Donald Trump inauguration 2017
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his family take part in a Make America Great Again welcome concert in Washington, U.S.REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Key moments of Donald Trump inauguration so far

  • Violent Anti-Trump protests erupt in Washington
  • Donald Trump is the 45th President of the United States

12:27am EST: And they're off back inside. Well folks, Donald Trump is now President Donald Trump. Ponder that for a while. From that speech I'm going to predict it's going to be a bit of a rollercoaster, but ho hey, it's democracy and all that. It's a bit sad to watch Barack and Michelle and Obama head away, but I expect Obama to be in the news for a while. Trump slamming the establishment as they sat behind him was quite something though. Anyway, I'm off to wet the proverbial whistle after that. I'll see you'll soon. Have a [Make America] Great day!

12:26pm EST: It's national anthem time. 

12:22pm EST: Dearie me! Now they're saying that the fact it started raining when Trump came to the podium, was a sign of a blessing from god. Lots of religion at this event...a lot.

12:19pm EST: That speech was seriously nationalistic, and does not bode well for America's European allies. China too will know that a lot of Trump's words were directly aimed at it. No mention of Russia or climate change, two notable omissions.  

12:17pm EST: He ends with a good ol' fashioned "god bless America"

12:15pm EST: Looks like NASA and medical research are going to get a huge boost. No mention of climate change, though. Oh dear now he's chanelling his inner Yeats. 

12:14pm EST: If this speech is a harbinger of things to come then NATO can kiss any US help goodbye, and China can forget about selling so much as an earbud stateside; and India will have to make room for all those professionals who won't get past the gates of a US embassy.

12:11pm EST: Trump is promising to boost America's crumbling infrastructure. This speech is going to go down well in the Rust Belt, Silicon Valley not so much. "We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone," he says. "We will form new alliances and eradicate Islamic terrorism from the face of the earth"

12:10pm EST: "A new decree," says Trump, talking about a new vision. "America First" says Trump...twice. Wow! "We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries stealing our jobs". China and India are currently experiencing mild chest pain.

12:08pm EST: Donald Trump is now taking on foreign industry and subsidising foreign armies. This is sounding increasingly isolationist. Europe will be looking on grimly, as will the Middle East.

12:05pm EST: "January 20, 2017 will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nations again." Good thing he didn't go all Bill Pullman on the crowd.

12:03pm EST: Trump is now slamming all the people standing behind him, saying Washington flourished but the people did not share in the wealth. Wow! He's really giving it to them. The new US president has some pretty serious words for the people he just shook hands with.  

12:02pm EST: Donald Trump is now giving his speech. he's talking about getting the job done. He's also grateful to the Obamas for their graciousness

12:01pm EST: DONALD TRUMP IS OFFICIALLY THE 45th PRESIDENT OF THE US

Noon EST: President-Elect Donald Trump is now taking the oath of office. His hair has not moved.

11:58am EST: Here are some kids attempting to take the oath with Mike Pence

11:56am EST: More singing, this is beginning to feel like the Oscars

11:54am EST: It's official Mike Pence is the new Vice-President of the United States. Avast ye 'Elect'. Joe Biden looks unnervingly happy.

11:52am EST: Justice Clarence Thomas is administering the oath of office to Mike Pence. Donald Trump looks like he's bored out of his mind. I can't say I blame him. This is extremely low-key. 

11:47am EST: Now Chuck Schumer just called the media "fractured" and is going on about how confident he is...about the American people. Doesn't he have confidence in Donald J Trump? Oh and he's just verbally fist-pumped immigrants.

11:44am EST: OUCH! The Washington Metro has tweeted this statistic

11:43am EST: Now the Missouri State University Chorale is singing something that sounds tremendously religious

11:42am EST: A Lot of people praying at the moment. I don't remember so much prayer in 2009 and 2013. Hmmm a bit of trepidation?

11:38am EST: While Gospels are being read on the stage at the inauguration ceremony, let us remember what's happening on the streets outside.

11:34am EST: The Inauguration Committee Chairman, Missouri senator Roy Blunt, is now speaking, talking about the importance and tradition of the swearing-in ceremony

11:31am EST: Here comes Donald Trump, and the crowd goes wild

11:28am EST: V-P elect Mike Pence is emerging onto the stage. He will be followed by President-Elect Donald Trump in his trademark red tie

11:27am EST: If you wanted to compare Obama's 2009 inauguration ceremony with this one, here it is

11:26am EST: George W Bush and Barack Obama seem to be having a right ol' guffaw. Dubya is literally rocking with the hilarity of it all. How times have changed

11:24am EST: It's starting. Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Nacy Pelosi make their way on to the stage. Barack Obama is all smiles...relief maybe?

11:16am EST: There's a lot of sentimentality surrounding the fact that the Obamas have left the White House for the last time as First Couple. Here's one that's forebopding but poignant too.

11:13am EST: The National Mall is only half full, which is a far cry from the almost 1 million people who turned up for Barack Obama's administration. Trump will need a cracking speech that should aim to bring this divided nation together, as the protests in Washington proved. 

