date=September 6, 2018|via=www.theguardian.com|access-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906224633/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/06/donald-trump-inauguration-crowd-size-photos-edited|archive-date=September 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> edited pictures of the inauguration to make the crowd appear larger: "The photographer cropped out empty space 'where the crowd ended' for a new set of pictures requested by Trump on the first morning of his presidency, after he was angered by images showing his audience was smaller than Barack Obama's in 2009."<ref name="guardian2">{{cite news |last1=Swaine |first1=Jon |title=Trump inauguration crowd photos were edited after he intervened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/06/donald-trump-inauguration-crowd-size-photos-edited |work=The Guardian |date=September 6, 2018 |language=en |access-date=September 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906224633/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/06/donald-trump-inauguration-crowd-size-photos-edited |archive-date=September 6, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=Gregory |title=National Park Service edited inauguration photos after Trump, Spicer calls |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/07/politics/trump-inauguration-photos/index.html |work=CNN|access-date=September 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908012915/https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/07/politics/trump-inauguration-photos/index.html |archive-date=September 8, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Protests and demonstrations == {{Further|Protests against Donald Trump#Presidential inauguration}} thumb|Protesters in Washington D.C. at Trump's inauguration thumb|Demonstration in Washington D.C. As of mid-December, there were 20 requests for demonstration permits for Trump's inauguration, including Bikers for Trump, and the Women's March on Washington, which took place the day after inauguration day.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/12/us/politics/womens-march-bikers-trump.html|title=Women's March and Bikers for Trump Claim Inaugural Demonstration Spots.|website=The New York Times|date=December 12, 2016 |access-date=December 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213190654/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/12/us/politics/womens-march-bikers-trump.html|archive-date=December 13, 2016|last1=Rogers |first1=Katie }}</ref> Supported by nearly 200 activist groups and organizations, and drawing an estimated three times as many participants as the inauguration,<ref name="nyt average" /> the Women's March demonstrated on racial and gender equality, affordable healthcare, abortion rights and voting rights.<ref>{{cite news|title=Trump inauguration boycott escalates|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38656271|publisher=BBC News|date=January 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118095753/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38656271|archive-date=January 18, 2017}}</ref>

Bikers for Trump was founded by Chris Cox in 2016. The goal of the group was to ride to Cleveland, OH on their motorcycles to assist with the Republican National Convention and rally behind Trump.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Brent |last2=Laffin |first2=Ben |date=2016-07-19 |title=Video: Donald Trump's Biker Force |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/politics/100000004538693/donald-trumps-biker-force.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Inskeep |first=Steve |date=30 May 2016 |title='Bikers For Trump' Leader Says Candidate Has 'Untied The Tongue Of America' |url=https://www.npr.org/2016/05/30/479995857/bikers-for-trump-at-rolling-thunder-rally-endorse-donald-trump |website=NPR}}</ref>

Protests occurred during the inauguration ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The vast majority of protesters, several thousand in all, were peaceful.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jana |last=Kasperkevic |url=http://wgntv.com/2017/01/21/hundreds-of-peaceful-trump-protests-overshadowed-by-violent-acts-arrests/ |title=Hundreds of peaceful Trump protests overshadowed by violent acts, arrests |publisher=WGN TV |date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123082255/http://wgntv.com/2017/01/21/hundreds-of-peaceful-trump-protests-overshadowed-by-violent-acts-arrests/ |archive-date=January 23, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="KeslinTaudeAvila">{{cite web |first1=Ben |last1=Kesling |first2=Bryton |last2=Tau |first3=Joseph |last3=de Avila |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/some-protests-in-washington-violent-ahead-of-trump-wearing-in-1484932391 |title=Inaugural Protests, Largely Peaceful, Marred by Sporadic Violence |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=January 21, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310015519/https://www.wsj.com/articles/some-protests-in-washington-violent-ahead-of-trump-wearing-in-1484932391 |archive-date=March 10, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="DwyerDomonokse">{{cite web |first1=Colin |last1=Dwyer |first2=Camila |last2=Domonokse |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/20/510770716/in-d-c-group-of-protesters-breaks-windows-police-use-pepper-spray |title=In D.C., Group Of Protesters Breaks Windows; Police Use Pepper Spray |publisher=NPR|date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122141854/http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/20/510770716/in-d-c-group-of-protesters-breaks-windows-police-use-pepper-spray |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> DisruptJ20 protesters linked arms at security checkpoints and attempted to shut them down.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Laughland |first1=Oliver |last2=Siddiqui |first2=Sabrina |last3=Gambino |first3=Lauren |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/20/inauguration-protesters-police-washington-dc |title=Inauguration protests: more than 200 demonstrators arrested in Washington |date=January 20, 2017 |work=The Guardian |access-date=January 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122084533/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/20/inauguration-protesters-police-washington-dc |archive-date=January 22, 2017 }}</ref> Some elements of the protesters were black bloc groups and self described anarchists, and engaged in sporadic acts of vandalism, rioting, and violence.<ref name="DwyerDomonokse" /><ref name="LawlerTelegraph">{{cite web | last1=Lawler | first1=David | title=Donald Trump Protests: Limo 'Set on Fire' and 217 Arrested as Police use Tear Gas on Black-Clad Activists | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/20/anti-donald-trump-activists-try-block-access-inauguration/ | date=January 21, 2017 | work=The Daily Telegraph | access-date=January 20, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120151811/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/20/anti-donald-trump-activists-try-block-access-inauguration/ | archive-date=January 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Vargas | first1=Theresa | last2=Hartz | first2=Taylor | last3=Hermann | first3=Peter | title=Inauguration Protesters Vandalize, Set Fires, Try to Disrupt Trump's Oath, as Police Arrest More than 200 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/protesters-bring-shouts-skirmishes-and-shutdowns-to-inauguration-celebration/2017/01/20/00ea4c72-df11-11e6-acdf-14da832ae861_story.html | date=January 20, 2017 | newspaper=The Washington Post | access-date=January 20, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120152803/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/protesters-bring-shouts-skirmishes-and-shutdowns-to-inauguration-celebration/2017/01/20/00ea4c72-df11-11e6-acdf-14da832ae861_story.html | archive-date=January 20, 2017}}</ref> Six police officers sustained minor injuries, and at least one other person was injured.<ref name="KeslinTaudeAvila" /><ref name="DwyerDomonokse" /><ref>{{cite web | last1=Krieg | first1=Gregory | title=Police Injured, More than 200 Arrested at Trump Inauguration Protests | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/19/politics/trump-inauguration-protests-womens-march/ | date=January 21, 2017 | publisher=CNN| access-date=January 21, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122141905/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/19/politics/trump-inauguration-protests-womens-march | archive-date=January 22, 2017}}</ref>

