Trump Inagurates Confronted by Democrat's Boycott
Trump Inagurates Confronted by Democrat's Boycott
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WASHINGTON DC - Donald Trump began the ceremonial events leading up to his swearing-in later on Friday as the 45th president of the United States (US).
But, the inaugural festivities may have a more partisan edge than usual, given Trump's scorching campaign and continuing confrontations between him and Democrats over his take-no-prisoners Twitter attacks and pledge to roll back many of Obama's policies.
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers plan to stay away from the proceedings to protest Trump, spurred on after he derided US Representative, John Lewis of Georgia, a hero of the civil rights movement, for calling him an illegitimate president.
Thousands of anti-Trump protesters were expected among an inauguration crowd that organizers estimated will be upwards of 900,000. Many demonstrators will participate in the "Women's March on Washington" on Saturday.
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Protests are also planned in other cities in the US and abroad. Trump, whose Nov. 8 victory stunned the world, will start his presidency with a 20-minute inaugural address that he has been writing himself with the help of top aides.
"It will be optimistic. It will be visionary, but it's going to be philosophical," his spokesman, Sean Spicer, told on Friday.
Keith Kidwell, chairman of the Republican Party in Beaufort County, North Carolina, was among the crowds on Friday, eager to see the start of the Trump presidency.
"I cling to my guns and my Bible. I've been waiting a long eight years for this day," said Kidwell, adding he initially supported US Senator Ted Cruz to be the Republican presidential nominee but was now squarely behind Trump.
But, the inaugural festivities may have a more partisan edge than usual, given Trump's scorching campaign and continuing confrontations between him and Democrats over his take-no-prisoners Twitter attacks and pledge to roll back many of Obama's policies.
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers plan to stay away from the proceedings to protest Trump, spurred on after he derided US Representative, John Lewis of Georgia, a hero of the civil rights movement, for calling him an illegitimate president.
Thousands of anti-Trump protesters were expected among an inauguration crowd that organizers estimated will be upwards of 900,000. Many demonstrators will participate in the "Women's March on Washington" on Saturday.
Protests are also planned in other cities in the US and abroad. Trump, whose Nov. 8 victory stunned the world, will start his presidency with a 20-minute inaugural address that he has been writing himself with the help of top aides.
"It will be optimistic. It will be visionary, but it's going to be philosophical," his spokesman, Sean Spicer, told on Friday.
Keith Kidwell, chairman of the Republican Party in Beaufort County, North Carolina, was among the crowds on Friday, eager to see the start of the Trump presidency.
"I cling to my guns and my Bible. I've been waiting a long eight years for this day," said Kidwell, adding he initially supported US Senator Ted Cruz to be the Republican presidential nominee but was now squarely behind Trump.
(rnz)
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