Trump thunders to presidency

CCHS+students%2C+who+are+in+Washington%2C+D.C.+on+a+trip+organized+by+social+studies+teacher+Christi+Harrington%2C+relax+outside+the+Capital+as+they+await+the+inauguration.

Christi Harrington

CCHS students, who are in Washington, D.C. on a trip organized by social studies teacher Christi Harrington, relax outside the Capital as they await the inauguration.

Lauren Rabbitte, Staff Writer

Under grey skies and thunder, former businessman tycoon Donald J. Trump took the oath of office yesterday to become the 45th President of the United States while under the watch of approximately 900,000 spectators, an amount significantly smaller than the turnout for former President Barack Obama’s record 2009 inauguration.

However, Mr. Trump’s prevailed, delivering an approximately 16-minute speech that got straight to the point, where he directly expressed his views regarding the transfer of power, need for more government action, and importance of returning power to the people.

“Today’s ceremony has very special meaning because today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people,” Mr. Trump said. “For too long a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost.”

Mr. Trump’s family proudly stood near him during the procession, including his wife Melania and children Ivanka, Tiffany, Eric, Donald Jr., and Barron.

Mrs. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, was present as well, dressed in all white as she stood next to her husband the 42nd President of the United States Bill Clinton. To her left side was George W. Bush, who served as the 43rd President of the United States.

However, more than 60 democratic lawmakers were not beside Mrs. Clinton as she demonstrated much dignity and class by attending the ceremony after such an acrimonious election campaign.

Mrs. Michelle Obama, dressed in all red, made an appearance at the inauguration alongside the former second lady, Mrs. Jill Biden.

Mrs. Trump, the new First Lady, appeared before the inauguration commenced, wearing all blue with a serious look on her face and an occasional smile.  

Then, trumpets begin to play aloud in correspondence to the beat of the drums. Mr. Obama emerged beside former Vice President Joe Biden. Mr. Obama smiled from ear to ear, greeting everyone around him, including the Trump family, during which he made the effort to greet Mrs. Trump first.

As the crowd cheered “Trump” repeatedly, new Vice President Mike Pence was  introduced before Mr. Trump followed with a stern look on his face as carefully watched his steps. When Mr. Trump stopped, he raised his right hand and gave a strong thumbs up to the crows while constantly mouthing,  “Thank you.”

As Mr. Trump approached the podium, he greeted his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Obama.

Sen. Roy Blunt introduced the new President while also stating the U.S. history of those presidents who previously served the country, mentioning former presidents Mr. Thomas Jefferson and Mr. Abraham Lincoln.

A prayer was then conducted, stating that, “we shall now pray for the the new president, vice president, and their families, and hope that they have the wisdom necessary to lead this great nation.” The words “Our leaders heart is in your hands, God” echoed throughout the crowd.

Then, the Missouri State University chorus performed the song “Now We Belong” before all who attended the inauguration were asked to stand while the vice president and president took the oath.

Neither Mr. Pence or Mr. Trump smiled during this process.

Afterwards, they were congratulated and the cannons fired as Mr. Trump took the podium, grasping the sides firmly.

Mr. Trump began his inaugural speech by nodding to previous presidents of the United States and thanking them. He also stated Mrs. Obama had been “magnificent” as First Lady.

Mr. Trump proceeded to highlight his plans to “give the power back to the people, for previously, Washington flourished but the people did not.” Phrases such as “this moment is your moment” and “it belongs to you” made the crowd roar with joy.

Then, Mr. Trump identified problems the U.S. currently faces, claiming that from now on “America is to be put first,” a statement he repeated to emphasize the importance.

Perhaps the most memorable part of Mr. Trump’s speech today was that he expressed how he truly felt about becoming president, saying “I will fight for you with every breath in my body and I will never, never let you down.”

After he concluded his speech by vowing to “make America great again,” Mr. Trump pumped his fists victoriously and stepped backwards from the podium where Mr. Obama congratulated him.

To conclude the ceremony,  Rev. Franklin Graham executed the readings and benediction, expressing to Mr. Trump that “in the Bible, rain is a sign of God’s blessing. And it started to rain, Mr. President, when you came to the platform.”