A total of 234 people were arrested and charged with rioting, launching controversial trials that gave rise to allegations that the government was overreaching.<ref name="AlexanderJuly2018">Keith L. Alexander, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/federal-prosecutors-abruptly-dismiss-all-remaining-inauguration-day-rioting-cases/2018/07/06/d7055ffe-7ee8-11e8-bb6b-c1cb691f1402_story.html Federal prosecutors abruptly dismiss all remaining Inauguration Day rioting cases] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706203559/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/federal-prosecutors-abruptly-dismiss-all-remaining-inauguration-day-rioting-cases/2018/07/06/d7055ffe-7ee8-11e8-bb6b-c1cb691f1402_story.html |date=July 6, 2018 }}, ''The Washington Post'' (July 6, 2018).</ref> Ultimately, 21 defendants pleaded guilty, and all other defendants were either acquitted or had charges dropped by prosecutors; the government failed to obtain a guilty verdict at any trial.<ref name="AlexanderJuly2018"/> In December 2017, the first six people to be tried in connection with the events of January 20 were acquitted by a jury of all charges.<ref name="AlexanderSilverman">Keith L. Alexander and Ellie Silverman, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/the-first-of-six-people-on-trial-in-violent-inauguration-day-protests-is-found-not-guilty/2017/12/21/6c97fd84-ded9-11e7-8679-a9728984779c_story.html Not-guilty verdicts for first six people on trial in violent Inauguration Day protests] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320170020/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/the-first-of-six-people-on-trial-in-violent-inauguration-day-protests-is-found-not-guilty/2017/12/21/6c97fd84-ded9-11e7-8679-a9728984779c_story.html |date=March 20, 2018 }}, ''The Washington Post'' (December 20, 2017).</ref> Twenty other defendants pleaded guilty and prosecutors dropped cases against 20 others.<ref name="AlexanderSilverman"/> In January 2018, prosecutors dropped charges against 129 other defendants.<ref>Emily Shugerman, [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/j20-trump-protests-latest-trial-charges-dropped-justice-department-a8167011.html J20 protests: Justice Department drops charges against 129 people involved in Trump inauguration day demonstrations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320122501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/j20-trump-protests-latest-trial-charges-dropped-justice-department-a8167011.html |date=March 20, 2018 }}, ''The Independent'' (January 18, 2018).</ref> In May 2018, prosecutors dropped charges against seven more defendants, after the court found that prosecution had intentionally made misrepresentations to the court and hidden exculpatory evidence from defendants in violation of the ''Brady'' rule,<ref>Keith L. Alexander, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/prosecutors-withdraw-inauguration-day-rioting-charges-against-7-people/2018/05/31/2dbb824c-6404-11e8-99d2-0d678ec08c2f_story.html Inauguration Day rioting charges dropped against 7 defendants] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603104911/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/prosecutors-withdraw-inauguration-day-rioting-charges-against-7-people/2018/05/31/2dbb824c-6404-11e8-99d2-0d678ec08c2f_story.html |date=June 3, 2018 }}, ''The Washington Post'' (May 31, 2018).</ref> and prosecutors also reduced charges against others.<ref>Patrick Strickland, [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/j20-trials-charges-dropped-anti-trump-defendants-180601173222390.html J20 trials: Charges dropped for more anti-Trump defendants: Decision comes after prosecution faces several setbacks in trials stemming from protest on Trump's Inauguration Day.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604011305/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/j20-trials-charges-dropped-anti-trump-defendants-180601173222390.html |date=June 4, 2018 }}, Al Jazeera (June 1, 2018).</ref> Finally, in July 2018, the government dropped charges against all remaining defendants.<ref name="AlexanderJuly2018"/>

Sixty-seven Democratic U.S. representatives declined to attend Trump's inauguration, citing "what they described as his alarming and divisive policies, foreign interference in his election and his criticism of civil rights icon John Lewis, a congressman from Georgia".<ref name=":0">{{cite news|last1=Viebeck|first1=Elise|title=More than 60 Democratic lawmakers now skipping Trump's inauguration|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/01/16/more-than-30-democratic-lawmakers-now-skipping-trumps-inauguration/|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117194734/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/01/16/more-than-30-democratic-lawmakers-now-skipping-trumps-inauguration/|archive-date=January 17, 2017}}</ref>

== DeploraBall == ''DeploraBall'' was conceived in early November 2016 by a marketing team as a brand name for various parties and events celebrating the election of Donald Trump.<ref name="opposedmedia">{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Mitch |date=December 22, 2016 |title=Excerpts from Origins: A question & answer sesh with the DeploraBall Creators and Mitch Miller from Opposed Media Co. |url=http://opposedmediablog.com/origins-a-question-answer-sesh-with-the-deploraball-creators-and-mitch-miller-from-opposed-media-co/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203152912/http://opposedmediablog.com/origins-a-question-answer-sesh-with-the-deploraball-creators-and-mitch-miller-from-opposed-media-co/ |archive-date=February 3, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2017 |website=opposedmediablog.com |publisher=Opposed Media}}</ref> Among the organizers were Jack Posobiec, Jeff Giesea, and Mike Cernovich.<ref name="Jack">{{cite news |last=Weiner |first=Rachel |date=December 15, 2016 |title=Clarendon Ballroom gets harassing calls after declining to host Trump backers' 'DeploraBall' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/clarendon-ballroom-gets-threats-after-refusing-to-host-trump-deploraball/2016/12/15/d2c956e6-3d30-4a1b-b6bc-0a4ae744325f_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gray |first1=Rosie |last2=Mac |first2=Ryan |date=11 September 2020 |title=Peter Thiel Met With The Racist Fringe As He Went All In On Trump |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/rosiegray/peter-thiel-donald-trump-white-nationalist-support |work=BuzzFeed News |language=en}}</ref> The loosely organized GOTV group MAGA3X became one of the first sponsors of a DeploraBall event,<ref name="opposedmedia" /> which MAGA3X originally announced would be held on January 19, 2017, (the night before the Trump inauguration) at the Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington, Virginia. After MAGA3X had sold over 500 tickets, the Ballroom declined to host the event, stating that no event contract had been signed and that the venue had decided not to issue a contract "due to the suspicious actions of the organizers" in selling tickets before a contract was in place; however, event organizers alleged that the Ballroom had acquiesced to pressure from Hillary Clinton supporters. The Ballroom subsequently became "overwhelmed" with harassing phone calls and threats, although Arlington County police said there were no "credible" threats.<ref name="Jack" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Carey |first1=Julie |last2=Swalec |first2=Andrea |date=December 15, 2016 |title=Nightclub Threatened After Refusing to Host 'DeploraBall' |url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Virginia-Nightclub-Threatened-After-Refusing-to-Host-Alt-Right-DeploraBall-406862255.html |access-date=January 17, 2017 |publisher=WRC-TV}}</ref>

