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Donald Trump inauguration: parade and protesters take to streets of DC – live Donald Trump inauguration: parade and protesters take to streets of DC – live
(35 minutes later)
1.01am GMT
01:01
Secretary of defense James Mattis has issued his first statement to the Pentagon:
“It’s good to be back and I’m grateful to serve alongside you as secretary of defense.
Together with the Intelligence Community we are the sentinels and guardians of our nation. We need only look to you, the uniformed and civilian members of the deparment and your families, to see the fundamental unity of our country. You represent an America committed to the common good; an America that is never complacent about defending its freedoms; and an America that remains a steady beacon of hope for all mankind.
Every action we take will be designed to ensure our military is ready to fight today and in the future. Recognizing that no nation is secure without friends, we will work with the State Department to strengtehn our alliances. Further we are devoted gaining full value from every taxpayer dollar spent on defense, thereby earning the trust of Congress and the American people.
I am confident you will do your part. I pledge to you I’ll do my best as your secretary.
12.36am GMT
00:36
Trump signs two executive orders
White House press secretary Sean Spicer has tweeted a photo of the president signing two executive orders in the Oval Office.
One is a freeze on all new regulation by federal agencies.. The second pertains to the Affordable Care Act, but Trump’s team has given no details of what it actually means except that it intends to “ease the burdens” of the healthcare law.
.@potus signs documents to allow Mattis and Kelly to be sworn in & exec order on #Obamacare pic.twitter.com/CdGcGlyfbI
Updated
at 12.55am GMT
12.28am GMT12.28am GMT
00:2800:28
At an impromptu press conference, White House press secretary Sean Spicer has told reporters that the president will order a government-wide freeze on all new regulations, as well as a second, more vague order regarding healthcare.At an impromptu press conference, White House press secretary Sean Spicer has told reporters that the president will order a government-wide freeze on all new regulations, as well as a second, more vague order regarding healthcare.
There are still no details about how the order will “ease the burden” of Barack Obama’s healthcare reforms. Republicans in control of Congress have yet to propose a plan that would replace “Obamacare”; more than 20 million people stand to lose healthcare should they repeal it without one.There are still no details about how the order will “ease the burden” of Barack Obama’s healthcare reforms. Republicans in control of Congress have yet to propose a plan that would replace “Obamacare”; more than 20 million people stand to lose healthcare should they repeal it without one.
(AP) -- Spokesman: Trump signs executive order ordering federal agencies to ease burden of Affordable Care Act(AP) -- Spokesman: Trump signs executive order ordering federal agencies to ease burden of Affordable Care Act
12.18am GMT12.18am GMT
00:1800:18
Richard Spencer, the so-called “alt-right” leader who celebrated Trump’s victory in November with Nazi salutes, was punched in the face earlier today. The incident was caught on camera.Richard Spencer, the so-called “alt-right” leader who celebrated Trump’s victory in November with Nazi salutes, was punched in the face earlier today. The incident was caught on camera.
Richard Spencer got punched in the face during the protests at Trump's #inauguration pic.twitter.com/oQAwtbtEeTRichard Spencer got punched in the face during the protests at Trump's #inauguration pic.twitter.com/oQAwtbtEeT
The vast majority of protests around Washington on Friday were and remain peaceful, but some protesters clashed violently with police, throwing bricks and bottles, or committed acts of vandalism, setting vehicles and garbage on fire. Police said they had arrested 217 people, and that they suspected many of the people arrested were not DC-area residents.The vast majority of protests around Washington on Friday were and remain peaceful, but some protesters clashed violently with police, throwing bricks and bottles, or committed acts of vandalism, setting vehicles and garbage on fire. Police said they had arrested 217 people, and that they suspected many of the people arrested were not DC-area residents.
12.12am GMT12.12am GMT
00:1200:12
The Trump White House has released a statement on the confirmations of his choices for secretaries of defense and homeland security, the retired generals James Mattis and John Kelly. In the statement, Donald Trump urges the Senate to hurry.The Trump White House has released a statement on the confirmations of his choices for secretaries of defense and homeland security, the retired generals James Mattis and John Kelly. In the statement, Donald Trump urges the Senate to hurry.
