Donald Trump vows to end ‘American carnage’ as 45th president of United States

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Donald Trump is officially the president of the United States.

The real-estate mogul took the oath of office on Friday to become the 45th president of the United States, amid a cheering crowd in Washington. However, blocks away from the US Capitol, anti-Trump protesters with varying agendas were clashing with the police.

US President-elect Donald Trump gestures before being sworn in as president of the United States on January 20, 2017 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. /CFP Photo

During his inaugural speech, Trump vowed to stop the “American carnage” and announced that the “hour of action” had arrived.

He declared that the United States will come first in every policy decision made under his administration, signalling an end to the US’s longstanding leadership in welcoming immigrants and promoting free trade throughout the world.

US President Donald Trump takes oath during his swearing-in ceremony on January 20, 2017 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. /CFP Photo

He promised to bring back jobs and border security, as well as a transfer of power from “Washington, DC, and giving it back to you -- the people".

He also addressed crimes and poverty, painting a grim reality of the US.

Attendees stand during the 58th presidential inauguration in Washington, DC, on Friday, January 20, 2017. /CFP Photo

“Mothers and children (are) trapped in poverty in our inner cities, rusted out factories (are) scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system flush … which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of all knowledge,” he said.

He also called on people to unite.

“We are one nation, and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams, and their success will be our success.”

A panoramic view of US President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2017 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. /CFP Photo

An inaugural parade was followed in the afternoon, which the newly sworn-in president and Vice-President Mike Pence watched from a reviewing stand.

Marching bands, horse parades and vehicle convoys went past the two, who were surrounded by their families.

The presidential inaugural parade for US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. /CFP Photo

However, the festive mood was not spread around the city, as protesters took to Washington streets in anti-Trump demonstrations. They were mostly peaceful, but some masked protesters came face-to-face with riot police.

People stand around a window of a car damaged by protesters as police and demonstrators clash in downtown Washington following the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. /AFP Photo

A total of 217 people were arrested by Friday evening, according to Washington interim police chief Peter Newsham. Local police reportedly used pepper spray, tear gas and concussion grenades to control demonstrators, some of whom hurled rocks and bottles at police and “destroyed property and damaged storefronts.”

Police and demonstrators clash in downtown Washington DC following the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. /AFP Photo

Six officers were hurt, and at least one vehicle was reportedly set afire.

Attendees of the inauguration included former presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.‍

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