MAGA3X then announced that the event would move to the National Press Club.<ref name="cox">{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=John Woodrow |date=December 22, 2016 |title='DeploraBall' will celebrate victory of media-bashing Trump at National Press Club |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/deploraball-will-celebrate-election-of-media-bashing-trump-at-national-press-club/2016/12/22/53958d64-c86f-11e6-8bee-54e800ef2a63_story.html |access-date=January 17, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> Following the change of venue, one of the original organizers, Tim Gionet (known online as "Baked Alaska"), was reportedly banned from the DeploraBall by Cernovich and Giesea after posting "anti-Semitic and racist comments" on Twitter, sparking an online argument with Cernovich.<ref name="Booker">{{cite news |last1=Booker |first1=Brakkton |date=January 1, 2017 |title=Alt-Right Infighting Simmers Around Inaugural 'DeploraBall' |url=https://www.npr.org/2017/01/01/507395282/alt-right-infighting-simmers-around-inaugural-deploraball |access-date=January 17, 2017 |publisher=NPR}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Harkinson |first1=Josh |date=10 March 2017 |title=Meet Silicon Valley's secretive alt-right followers |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/03/silicon-valley-tech-alt-right-racism-misogyny/ |work=Mother Jones}}</ref> White supremacist Richard Spencer was also uninvited from the event.<ref name="Booker" /><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Gray |first=Rosie |date=January 12, 2017 |title=A 'One-Stop Shop' for the Alt-Right |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/a-one-stop-shop-for-the-alt-right/512921/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117103841/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/a-one-stop-shop-for-the-alt-right/512921/ |archive-date=January 17, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2017 |magazine=The Atlantic |location=Washington, D.C.}}</ref> Cernovich subsequently told ''TMZ'' that racist gestures, such as the Nazi salute, were banned from the event. Images of Pepe the Frog were also banned.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 19, 2017 |title=Trump Supporters Ban Nazi Salute at DeploraBall (Photo) |url=http://www.tmz.com/2017/01/19/trump-deplorables-ban-nazi-salute-deploraball/ |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=TMZ}}</ref> Other MAGA3X organizers also made statements disavowing any affiliation between the DeploraBall and white nationalism. The organizers' limitations on speech and banning of Gionet and Spencer were criticized by some alt-right members as bowing to mainstream pressure.<ref name="Boston">{{cite news |last1=Pager |first1=Tyler |date=January 19, 2017 |title='DeploraBall' highlights worries over 'alt-right' participation in Trump presidency |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2017/01/18/deploraball-triggers-debate-over-alt-right-participation-inaugural-festivities/cvYYaUbw6PfPYJfRYzW3CN/story.html |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=The Boston Globe}}</ref><ref name="cox" /><ref name="schreckinger">{{cite news |last=Schreckinger |first=Ben |date=January 2017 |title=The Alt-Right Comes to Washington |url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/alt-right-trump-washington-dc-power-milo-214629/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120033502/http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/alt-right-trump-washington-dc-power-milo-214629 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2017 |newspaper=Politico |location=Arlington County, Virginia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bernstein |first=Joseph |date=January 18, 2017 |title=This Man Helped Build The Trump Meme Army — Now He Wants To Reform It |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/josephbernstein/this-man-helped-build-the-trump-meme-army-and-now-he-wants-t |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218093504/https://www.buzzfeed.com/josephbernstein/this-man-helped-build-the-trump-meme-army-and-now-he-wants-t |archive-date=February 18, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2017 |publisher=BuzzFeed |location=New York City}}</ref> Both the outgoing and the incoming presidents of the National Press Club stated that the club would hold the private event in honor of the incoming President Trump "as we have for incoming presidents of both parties for decades", but would neither endorse nor sponsor the event.<ref name="Boston" /><ref name="cox" />