I am pleased by the confirmation votes of Generals Mattis and Kelly. These uniquely qualified leaders will immediately begin the important work of rebuilding our military, defending our nation and securing our borders. I am proud to have these two American heroes join my administration.I am pleased by the confirmation votes of Generals Mattis and Kelly. These uniquely qualified leaders will immediately begin the important work of rebuilding our military, defending our nation and securing our borders. I am proud to have these two American heroes join my administration.
“I call on members of the Senate to fulfill their constitutional obligation and swiftly confirm the remainder of my highly qualified cabinet nominees, so that we can get to work on behalf of the American people without further delay.”“I call on members of the Senate to fulfill their constitutional obligation and swiftly confirm the remainder of my highly qualified cabinet nominees, so that we can get to work on behalf of the American people without further delay.”
Trump reportedly also has a pair of executive actions to be announced imminently.Trump reportedly also has a pair of executive actions to be announced imminently.
12.03am GMT12.03am GMT
00:0300:03
The Senate has ended its first session under the Trump administration with a move to confirm Mike Pompeo, a member of the House and Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, with a vote of 88 to eight.The Senate has ended its first session under the Trump administration with a move to confirm Mike Pompeo, a member of the House and Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, with a vote of 88 to eight.
Pompeo is not officially confirmed yet; the Senate will resume on Monday to finalize the vote.Pompeo is not officially confirmed yet; the Senate will resume on Monday to finalize the vote.
In his confirmation hearings, Pompeo distanced himself from a few of Trump’s extreme positions, for instance rejecting the idea that the spy agency would return to its use of torture. During the campaign, Trump insisted “torture works” and that he wanted to use methods “a hell of lot worse than waterboarding”. His choice to lead the Pentagon, retired general James Mattis, has rejected the idea that torture works, as has the Senate veteran John McCain, a former prisoner of war.In his confirmation hearings, Pompeo distanced himself from a few of Trump’s extreme positions, for instance rejecting the idea that the spy agency would return to its use of torture. During the campaign, Trump insisted “torture works” and that he wanted to use methods “a hell of lot worse than waterboarding”. His choice to lead the Pentagon, retired general James Mattis, has rejected the idea that torture works, as has the Senate veteran John McCain, a former prisoner of war.
Pompeo also strongly defended the US’s intelligence agencies during his hearing, which took place the same week that Trump was denigrating the CIA for its conclusion that Vladimir Putin hacked into Democratic servers to help the Republican win the election. Trump later accused the intelligence agencies of behaving like Nazi Germany, a comparison that the outgoing CIA chief, John Brennan called “outrageous”.Pompeo also strongly defended the US’s intelligence agencies during his hearing, which took place the same week that Trump was denigrating the CIA for its conclusion that Vladimir Putin hacked into Democratic servers to help the Republican win the election. Trump later accused the intelligence agencies of behaving like Nazi Germany, a comparison that the outgoing CIA chief, John Brennan called “outrageous”.
The lawmaker said that as CIA chief he would not shy from investigations involving Russia or any other country. “I will continue to pursue foreign intelligence with vigor no matter where the facts lead,” Pompeo said.The lawmaker said that as CIA chief he would not shy from investigations involving Russia or any other country. “I will continue to pursue foreign intelligence with vigor no matter where the facts lead,” Pompeo said.
11.50pm GMT11.50pm GMT
23:5023:50
Since you’re here, we have a small favor to ask. More people are reading the Guardian than ever – but far fewer are paying for it, and advertising revenues are falling fast. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.Since you’re here, we have a small favor to ask. More people are reading the Guardian than ever – but far fewer are paying for it, and advertising revenues are falling fast. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
The Guardian’s journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe that independent reporting and plurality of voices matter. If everyone who reads our reporting helps to pay for it, our future would be much more a monthly payment or a one-off contribution. – Guardian HQThe Guardian’s journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe that independent reporting and plurality of voices matter. If everyone who reads our reporting helps to pay for it, our future would be much more a monthly payment or a one-off contribution. – Guardian HQ
11.43pm GMT11.43pm GMT
23:4323:43
DC police say 217 arrestedDC police say 217 arrested
A spokesperson for Washington DC’s police has said that 217 people were arrested on Friday in relation to protests around the city. Six officers were hurt with minor injuries, and police used pepper spray and stinging balls on protesters.A spokesperson for Washington DC’s police has said that 217 people were arrested on Friday in relation to protests around the city. Six officers were hurt with minor injuries, and police used pepper spray and stinging balls on protesters.