11:05am EST: The Trump family are making their way through the Capitol, as Donald Trump arrives with outgoing president Barack Obama.

11:04am EST: Hillary Clinton has tweeted, just in case anyone was wondering

10:55am EST: More footage of the organised Anti-Trump protests arrives

 

Here's the final Tweet from the Obama administration

10:49am EST: Here comes Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Barack Obama is leaving the White House for the last time. They're on their way to the National Mall.

10:48am EST: Melania Trump and Michelle Obama leave the White House. Followed by Joe Biden and Mike Pence. Still waiting for Barack Obama and Donald Trump

10:41am EST: Footage is being aired of organised protests that are turning violent. Balaclava-clad protesters armed with poles are breaking shop windows along the route that Donald Trump will take to the inauguration. The scenes are unprecedented.

10:39am EST: According to the Guardian, there's quite a tea party going on at the White House. here's the full list of attendees.

1. The President
2. The First Lady
3. The Vice President
4. Dr. Biden
5. President-Elect Trump
6. Mrs. Trump
7. Vice President-Elect Pence
8. Mrs. Pence
9. Hon. Roy Blunt, Chairman of Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (R-MO)
10. Mrs. Abbie Blunt, Spouse of Senator Blunt
11. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader (R-KY)
12. Mrs. Elaine Chao, Spouse of Senator McConnell
13. Hon. Charles E. Schumer, Senate Democrat Leader (D-NY)
14. Ms. Iris Weinshall Schumer, Spouse of Senator Schumer
15. Hon. Paul D. Ryan, Speaker of the House (R-WI)
16. Mrs. Jana Ryan, Spouse of Speaker Ryan
17. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Leader (R-CA)
18. Mrs. Judy McCarthy, Spouse of Rep. McCarthy
19. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, House Democrat Leader (D-CA)
20. Mr. Paul Pelosi, Spouse of Rep. Pelosi

10:32am EST: Hillary and Bill Clinton have arrived an cue all the experts talking about how "awkward" it will be. Mind, she's not looking the most chuffed.

10:29am EST: Dick Cheney and the rest of the George W Bush administration have arrived and have settled in to their seats. It's only a matter of time folks. 

10:21am EST: Everyone's talking about how Donald Trump has the lowest approval ratings of anyone about to take the presidential office. To put it in perspective, Obama had an approval rating of 76%. Trump is hovering around the 40%.

10:14am EST: Here's a chart that says a lot about Donald Trump's tweeting trends

Donald Trump inauguration
Donald Trump's tweets

10:07am EST: Donald Trump will have been briefed about the 'Nuclear Football'. Here's what the Smithsonian has to say about it.

Officially known as the "president's emergency satchel," the so-called nuclear "Football"—portable and hand-carried—is built around a sturdy aluminum frame, encased in black leather. A retired Football, emptied of its top-secret inner contents, is currently on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 

Contrary to popular belief, the Football does not actually contain a big red button for launching a nuclear war. Its primary purpose is to confirm the president's identity, and it allows him to communicate with the National Military Command Center in the Pentagon, which monitors worldwide nuclear threats and can order an instant response. The Football also provides the commander in chief with a simplified menu of nuclear strike options—allowing him to decide, for example, whether to destroy all of America's enemies in one fell swoop or to limit himself to obliterating only Moscow or Pyongyang or Beijing.

9:58am EST: Jackie Evancho is going to be singing the national anthem at the  inauguration ceremony. In case you have no clue who she is, check this out.

9:53am EST: George W Bush and wife Laura have arrived and boy is he beaming. He's probably thinking: "And you thought I was bad!" Nah! he'd never.

9:52am EST: If you're wondering what the kerfuffle over the "blue present" is all about...watch this

 

9:50am EST: It's little over an hour to the inauguration and it's all looking a bit empty...where is everyone?

Donald Trump
Spectators gather for the inauguration ceremonies swearing in Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States on the West front of the U.S. Capitol in WashingtonREUTERS/Brian Snyder

 

9:47am EST: Feeling hungry yet? Well you better brace yourself. Here's the menu for the inauguration luncheon.

9:43am EST: The Trumps have arrived at the White House for coffee with the Obamas, and Melania has brought a blue gift for Michelle (dressed in vibrant red). Official picture done, get that kettle on!

9:41am EST: Twitter is full of rumour that the bikers at the inauguration are there to provide security in case it all kicks off. Well the last time a biker gang was asked to provide security for a major event, this happened...

 

9:38am EST: The Secret Service codename for Barack Obama was Rogue, any guess what they're going to call Donald Trump?

9:33am EST: Obama leaves the Oval Office for the very last time

9:30am EST: Shepard Fairey, the artist who created the Obama Hope poster has just done a new one. Wow!

9:29am EST: Here's a protest tweet from Baler in the Philippines. Yup, that's what I thought too!

9:23am EST: Obama has been tweeting some farewell tweets. Guess the Trumps are running late.