=== Event === On the evening of January 19, 2017, the MAGA3X DeploraBall event was held at the National Press Building (the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the National Press Club). The event had sold out its 1000-ticket capacity in advance.<ref name="Boston2">{{cite news |last1=Pager |first1=Tyler |date=January 19, 2017 |title='DeploraBall' highlights worries over 'alt-right' participation in Trump presidency |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2017/01/18/deploraball-triggers-debate-over-alt-right-participation-inaugural-festivities/cvYYaUbw6PfPYJfRYzW3CN/story.html |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=The Boston Globe}}</ref> Although journalist Milo Yiannopoulos had been invited,<ref name="schreckinger2">{{cite news |last=Schreckinger |first=Ben |date=January 2017 |title=The Alt-Right Comes to Washington |url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/alt-right-trump-washington-dc-power-milo-214629/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120033502/http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/alt-right-trump-washington-dc-power-milo-214629 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2017 |newspaper=Politico |location=Arlington County, Virginia}}</ref> he did not attend.<ref name="oconnor">{{cite magazine |last=O'Connor |first=Maureen |date=January 20, 2017 |title='Smells Like Boys': A Night at the DeploraBall |url=http://nymag.com/thecut/2017/01/photos-smells-like-boys-a-night-at-the-pro-trump-deploraball.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128222538/http://nymag.com/thecut/2017/01/photos-smells-like-boys-a-night-at-the-pro-trump-deploraball.html |archive-date=January 28, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2017 |magazine=New York |location=New York City}}</ref> Political consultant Roger Stone arrived at the venue, but left without entering the event after learning the organizers had not provided sufficient tickets for his family members accompanying him.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 21, 2017 |title=Watch Trump confidant Roger Stone find out he's under investigation for alleged ties to Russia |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/watch-trump-confidant-roger-stone-find-out-hes-under-investigation-for-alleged-ties-to-russia/ |access-date=January 31, 2017 |publisher=Vice News}}</ref> The event was broadcast live by Right Side Broadcasting Network.<ref name="Gizmodo">{{cite news |last1=Menegus |first1=Bryan |date=January 24, 2017 |title=DC's Deplorables Go Job Hunting |url=https://gizmodo.com/d-c-s-deplorables-go-job-hunting-1791491105 |access-date=January 24, 2017 |work=Gizmodo}}</ref> To mark the conclusion of DeploraBall, Scott LoBaido painted a "live-speed" portrait of Donald Trump.<ref name="Stones">{{cite magazine |last1=Stuart |first1=Tessa |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Inside the DeploraBall: The Trump-Loving Trolls Plotting a GOP Takeover |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/inside-the-deploraball-trump-loving-trolls-plot-gop-takeover-w462082 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref name="Gizmodo" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shapiro |first1=Rachel |date=January 19, 2017 |title=Trump inauguration: LoBaido to speed paint at DeploraBall |url=http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/01/at_deploraball_event_thurs_lob.html |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=Staten Island Advance}}</ref>

A second Washington, D.C.-area inaugural ball dubbed "Gays for Trump DeploraBall Gala" was held at the Bolger Center Hotel in Potomac, Maryland, on the following evening, January 20, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Towle |first1=Andy |date=January 4, 2017 |title=Trump's gays ready to party |url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/01/04/trumps-gays-ready-party/ |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=Washington Blade}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Holden |first1=Dominic |date=January 20, 2017 |title=This Is How Gay Republicans Partied After Donald Trump's Inauguration |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/dominicholden/this-is-how-gay-republicans-partied-after-donald-trumps-inau |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=BuzzFeed |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Moakley |first1=Paul |date=January 21, 2017 |title=Inside Gays for Trump's Deploraball Dance Party |url=https://time.com/4642202/trump-inauguration-gay-deploraball/ |access-date=January 21, 2017 |magazine=Time}}</ref> The event was attended by over 200 people. Another "Gays for Trump DeploraBall" was planned to be held on July 4, 2017;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sherman |first1=William |date=January 24, 2017 |title=Amid anti-Trump protests, one LGBTQ group celebrated |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/amid-anti-trump-protests-one-lgbtq-group-celebrated-n711261 |access-date=January 24, 2017 |publisher=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> however, the event was renamed and pushed back to July 1.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chibbaro |first1=Lou |date=June 27, 2017 |title=Gays for Trump leader organizing 'Free Speech' Rally on Mall |url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/06/27/gays-for-trump-rally/ |access-date=October 4, 2017 |work=Washington Blade}}</ref> Additional inaugural events using the DeploraBall name took place in other US locales, including California, North Carolina, Arizona, and Ohio.<ref name="debrief">{{cite web |author= |date=2016 |title=Deploraball: The Debrief |url=http://deploraball.com/post/deploraball-the-debrief |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170218073834/http://deploraball.com/post/deploraball-the-debrief |archive-date=February 18, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2017 |website=Deploraball.com |publisher=Warfare Media}}</ref> According to the official DeploraBall marketing website, over 50 DeploraBall events were held nationwide and in three countries around the time of the Trump inauguration.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kozlowska |first1=Hanna |date=January 25, 2017 |title=A guide to Trump's inaugural galas, including the "completely sold out" DeploraBall |url=https://qz.com/884358/a-guide-to-trumps-inaugural-galas-including-the-completely-sold-out-deploraball/ |access-date=January 26, 2017 |work=Quartz}}</ref>

Attendees included Milwaukee sheriff David Clarke, activist James O'Keefe, businessman Martin Shkreli, and social media personalities Mike Cernovich, Jim Hoft, and Gavin McInnes.<ref name="Boston2" /><ref name="NYT">{{cite news |last1=Homans |first1=Charles |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Trumpism's Twitter Wing Celebrates With a 'DeploraBall' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/20/magazine/trumpisms-twitter-wing-celebrates-with-a-deploraball.html |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=The New York Times Magazine}}</ref><ref name="Atlantic">{{cite news |last1=Gray |first1=Rosie |date=January 20, 2017 |title=The 'Deploraball' Celebrated Trump—and Revealed Fissures Within the Alt-Right |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/the-new-right-and-the-alt-right-party-on-a-fractious-night/514001/ |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=The Atlantic}}</ref><ref name="oconnor" />

A similarly named inaugural celebration called the "Deplorables Inaugural Ball" was organized by Deplorables Nation and took place at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on the evening of January 19, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Andrews-Dyer |first1=Helena |last2=Heil |first2=Emily |date=January 16, 2017 |title=Everything you always wanted to know about inaugural balls |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/reliable-source/wp/2017/01/16/everything-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-inaugural-balls/ |access-date=January 29, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=January 17, 2017 |title=Unofficial Inaugural Balls Being Held, But Many Sold Out |url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Unofficial-Inaugural-Balls-Being-Held-Across-DC-But-Many-Sold-Out-410964065.html |access-date=January 29, 2017 |work=WRC-TV |language=en}}</ref>