Police chief said his "sense" is that the protesters causing the violence are not from the DC area.Police chief said his "sense" is that the protesters causing the violence are not from the DC area.
11.19pm GMT11.19pm GMT
23:1923:19
Senate confirms Trump's DHS pickSenate confirms Trump's DHS pick
Retired general John Kelly, Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, has been confirmed by the Senate in a vote of 88 to 11. Senator Jeff Sessions, himself a Trump appointment, has again abstained.Retired general John Kelly, Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, has been confirmed by the Senate in a vote of 88 to 11. Senator Jeff Sessions, himself a Trump appointment, has again abstained.
Like Mattis, Kelly has broken with Trump on some of the president’s highest-profile promises. During his confirmation hearing, the former Marine Crops general said that a wall “in and of itself will not do the job” of border security, and said that he did not support a religious registry to account for Muslims, or anyone else, in America.Like Mattis, Kelly has broken with Trump on some of the president’s highest-profile promises. During his confirmation hearing, the former Marine Crops general said that a wall “in and of itself will not do the job” of border security, and said that he did not support a religious registry to account for Muslims, or anyone else, in America.
“I don’t think it’s ever appropriate to focus on something like religion as the only factor,” Kelly said.“I don’t think it’s ever appropriate to focus on something like religion as the only factor,” Kelly said.
He was urged by senator Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, to “speak truth to the commander-in-chief”.He was urged by senator Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, to “speak truth to the commander-in-chief”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.21pm GMTat 11.21pm GMT
11.08pm GMT11.08pm GMT
23:0823:08
Senate confirms Trump's Pentagon pickSenate confirms Trump's Pentagon pick
Retired general James “Mad Dog” Mattis has been confirmed as Donald Trump’s secretary of defense by the Senate, 98 in favor and one against.Retired general James “Mad Dog” Mattis has been confirmed as Donald Trump’s secretary of defense by the Senate, 98 in favor and one against.
Senator Jeff Sessions, Trump’s pick for attorney general, abstained from the vote, and Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand voted against Mattis, based on her conviction that the military should be overseen by a civilian administrator.Senator Jeff Sessions, Trump’s pick for attorney general, abstained from the vote, and Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand voted against Mattis, based on her conviction that the military should be overseen by a civilian administrator.
Mattis has broken with Trump on several key foreign policy issues. The former general has said strongly supported the Nato alliance, urged caution and possible preservation of the Iran nuclear deal, and said that that Vladimir Putin’s Russia raises “grave concerns on several fronts”.Mattis has broken with Trump on several key foreign policy issues. The former general has said strongly supported the Nato alliance, urged caution and possible preservation of the Iran nuclear deal, and said that that Vladimir Putin’s Russia raises “grave concerns on several fronts”.
Trump in contrast has declared Nato “obsolete”, promised to take apart the Iran deal, and persistently said he wants “to get along” with Russia.Trump in contrast has declared Nato “obsolete”, promised to take apart the Iran deal, and persistently said he wants “to get along” with Russia.
“I’m all for engagement but we also have to recognize reality, and what Russia is up to,” Mattis said during his confirmation hearing. “There are a decreasing number of areas where we can engage cooperatively, and an incerasing number of areas where we will have to confront Russia.”“I’m all for engagement but we also have to recognize reality, and what Russia is up to,” Mattis said during his confirmation hearing. “There are a decreasing number of areas where we can engage cooperatively, and an incerasing number of areas where we will have to confront Russia.”
The Senate will next vote on another Trump appointment: retired general John Kelly, his pick to head the Department of Homeland Security. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is also moving for a quick vote on Mike Pompeo to head the CIA, though Democrats are objecting in request for more time to debate.The Senate will next vote on another Trump appointment: retired general John Kelly, his pick to head the Department of Homeland Security. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is also moving for a quick vote on Mike Pompeo to head the CIA, though Democrats are objecting in request for more time to debate.
