Donald J. Trump was officially sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on Jan. 20, 2017. His inauguration marked the end of Barack Obama’s second term. An estimated 800,000 people attended the event, which took place on the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

In his speech, Trump focused primarily on giving power to the American people and carrying out the promises that he made during his campaign. He vowed to bring jobs back to the United States, heighten border security, and “eradicate [radical Islamic terrorism] completely from the face of the Earth.”

Junior Beth Ryan, who attended the inauguration as a donor to Trump’s presidential campaign, was pleased by his words.

“I thought [his speech] was really, really good,” Ryan said. “[It] gave a message that was more generally relatable than some of his others.”

Though numerous demonstrations broke out across Washington D.C. in response to the inauguration, with more than 90 people arrested, Ryan stated that everyone in attendance was respectful, even when former opponent Hillary Clinton arrived. Though Trump did not acknowledge the unrest in his speech, he did call for a more united country, citing the “crucial conviction that a nation exists to serve its citizens.”

Ryan expressed similar wishes for Trump’s presidency.

“I hope most of all that people give him a chance and stop making assumptions because of his unpolished speech,” Ryan said.

For those unable to attend the inauguration, the Hockaday Library offered two viewing areas. Interested Upper School students and faculty could watch the event on either one television by the debate room or on another in front of the circulation desk on the second floor.
“We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny,” Trump said. “I will fight for you with every breath in my body, and I will never, ever let you down.”

– Amanda Kim – Managing Editor –