=== DeploraBall protests === thumb|Protests outside the DeploraBall in Washington, D.C., on January 19, 2017 A few weeks before the DeploraBall, members of Project Veritas infiltrated meetings of the protest groups DisruptJ20 and the DC Antifascist Coalition, and filmed members discussing plans to disrupt and "crash" the DeploraBall. According to an affidavit released by police, three people associated with the protest groups plotted to get into the National Press Club and tamper with the sprinkler system to release butyric acid, acting as a stink bomb, over the DeploraBall attendees. At least one conspirator had purchased tickets to the event, which were cancelled by the organizers upon seeing the Veritas videos.<ref name="HermannProtestors">{{cite news |last=Hermann |first=Peter |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Protesters vowed to shut down the city. Police vowed to protect the inauguration. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/protesters-vowed-to-shut-down-the-city-police-vowed-to-protect-the-inauguration-they-clashed/2017/01/20/0a1b2d1a-df4e-11e6-ad42-f3375f271c9c_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202063343/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/protesters-vowed-to-shut-down-the-city-police-vowed-to-protect-the-inauguration-they-clashed/2017/01/20/0a1b2d1a-df4e-11e6-ad42-f3375f271c9c_story.html |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=March 31, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post |location=Washington, DC}}</ref><ref name="Washingtonian">{{cite magazine |last=Freed |first=Benjamin |date=January 16, 2017 |title=Activist Group: Stink-Bomb Plot Was Meant to Fool James O'Keefe |url=https://washingtonian.com/2017/01/16/dc-antifascist-coalition-okeefe-stink-bomb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315041328/https://www.washingtonian.com/2017/01/16/dc-antifascist-coalition-okeefe-stink-bomb/ |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |access-date=March 31, 2017 |magazine=Washingtonian}}</ref> After the videos became public, a spokesperson for the protest groups claimed that their members knew Veritas was monitoring them, and deliberately fabricated the alleged DeploraBall plot, which they did not intend to actually carry out, in order to distract the Veritas infiltrator from their real protest plans.<ref name="Washingtonian" /><ref name="hermann012517">{{cite news |last=Hermann |first=Peter |date=January 25, 2017 |title=Meetings of activists planning to disrupt inauguration were infiltrated by conservative group |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/meetings-of-activists-planning-to-disrupt-inauguration-were-infiltrated-by-conservative-media-group/2017/01/24/b22128fe-e19a-11e6-ba11-63c4b4fb5a63_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331080756/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/meetings-of-activists-planning-to-disrupt-inauguration-were-infiltrated-by-conservative-media-group/2017/01/24/b22128fe-e19a-11e6-ba11-63c4b4fb5a63_story.html |archive-date=March 31, 2017 |access-date=March 31, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post |location=Washington, DC}}</ref> The video led to the arrests of three men involved in the plot, all of whom later pled guilty to conspiracy charges.<ref name="hermann012517" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Richardson |first=Valerie |date=March 5, 2017 |title=Anti-Trump agitators caught on video plotting to wreck inaugural ball plead guilty to conspiracy |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/5/anti-trump-agitators-caught-on-video-plotting-to-w/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331081748/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/5/anti-trump-agitators-caught-on-video-plotting-to-w/ |archive-date=March 31, 2017 |access-date=March 31, 2017 |work=The Washington Times |location=Washington, DC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hermann |first=Peter |date=March 7, 2017 |title=Protester pleads guilty to conspiring to disrupt DeploraBall for Trump supporters |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/protester-pleads-guilty-to-conspiring-to-disrupt-deploraball-for-trump-supporters/2017/03/07/3f55f3da-0347-11e7-b1e9-a05d3c21f7cf_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309065644/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/protester-pleads-guilty-to-conspiring-to-disrupt-deploraball-for-trump-supporters/2017/03/07/3f55f3da-0347-11e7-b1e9-a05d3c21f7cf_story.html |archive-date=March 9, 2017 |access-date=March 31, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post |location=Washington, DC}}</ref>

During the evening of January 19, hundreds of anti-Trump protesters demonstrated outside the National Press Building.<ref name="williams">{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Clarence |date=January 19, 2017 |title=Trump supporters, opponents clash outside 'DeploraBall' in downtown D.C. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/trump-supporters-opponents-clash-outside-national-press-club-downtown/2017/01/19/b2918bac-dead-11e6-918c-99ede3c8cafa_story.html |access-date=January 20, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Krieg |first1=Gregory |last2=Ganim |first2=Sara |last3=Schleifer |first3=Theodore |date=January 19, 2017 |title=DC police, protesters scuffle outside pro-Trump event |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/19/politics/trump-inauguration-protests-womens-march/ |access-date=January 20, 2017 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref name="lusher">{{cite news |last1=Lusher |first1=Adam |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Donald Trump Inauguration: Violent clashes outside pro-Trump 'DeploraBall' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-inauguration-protests-violence-deploraball-deplorables-riot-police-james-allsup-hillary-a7536826.html |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Nelson |first1=Eliot |date=January 21, 2017 |title=Inside (and Outside) The Alt-Right's Inaugural Celebration |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/inside-and-outside-the-alt-rights-inaugural-celebration_us_5882bd6ee4b096b4a231e0ee |access-date=January 21, 2017 |work=The Huffington Post}}</ref> Protesters clashed with police in riot gear,<ref name="WUSA">{{cite news |author= |date=January 19, 2017 |title=Protesters clog DC streets night before inauguration |url=http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/protesters-clog-dc-streets-night-before-inauguration/388555253 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120031039/http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/protesters-clog-dc-streets-night-before-inauguration/388555253 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2017 |publisher=WUSA |location=Washington, D.C.}}</ref> who formed a human shield to protect DeploraBall attendees as they arrived and entered the building.<ref>{{cite news |last=Burleigh |first=Nina |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Alt-Right celebrates Trump at DeploraBall, says media is next target |url=http://www.newsweek.com/deploraball-trump-alt-right-national-press-club-james-okeefe-media-target-545237 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121002855/http://www.newsweek.com/deploraball-trump-alt-right-national-press-club-james-okeefe-media-target-545237 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2017 |work=Newsweek |location=New York City}}</ref> Protesters also threw bottles at attendees who were leaving the venue.<ref name="WUSA" /> One Trump supporter suffered a head injury after being hit by a protester.<ref name="lusher" /><ref>{{cite news |author=KREM Staff |date=January 21, 2017 |title=WSU College Republican president assaulted outside D.C. inaugural event |url=http://www.krem.com/news/politics/wsu-college-republican-president-assaulted-outside-dc-inaugural-event/389404359 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131023403/http://www.krem.com/news/politics/wsu-college-republican-president-assaulted-outside-dc-inaugural-event/389404359 |archive-date=January 31, 2018 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |publisher=KREM}}</ref> Ellison Barber of local CBS affiliate WUSA-TV reported that she had seen "at least four fights" outside the venue.<ref name="WUSA" /> A young boy at the protest, later identified by ''TMZ'' as the 11-year-old son of actor Drew Carey, told a Fox News reporter at the scene that he had started a fire in the street near the venue.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shamsian |first1=Jacob |date=January 27, 2017 |title=Drew Carey's son went viral at a Trump protest -- and his parents had no idea |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-protest-fire-kid-drew-carey-son-2017-1 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |work=Business Insider Australia |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Purdom |first1=Clayton |date=January 26, 2017 |title=Apple-cheeked revolutionary Connor is actually Drew Carey's son |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/apple-cheeked-revolutionary-connor-actually-drew-c-249135 |access-date=January 27, 2017}}</ref> Police eventually used pepper spray to disperse the protesters.<ref name="WUSA" />