9:21am EST: Bikers For Trump have arrived

9:14am EST: Kellyanne Conway has arrived and she's looking extremely patriotic, either that or she supports UK PM Theresa May's "Red, White and Blue Brexit"

Donald Trump inauguration
Kellyanne Conway, advisor to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, departs for a church service before the 58th Presidential Inauguration in WashingtonREUTERS/Joshua Roberts

9:11am EST: After church the Trumps will have tea/coffee with the Obamas, which should give everyone that fuzzy feeling you get when you realise there's a porcupine in your jammies.

9:07am EST: The TV pundits are yapping on about how Hillary Clinton is going to feel more awkward than a teenage boy at prom without pants, because she won the popular vote yada yada. I think she's moved on, it's time everyone else did too, no?

9:07am EST: The Associated Press is reporting that there are over 28,000 security personnel involved in the security operation for the inauguration. That and kilometers of fencing...

9:03am EST: While Trump supporters are out en masse on Twitter, protesters are making sure their voices are heard too.

9:01am EST: And just in case you thoughts the Russians weren't gearing up for this inauguration...

Russian firm mints silver, gold coins with Trump's face and 'In Trump We Trust' inscription

A penny for his thoughts on this day

Barack Obama
Twitter

 8:57am EST: More photographs of the crowds beginng to gather for the inauguration

Some more music for you folks to groove to with your morning coffee, or in some cases, your sevent beer of the day

8:42am EST: Donald Trump is in a navy blue suit and overcoat, all very presidential, but Melania is electrifying in a light blue ensemble.

8:38am EST: Donald and Melania Trump are on the move heading to church I presume. "Trump takes America to Church", sounds like something an American Idol judge would say...you listening Randy!

8:38am EST: If you're wondering who's actually performing at the inauguration then here's the list

Donald Trump presidential inauguration: Here is a list of people who will be participating

8:35am EST: Here's something interesting in case you missed it

Neopalpa Donaldtrumpi: New moth species named after Donald Trump for similar hairstyle

8:33am EST: Dump trucks being put to use as makeshift barricades, security is very tight indeed

8:29am EST: Crowd are beginning to filter through for the inauguration, I can only assume these are Trump supporters

8:26am EST: And in case you're wondering what the Trumps are up to prior to the inauguration, well they will join Barack Obama for coffee in the morning and then attend mass at St John's Episcopal Church. The inauguration ceremony will then begin at 11:30am EST

8:20am EST: All eyes will also be on the Taiwanese delegation and we hope the cameras immediately cut to the Chinese ambassador. And you though inaugurations were boring.

China furious again as Taiwan delegation set to attend event

 

8:17am EST: Against all prophecies, it's a beautiful day over DC

7:07am EST: More dark humour on Twitter to make you chuckle while looking over your shoulder

7:06am EST: Now THIS is a thing. A police blockade dance party

7:05am EST: Of course a lot of eyes are going to be on what FLOTUS Melania Trump wears. So here's a primer on how she manages to look so darn radiant

The secret behind FLOTUS Melania Trump's youthful skin revealed and it costs $450

8:01am EST: Protesters have managed to get through the massed ranks of security, and it's looking increasingly likely that there may be disruptions if not actual confrontation.

7:53am EST: The early bird may have just caught the worm, here's the first Trump tweet of the day, and he's raring to go, I presume he's referring to a political movement!

7:52am EST: In case you'll have forgotten the '90s MEGABAND 3 Doors Down will be performing at Donald Trump's inauguration...yes I couldn't contain myself either. And just in case your memory needs refreshing, here's the band with their SUPER-DUPER HIT...Kryptonite...Oh Yeah!

 

7:39am EST: Artists from all over the world are coming together to show their appreciation for Trump in a myriad of hilarious ways. Like someone said, the gift that will keep on giving.

Donald Trump inauguration 2017
Russian artist Vasily Slonov presents a life-sized cutout, which is an artwork created by Slonov and titled "Siberian Inauguration", before its presentation on the occasion of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, inside a bar in Krasnoyarsk, RussiaREUTERS/Ilya Naymushin

Now this is something worth pondering: US hasn't seen a president with facial hair for over a century, and there's a reason for that

 7:27am EST: The fashion for the next four years is set, avert eyes now...because it's made in CHINA!!!

 

7:24am EST: In case you didn't know it. This inauguration is the most expensive yet, and there's not a Grammy winner in sight.

Read all about it here: Republican billionaire's presidential inauguration to be the costliest yet

 7:16am EST: The Tweets are coming in, and they're defiant 

5:30am EST: Alec Baldwin, Mark Ruffalo, Sally Fields, Cher and Robert DeNiro, among others all turned up for Michael Moore's protest outside Trump Towers on Thursday night. Her's Alec doing his Trump impression  he made famous on Saturday Night Live.

   

A song for this historic day, you say?

Good Morning folks, and welcome to a brand new day!

It's 5am on January 20 morning and Americans are eather cowering under their blankets in fear or beating their chests in defiance of the brisk weather. Depending on whom you ask this is either the Beginning of the End or a the start of a Brave New World. 

Stay with us as for live coverage of Donald Trump's inauguration, we assure you it's worth the bums on the seats.