| | | | Trump's vow: 'This American carnage stops right here' | | President Donald Trump stood in front of Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter on the West Front of the Capitol today and, true to his campaign-trail form, condemned the policies and legacies of his predecessors.
In his inaugural address, Trump ushered in a new era, saying he would be guided by one principle -- "only America first" -- moments after being sworn in as the nation's 45th commander in chief. Trump stepped to the podium for 16 minutes and 30 seconds and delivered a populist revival of his campaign rhetoric and a rejection of those who hoped he might change once in office. Trump spoke of shuttered factories, failing schools, a glut of foreign aid and tax and trade policies he said needed major changes. He also spoke of crime and the impact of gangs.
"This American carnage stops right here and stops right now," Trump said. "We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, and in every foreign capital and in every hall of power," Trump said. "From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward, it's going to be only, 'America first. America first.'"
Instant analysis: The cloak of the presidency isn't changing Trump. Not one bit, CNN's Maeve Reston writes.
Twitter transfer of power: Immediately after Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States, he gained another prestigious title: @POTUS. | | Senate confirms Trump's first Cabinet members | | From CNN's Tal Kopan: The Senate on Friday confirmed President Donald Trump's first two Cabinet members, formally approving his defense secretary, retired Gen. James Mattis, and his choice to lead homeland security, retired Gen. John Kelly.
The Senate will not consider Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo for CIA director until Monday after at least three Democrats objected to his quick confirmation over concerns including surveillance.
Trump seeks 'prompt repeal' of Obamacare: Trump signed an executive order Friday night that instructs agencies to "waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay the implementation" of Affordable Care Act provisions that burden states. It also orders that agencies "shall exercise all authority and discretion available to them to provide greater flexibility to States and cooperate with them in implementing health care programs." In other words: Keep implementing the law until it's repealed, but give states as much flexibility as possible. | | "When I die, Delaware will be written on my heart." -- Former Vice President Joe Biden to supporters as he arrived home after an Amtrak ride from Washington. | | | | How did this year's inauguration crowd compare to the last time America welcomed a new president, in 2009? Here's Barack Obama's crowd in 2009, and then Donald Trump's crowd today: | | Obamas welcome Trumps, then say their goodbyes | | Barack and Michelle Obama were waiting at the White House steps to greet Donald and Melania Trump Friday morning after the Trumps attended church across from Lafayette Square. The moment was of symbolic importance, showing the willful and peaceful transfer of power. But it also showed just how awkward it can be to greet new acquaintances with the entire world watching.
As Melania Trump extended her hand for a shake, Michelle Obama leaned in, saying, "I'm a hugger" -- prompting Barack Obama to joke about the "protocol" for such occasions. The Trumps brought a flat gift box from Tiffany & Co. -- which the outgoing president had to stash in the White House before the four could pose for a round of photos on the steps.
The Obamas and Trumps were together again after Trump's inaugural address, as the Obamas prepared to depart via helicopter for Joint Base Andrews for a family vacation in Palm Springs, California. Walking down the back steps of the Capitol, Trump leaned into Obama and uttered something -- far enough away that microphones didn't pick it up -- that caused Obama to laugh. The former and new presidents talked and joked as the Pences and Bidens said their goodbyes. But the look on Michelle Obama's face was much different -- and seemed to reflect sadness.
Inside Obama's helicopter: Here are two of the four shots posted so far by longtime Obama White House photographer Pete Souza on his new post-presidency Instagram account. | | Obama said his final goodbyes at Joint Base Andrews, where 1,800 staffers and their families had gathered to see him off. "This is just a little pit stop. This is not a period, this is a comma in the continuing story of building America," Obama said there, per Politico's Edward-Isaac Dovere.
He also hopped back on his old Twitter account, @BarackObama: | | | Obama's new foundation website -- obama.org -- is up and running now. | | | First lady fashion: Melania Trump stepped out in a powder blue Ralph Lauren outfit that harkened back to Jacqueline Kennedy's iconic style, writes CNN's Amanda Wills. | | Game face on, Clinton attends Trump's inauguration | | It was a split-screen for the ages: At the same moment Hillary and Bill Clinton descended the steps of the Capitol building, making their way to their seats in the audience, Barack Obama and Donald Trump left the White House to ride to the inauguration together. The two men who had denied Clinton the presidency would arrive in the same car.
Clinton wore white -- a color with symbolism in the women's suffrage movement and her preference for major events, including her final debate with Trump and her speech accepting the Democratic nomination in Philadelphia. She was composed throughout the ceremony, but Friday was the day she had warned supporters about.
"Imagine that on January 20, 2017, it is Donald Trump standing in front of our Capitol and taking the oath of office," Clinton had said in a dire warning to supporters in Las Vegas, just three days from the election. "Imagine with me what it would be like to have Donald Trump sitting in the Oval Office come next January."
Trump made no mention of Clinton in his inaugural address, but he did single her out during the Capitol luncheon afterward, saying he was honored the Clintons were in attendance. "I'd like you to stand up," Trump said to Clinton. The entire room stood, turned to the Clintons and applauded, as Trump gave the rival he once promised to jail a finger point and a thumbs-up. "And, honestly, there's nothing more I can say, because I have a lot of respect for those two people," Trump said of the Clintons. | | | House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz Instagrammed a picture of himself shaking Hillary Clinton's hand -- along with a decidedly anti-Clinton message. "So pleased she is not the President," Chaffetz wrote. "The investigation continues." ... Ex-Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon called Chaffetz "subhuman." | | | We'd love to share our other newsletters with you. Check out Five Things for Your New Day, CNN's morning newsletter. Give us five minutes, and we'll brief you on all the news and buzz people will be talking about. | | | Get the Nightcap, a comprehensive summary of the most important political news, delivered to your inbox daily. | | | | | |
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