James Mattis has been confirmed by the #Senate as Secretary of the @DeptofDefense, the first for @POTUS. #InaugurationJames Mattis has been confirmed by the #Senate as Secretary of the @DeptofDefense, the first for @POTUS. #Inauguration
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.21pm GMTat 11.21pm GMT
10.51pm GMT
22:51
Kevin Rawlinson
The Anti-Defamation League, among many others, has criticized Trump for using the phrase “America first” because of its origins with a movement that wanted to keep the US out of war with Nazi Germany and was led by a Nazi sympathizer.
The America First Committee’s founders said they set up the 1940 isolationist movement to stop American involvement in a foreign conflict. But there were accusations that its leadership were also motivated by anti-Semitism.
In 1941, as Nazi forces were attempting to annihilate Europe’s Jews, the aviator and spokesperson of the committee, Charles Lindbergh, told an audience in Iowa that the “British and the Jewish races” were attempting to drag the USA into the second world war “for reasons that are not American”. In a Reader’s Digest article published a few years earlier, Lindbergh wrote to readers that “racial strength is vital” and most be protected against “the infiltration of inferior blood.”
Dr Seuss' view of 'America First,' 1941 https://t.co/OgKKMp6h1C pic.twitter.com/h6MyZiAHjv
“For many Americans, the term ‘America First’ will always be associated with and tainted by this history,” Jonathan A Greenblatt, the ADL’s CEO, said earlier this year. “In a political season that already has prompted a national conversation about civility and tolerance, choosing a call to action historically associated with incivility and intolerance seems ill-advised.”
In her book 1940: FDR, Willkie, Lindbergh, Hitler, the historian Susan Dunn wrote that the usually popular Lindbergh was heavily booed during the speech at the America First Committee rally. Exactly three months later, on 11 December, Hitler declared war on the US, one day after the group had been dissolved in the wake of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Lindbergh later reappeared in fiction, in Philip Roth’s The Plot Against America, which portrays an alternate timeline in which the celebrity aviator wins the presidency in 1940, and encourages the spread of antisemitism in the US.
10.37pm GMT
22:37
Night has fallen on Washington DC, where there are still hundreds of protesters in pockets around the city.
My colleagues Lauren Gambino and David Smith are by the offices of the Washington Post and along the parade route, respectively, with very different crowds.
And on the opposite corner, a pop up concert. pic.twitter.com/q8jzhpPMzK
Yawning gaps at the railings for inaugural parade as spectators now appear outnumbered by police. pic.twitter.com/lw6hz6AOSo
10.28pm GMT
22:28
The Trumps have taken the presidential box to watch the inaugural parade.
A few blocks away, Congress has voted on the first of Trump’s nominees: retired general James “Mad Dog” Mattis, to head the Pentagon. It’s nearly unanimous.
Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand voted against the general, who had received a special waiver to serve in the administration so soon after his retirement from active service.
So Mattis NOT unanimous. 1 no vote was Gillibrand. Currently 97-1.
Updated
at 10.30pm GMT
10.22pm GMT
22:22
Paul Owen
On K Street, a few blocks from the White House, Andrew Shiman and his brother Jacob stood wearing masks of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. “Putin” was holding “Trump” by a thin chain.
Andrew (Trump) said he and his brother had travelled from Bethesda, Maryland, to protest against the new president because of his alleged ties to Russia.
“Neither of us are a fan of his relationship with Vladimir Putin,” he said, calling Trump “Putin’s mouthpiece”.
Walking past, Barry Kissin of Frederick, Maryland, stopped to give a different view of the US intelligence agencies and their assertion that Russia had tried to intervene in the US election to aid Trump.
“The CIA is a criminal organisation,” he said, listing a number of foreign “coups” he laid at the agency’s door.
“We’re supposed to take the word of somebody like Brennan?” he asked, referring to CIA director John Brennan, who had to apologise to the Senate intelligence committee after it was revealed that, contrary to his public statements, his agency violated an agreement with the committee and surreptitiously searched a firewalled network its staff were using as the committee was investigating the agency for its post-9/11 torture.
“I’m not a Trump fan but when he says we need to be able to get along with Russia, he’s absolutely correct,” he said.
10.13pm GMT
22:13
Dozens of people have been arrested in Washington DC and around the US. In Manhattan, two city councilmen were among seven arrested for blocking traffic outside Trump Tower , the New York Daily News reports.
