World enters the era of Trump as he vows to end ‘American carnage’

Donald Trump’s inauguration caps the improbable rise to power of the Manhattan real estate mogul, who had never before held elected office, served in the government or the armed forces

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Donald Trump waits to step out onto the portico for his presidential inauguration. Photo: AP

Published: 3:15am, 21 Jan 2017Updated: 10:33am, 21 Jan 2017

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of United States on Friday, issuing a staunchly nationalist vow to put “America first” in his opening address to a country - and a world - watching a page of history turn.

Looking out over the crowd sprawled across the National Mall, Trump painted a bleak picture of the nation he now leads, lamenting “American carnage,” shuttered factories and depleted US leadership. President Barack Obama, the man he replaced, sat behind him stoically.

Trump’s address lasted just 16 minutes. While his inauguration did draw crowds to the nation’s capital, the numbers appeared smaller than for past celebrations.

Demonstrations unfolded at various security checkpoints near the Capitol as police helped ticket-holders get through. After the swearing-in, more protesters registered their rage in the streets of Washington. Police in riot gear deployed pepper spray and made numerous arrests after protesters smashed the windows of downtown businesses, denouncing capitalism and Trump.