== Viewership == Nielsen ratings showed that TV viewership of the inauguration in the US was 30.6 million, more than Obama's second inauguration in 2013 (20.6 million),<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/nielsen-31-million-viewers-saw-trumps-swearing-in/2017/01/21/31c18860-e029-11e6-8902-610fe486791c_story.html |title=Nielsen: 31 million viewers saw Trump's swearing-in |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 21, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130101733/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/nielsen-31-million-viewers-saw-trumps-swearing-in/2017/01/21/31c18860-e029-11e6-8902-610fe486791c_story.html |archive-date=January 30, 2017 }}</ref> but less than Obama's first inauguration in 2009 (38 million) and Reagan's first in 1981 (42 million).<ref name="nyt inaugfacts">{{cite news|last=Fandos|first=Nicholas|title=White House Pushes 'Alternative Facts.' Here Are the Real Ones.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/22/us/politics/president-trump-inauguration-crowd-white-house.html|work=The New York Times|date=January 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123000019/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/22/us/politics/president-trump-inauguration-crowd-white-house.html|archive-date=January 23, 2017}}</ref> Trump's inauguration became the most streamed Twitter video during the site's decade-long history with more than 6.8 million views.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Spangler|first1=Todd|title=Trump Inauguration Is Twitter's Most-Viewed Live Stream to Date|url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/donald-trump-inauguration-twitters-live-stream-viewing-1201968128/|access-date=January 25, 2017|work=Variety|date=January 24, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127054038/http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/donald-trump-inauguration-twitters-live-stream-viewing-1201968128/|archive-date=January 27, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Edkins|first1=Brett|title=Record 6.8 Million Watched Trump's Inauguration On Twitter's Live Stream|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettedkins/2017/01/24/record-6-8-million-watched-trumps-inauguration-on-twitters-live-stream/|access-date=January 25, 2017|work=Forbes|date=January 24, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124230804/http://www.forbes.com/sites/brettedkins/2017/01/24/record-6-8-million-watched-trumps-inauguration-on-twitters-live-stream/|archive-date=January 24, 2017}}</ref>

There were 16.63 million viewers of Trump taking the oath of office and giving his inaugural address on the three major cable news networks: Fox News Channel, CNN, and MSNBC. The number of viewers for Obama in 2009 was more at 17.06 million and in 2013 less at 6.73 million. According to Nielsen data, there were 30.64 million people who viewed Trump's inauguration on the 12 networks that covered it live.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/2017-inauguration-viewership-up-from-2013-down-from-2009/317887 |title=2017 Inauguration Ratings Up From 2013; Down From 2009 |last=Katz |first=A. J. |date=January 21, 2017 |website=TVNewser |access-date=January 28, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128124516/http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/2017-inauguration-viewership-up-from-2013-down-from-2009/317887 |archive-date=January 28, 2017 }}</ref>

{{col-begin}} {{col-break}} '''Legend''' {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;" |- style="background:#e5d1cb;" |Cable news network |- style="background:#dfe2e9;" |Broadcast network |} {{col-break}} '''Total cable TV viewers 11:45 am to 12:15 pm Eastern''' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Network !! Viewers |- style="background:#e5d1cb;" | Fox News || 11,768,000 |- style="background:#e5d1cb;" | CNN || 3,375,000 |- style="background:#e5d1cb;" | MSNBC || 1,487,000 |} {{col-break}} '''Total cable TV viewers 8:00 to 11:00 pm Eastern''' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Network !! Viewers |- style="background:#e5d1cb;" | Fox News || 6,958,000 |- style="background:#e5d1cb;" | CNN || 4,528,000 |- style="background:#e5d1cb;" | MSNBC || 1,621,000 |} {{col-break}} '''Total television viewers 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern''' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Network !! Viewers |- style="background:#e5d1cb;" | Fox News || 8,771,000 |- style="background:#dfe2e9;" | NBC || 5,895,000 |- style="background:#dfe2e9;" | ABC || 4,899,000 |- style="background:#dfe2e9;" | CBS || 4,653,000 |- style="background:#e5d1cb;" | CNN || 2,610,000 |- style="background:#e5d1cb;" | MSNBC || 1,377,000 |} {{col-end}} Source: [http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/2017-inauguration-viewership-up-from-2013-down-from-2009/317887 Adweek]

== Investigations == Multiple investigations related to Trump's inauguration were launched, including:

* A House Intelligence Committee investigation into possible attempts to obstruct the committee's investigation of Russian election interference and links between Trump associates and Russian officials.<ref name="30investigations" >{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/05/13/us/politics/trump-investigations.html|title=Tracking 30 Investigations Related to Trump |first1=Larry |last1=Buchanan |first2=Karen |last2=Yourish |date=May 20, 2019|website=The New York Times }}</ref> * A House Judiciary Committee investigation into potential obstruction of justice and abuse of power by Trump and the Trump administration<ref name="30investigations"/> * An investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York into whether the Trump inaugural committee filed false FEC reports or accepted illegal contributions from foreign nationals. The investigation was a partial outgrowth of a recording seized by the FBI in which Trump's personal lawyer and "fixer" Michael D. Cohen discuss possible irregularities with inauguration contractor Stephanie Winston Wolkoff.<ref name="30investigations"/> * An investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York involving the business and political dealings of Elliott Broidy, a major financier of Trump's campaign and inauguration.<ref name="30investigations"/> * An investigation by the New Jersey attorney general regarding contributions to Trump's inaugural committee.<ref name="30investigations"/> * An investigation by the Attorney General for the District of Columbia regarding the role on the inaugural committee of Trump's children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric, and payments to the Trump International Hotel and Trump Organization.<ref name="30investigations"/>