Brooklyn councilman Carlos Menchaca, New York councilman Jumaane Williams and Williams’ mother were protesting in front of the tower from about 11.30am local time, joined by several other anti-Trump protesters. The councilmen did not resist when police arrested them.
Outside trump tower, @JumaaneWilliams, his mother, and others arrested for civil disobedience pic.twitter.com/gjumj8pTY9
Back in Washington, partisans continue to square off in awkward and tense exchanges.
Divided states. pic.twitter.com/wABZyHe0ZX
And the marching bands march no.
pic.twitter.com/drrbPcL4yL
10.03pm GMT
22:03
Sam Levin
The protests aren’t in Washington alone. In San Francisco, protesters have taken over the pedestrian pathways of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in an effort to form a “human chain”. The action, which has not blocked vehicle traffic, has attracted thousands of people, who are holding hands as part of a peaceful demonstration.
Droves of people gather along the Golden Gate Bridge to "promote love and positivity" following #Inauguration. https://t.co/dkORFSQACr pic.twitter.com/gaYYmOE9F8
Many at the bridge are wearing purple in an effort to support the message of “unity and anti-bullying”. The protest, which organizers are hoping will be the first-ever chain of humans to take over the entire span of the 1.7-mile bridge, is much calmer than numerous intense demonstrations and police clashes that have ignited across the Bay Area.
At the San Francisco headquarters of Uber, activists shut down the office building, leading to roughly 16 arrests. The tech company’s CEO recently joined Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum.
Protesters also took over the tracks of Caltrain, a commuter rail that connects San Francisco to Silicon Valley, leading to roughly a dozen arrests.
A group called the Anti Police-Terror Project has further coordinated targeted actions at Wells Fargo, a major financial center in San Francisco and the city’s Israeli Consulate.
“What we are seeing from the Trump administration is that corporate America and the government of the United States of America is becoming one and the same,” said Brihannala Morgan, a 35-year-old environmental campaigner who protested Uber. “The companies throwing support to Donald Trump are showing they don’t share the values of San Francisco or the United States.”
Brihannala Morgan and Dana Perls protest Uber in SF: "Uber is supporting Trump and Uber is destroying the fabric of the Bay Area" pic.twitter.com/gd5raNnXzn
9.54pm GMT
21:54
Trump’s final stretch to the White House, along with a smattering of boos and the dissipating crowds.
Protesters boo, give thumbs down and shout "Fuck Michael Pence" as he passes by. pic.twitter.com/byx17FH3rB
9.43pm GMT
21:43
Donald Trump has now arrived at the White House, Melania and Barron at his sides. “Let’s hear it for the first family,” an announcer declares.
Earlier this month Trump fired the 89-year-old man who had announced every inaugural parade since 1957.
Maybe eight blocks and a world away from the executive mansion, my colleague Lauren Gambino is at the scene of more clashes between protesters and police.
Protesters continue to throw bricks at the police. Officers are using tear gas, pepper spray and what sounds like flash bangs on the crowd
Protesters chanting "whose streets, our streets" pic.twitter.com/lEKiGuxpnD
9.30pm GMT
21:30
Police and firefighters have extinguished the fire that burnt out a black limousine at 13th and K, but protesters are hovering at the scene despite the orders to back away.
“We’ve heard a few interspersing explosions,” my colleague Lauren Gambino reports from the scene. “People are throwing bottles at the police.”
Day One pic.twitter.com/N3MiDgyNIY
13th and K pic.twitter.com/WrodyM5jLN
9.27pm GMT
21:27
The parade rolls on DonaldTrump, his wife Melania and his 10-year-old son Barron walk and wave alongside their armored limousine.
An announcer is naming the leading members of Congress – House speaker Paul Ryan, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell – and the eight justices of the supreme court. There’s plenty of open space along the barricades and stands, and protesters are nowhere in sight.
There’s only a smattering of protesters along the parade route. More are arguing with and ignoring Trump supporters and shouting abuse at the new president from afar. Near my colleague Lauren Gambino at 13th and K Street, an unarmored black limo burns.
Someone has lit a limo on fire and tagged we the people pic.twitter.com/CyvsGzEfie
Updated
at 9.36pm GMT