=== Investigation by the special counsel === {{Main|Mueller special counsel investigation}}

{{See also|Links between Trump associates and Russian officials|Timeline of Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections|Timeline of Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections (July 2016–election day)|Timeline of post-election transition following Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections}} News reports surfaced in April 2018 that the Special Counsel investigation is looking into the inaugural committee's finances. Prosecutors have questioned several Russian oligarchs, upon their arrival at a U.S. airport, about whether any Russian money was illegally funneled into the inauguration committee or the Trump campaign itself.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/04/politics/mueller-special-counsel-investigation-russian-oligarchs/index.html|title=Exclusive: Mueller's team questioning Russian oligarchs|last1=Scannell|first1=Kara|last2=Prokupecz|first2=Shimon|date=April 4, 2018|work=CNN|access-date=September 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404210728/https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/04/politics/mueller-special-counsel-investigation-russian-oligarchs/index.html|archive-date=April 4, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Robert Mueller's team has questioned Barrack and other witnesses, reportedly asking about "donors with connections to Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/exclusive-special-counsel-probing-donations-foreign-connections-trump/story?id=55054482|title=EXCLUSIVE: Special counsel probing donations with foreign connections to Trump inauguration|date=May 11, 2018|work=ABC News|access-date=September 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902200106/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/exclusive-special-counsel-probing-donations-foreign-connections-trump/story?id=55054482|archive-date=September 2, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Counterintelligence agents with the FBI began investigating this possibility immediately after the inauguration itself, their interest sparked by the large number of wealthy Russians who attended the inauguration and the special events that attended it.<ref name="why">{{cite news|url=https://www.vox.com/2018/7/5/17505728/trump-inauguration-mueller-russians-rick-gates|title=Why Trump's inauguration money is a major part of Mueller's Russia investigation|last=Prokop|first=Andrew|date=July 5, 2018|work=Vox|access-date=September 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206194934/https://www.vox.com/2018/7/5/17505728/trump-inauguration-mueller-russians-rick-gates|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

thumb|Samuel Patten plea agreement In August 2018, American political consultant W. Samuel Patten, an associate of Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, pleaded guilty in federal court to failure to register as a foreign agent in connection with the illegal funneling of foreign funds to the presidential inauguration committee. Patten admitted to arranging a "straw donation" in which $50,000 was funneled from a Ukrainian businessman to a U.S. citizen to donate to the committee in exchange for four tickets to the inauguration. Patten also admitted to giving misleading testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee about the matter.<ref name="HeldermanHsuFunnel">Rosalind S. Helderman & Spencer S. Hsu, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/washington-consultant-for-ukraine-party-set-to-plead-guilty-to-violating-lobbyist-disclosure-law/2018/08/31/172cf2c8-ad23-11e8-a8d7-0f63ab8b1370_story.html American political consultant admits foreign money was funneled to Trump inaugural] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901011856/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/washington-consultant-for-ukraine-party-set-to-plead-guilty-to-violating-lobbyist-disclosure-law/2018/08/31/172cf2c8-ad23-11e8-a8d7-0f63ab8b1370_story.html |date=September 1, 2018 }}, ''The Washington Post'' (August 31, 2018).</ref> In exchange for a recommendation of a lenient sentence, Patten pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with Special Counsel investigation led by Robert Mueller.<ref name="HeldermanHsuFunnel"/>

In court documents, prosecutors wrote that Patten formed a lobbying and consulting firm with a Russian national identified as "Foreigner A"; the firm was paid for work advising the Ukrainian Opposition Bloc party and some Bloc members, including "a prominent Ukraine businessman identified only as 'Foreigner B.'"<ref name="HeldermanHsuFunnel"/> ''The Washington Post'' and ''The New York Times'' identified Konstantin Kilimnik (a Manafort associate whom prosecutors allege is a Russian intelligence operative) as "Foreigner A" and Serhiy Lovochkin (a former aide to Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian former president of Ukraine) as "Foreigner B."<ref name="HeldermanHsuFunnel"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/31/us/politics/patten-fara-manafort.html|title=Lobbyist Sam Patten Pleads Guilty to Steering Foreign Funds to Trump Inaugural|website=The New York Times |date=August 31, 2018 |access-date=September 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831175608/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/31/us/politics/patten-fara-manafort.html|archive-date=August 31, 2018|url-status=live|last1=Vogel |first1=Kenneth P. |last2=Lafraniere |first2=Sharon |last3=Goldman |first3=Adam }}</ref> Kilimnik attended Trump's inauguration.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/russian-ukrainian-operative-was-at-trump-inauguration-filing-shows/4778021.html |title=Russian-Ukrainian Operative Was at Trump Inauguration, Filing Shows |author= |date=February 7, 2019 |via=VOANews.com |agency=Reuters|access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208070019/https://www.voanews.com/a/russian-ukrainian-operative-was-at-trump-inauguration-filing-shows/4778021.html |archive-date=February 8, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Investigation by U.S. attorney's office in New York === ''The Wall Street Journal'' and ''The New York Times'' reported in December 2018 that federal prosecutors in Manhattan and Brooklyn are investigating whether Middle Eastern foreigners sought to buy influence over American policies by using straw donors to illegally funnel donations to Trump's inaugural committee and a pro-Trump Super PAC.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/13/us/politics/trump-inauguration-investigation.html|title=Trump Inaugural Fund and Super PAC Said to Be Scrutinized for Illegal Foreign Donations|first1=Sharon|last1=LaFraniere|first2=Maggie|last2=Haberman|first3=Adam|last3=Goldman|newspaper=The New York Times |date=December 13, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205080411/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/13/us/politics/trump-inauguration-investigation.html|archive-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-inauguration-spending-under-criminal-investigation-by-federal-prosecutors-11544736455|title=Trump Inauguration Spending Under Criminal Investigation by Federal Prosecutors|first1=Rebecca Davis|last1=O'Brien|first2=Rebecca|last2=Ballhaus|first3=Aruna|last3=Viswanatha|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=December 13, 2018|via=www.wsj.com|access-date=December 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213225502/https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-inauguration-spending-under-criminal-investigation-by-federal-prosecutors-11544736455|archive-date=December 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Trump inaugural committee received a subpoena from federal prosecutors on February 4, 2019. The SDNY subpoena demanded a comprehensive array of documents involving the committee's donors, finances, attendees and activities. The subpoena named one person of interest: fundraiser Imaad Zuberi.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/04/us/politics/trump-inaugural-committee-subpoena.html|title=Trump Inaugural Committee Ordered to Hand Over Documents to Federal Investigators|first1=Maggie|last1=Haberman|first2=Ben|last2=Protess|newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205014712/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/04/us/politics/trump-inaugural-committee-subpoena.html|archive-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The subpoena reportedly covered allegations of conspiracy to defraud the United States government, money laundering, false statements, mail and wire fraud, disclosure violations and prohibitions against contributions by foreign nations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/04/politics/sdny-subpoena-trump-inauguration-committee/index.html|title=Federal prosecutors subpoena Trump inaugural committee|first1=Erin|last1=Burnett|first2=Erica|last2=Orden|first3=Gloria|last3=Borger|first4=Caroline|last4=Kelly|publisher=CNN|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205005434/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/04/politics/sdny-subpoena-trump-inauguration-committee/index.html|archive-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal-prosecutors-issue-sweeping-subpoena-for-documents-from-trump-inaugural-committee-a-sign-of-a-deepening-criminal-probe/2019/02/04/b6382642-28e5-11e9-8eef-0d74f4bf0295_story.html|title=Federal prosecutors issue sweeping subpoena for documents from Trump inaugural committee, a sign of a deepening criminal probe|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205051749/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal-prosecutors-issue-sweeping-subpoena-for-documents-from-trump-inaugural-committee-a-sign-of-a-deepening-criminal-probe/2019/02/04/b6382642-28e5-11e9-8eef-0d74f4bf0295_story.html|archive-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Investigations by New Jersey attorneys general === The attorney general of New Jersey issued subpoenas for documents to the inaugural committee in February 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/nj-attorney-general-subpoenas-trumps-inaugural-committee/2019/02/15/da642136-3166-11e9-8781-763619f12cb4_story.html|title=NJ attorney general subpoenas Trump's inaugural committee|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=February 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228130350/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/nj-attorney-general-subpoenas-trumps-inaugural-committee/2019/02/15/da642136-3166-11e9-8781-763619f12cb4_story.html|archive-date=February 28, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Trump's settlement with the D.C. Attorney General=== The office of Attorney General for the District of Columbia Karl Racine served a subpoena to the inaugural committee in February 2019 as part of an investigation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-inaugural-committee-hit-another-subpoena-n977431|title=Trump inaugural committee hit with another subpoena|website=NBC News|date=February 27, 2019 |access-date=February 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228100606/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-inaugural-committee-hit-another-subpoena-n977431|archive-date=February 28, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the office sued the inaugural committee, accusing it of violating D.C. laws governing nonprofits by improperly paying more than $1 million to Trump International Hotel during inauguration week.<ref name=LiptonSettles>Eric Lipton, [https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/03/us/politics/trump-hotel-lawsuit-settlement.html Trump Settles Suit Over Payments to Hotel for 2017 Inauguration], ''The New York Times'' (May 3, 2022).</ref> Racine said that the inaugural committee had paid in excess of market rates for the Trump hotel space as part of scheme to enrich the Trump family.<ref name=LiptonSettles/><ref name=DeposedDec2020>{{cite web |agency=Associated Press |title=Ivanka Trump deposed Tuesday as part of inauguration fund lawsuit |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/ivanka-trump-deposed-tuesday-part-inauguration-fund-lawsuit-n1249801 |website=NBC News |date=December 3, 2020 |access-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205182229/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/ivanka-trump-deposed-tuesday-part-inauguration-fund-lawsuit-n1249801 |url-status=live }}</ref> Records were subpoenaed from Ivanka Trump, Melania Trump, and Trump associate Thomas Barrack Jr.<ref name=DeposedDec2020/> Ivanka Trump gave five hours of deposition testimony in December 2020 as part of the suit.<ref name=DeposedDec2020/> In May 2020, Trump settled the lawsuit for $750,000; according to a lawyer for Trump's inaugural committee, half of the settlement payment was paid by the inaugural committee, and the other half by Trump family companies.<ref name=LiptonSettles/>

== See also == {{Portal|United States|Politics}} * Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections * {{anl|Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign}} * {{anl|First presidential transition of Donald Trump}} * {{anl|First 100 days of the first Trump presidency}} * {{anl|Second inauguration of Donald Trump}} * {{anl|First presidency of Donald Trump}} * Timeline of the first Trump presidency (2017 Q1) * Timeline of the first Trump presidency (2017 Q2)

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Sister project links |c=Donald Trump 2017 presidential inauguration |commonscat=yes |Inauguration of Donald Trump |wikt=no |q=no |b=no |v=no}} * [https://donaldtrumpcampaign.org Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202044517/http://donaldtrumpcampaign.org/ |date=December 2, 2021 }} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20170119050203/https://www.usa.gov/inauguration-2017 Presidential Inauguration 2017] at USA.gov * [https://web.archive.org/web/20121224142814/http://inauguralsupport.mdw.army.mil/ Military District of Washington – 58th Presidential Inauguration] * [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=120000 Text of Trump's Inaugural Address]

=== Video === * {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GNWldTc8VU|title=The Inauguration of the 45th President of the United States|last=whitehouse.gov|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=February 2, 2017|via=YouTube}} * {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UXYMPTdC40|title=Donald Trump inauguration day|last=Guardian Wires|date=January 21, 2017|access-date=February 2, 2017|via=YouTube}} (Press Pool feed) * [https://www.c-span.org/video/?421594-1/inauguration-donald-trump-45th-president-united-states Inaugural coverage] by C-SPAN

Category:First inauguration of Donald Trump Category:2017 in American politics Category:2017 in Washington, D.C. Category:2017 speeches Category:January 2017 in the United States Trump, Donald Inauguration Inauguration 2017 Category:Articles containing video clips Category:Kevin McCarthy Category:Mitch McConnell Category:Nancy Pelosi Category:Paul Ryan Category:Chuck Schumer