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Donald Trump inauguration buildup: the world holds its breath – live coverage Donald Trump inauguration: 'it all begins today' – live coverage
(35 minutes later)
12.45pm GMT
12:45
In Washington Trump protesters appear to have made it through security.
Half the line seem to be anti-Trump. Protesters being let thru and assembling on inside pic.twitter.com/w2iqP5XM4y
Protesters inside the secure zone #TrumpInauguration pic.twitter.com/MbQmVrLlaU
Updated
at 12.46pm GMT
12.42pm GMT
12:42
Trump: 'it all begins today'
Trump has fired off the first tweet on the day he’ll be sworn in president. “It all begins today,” he said.
He also went into caps lock mode to say: “THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES - THE WORK BEGINS”.
It all begins today! I will see you at 11:00 A.M. for the swearing-in. THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES - THE WORK BEGINS!
Expect more
12.24pm GMT
12:24
And Donald Trump’s tie is made in China.
Today's #Inauguration tie by Donald J Trump collection - made in China. pic.twitter.com/0xXp2QnmBe
12.23pm GMT
12:23
Breaking fashion news ...
Melania Trump will reportedly be dressed in outfits by Karl Lagerfeld and Ralph Lauren for her husband’s inaugural celebrations, marking a departure from the traditional rule of the First Lady wearing only US brands for such an occasion, according to PA.
While Ralph Lauren is widely regarded as a quintessential American label, German designer Lagerfeld, who is based in Paris and designs under three brands - Chanel, Fendi and his own eponymous fashion line - would be a notable choice for the former model.
Michelle Obama opted for a yellow suit by Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo for Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration ceremony, and a one-shouldered white silk chiffon gown to the evening inaugural balls, designed by New York-based Jason Wu.
In 2013 she chose a belted blue-checked coat by Thom Browne for the daytime ceremony and a red halterneck gown for the evening, again by Jason Wu.
Melania Trump has scaled back her flashier wardrobe choices since she became the First Lady-to-be and has already displayed her affinity for Lauren’s clothes, sporting his black jumpsuit for the third presidential debate, and wearing his white jumpsuit on election night.
Lauren is also no stranger to dressing First Ladies and has already designed for Mrs Obama, Nancy Reagan and Betty Ford.
If Mrs Trump chose a Lagerfeld design for Chanel it would echo the most famous Chanel outfit ever worn by a First Lady - the pink suit Jackie Kennedy wore when President Kennedy was shot.
On Thursday Mrs Trump opted for a custom-made black coat by New York designer Norisol Ferrari for a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, teamed with Gucci sunglasses, and later donned a sleek gold gown by Reem Acra, a Lebanese-born, New York-based designer.
Updated
at 12.36pm GMT
12.15pm GMT
12:15
Several right wing politicians in Europe, including Ukip’s former leader Nigel Farage and France’s Front National presidential candidate Marine Le Pen are looking forward to a “new era” under Trump.
"Donald #Trump a réussi à relocaliser davantage en un tweet que Sarkozy et Hollande en dix ans !" #InvitéPol
"L'élection de Donald #Trump ouvre une nouvelle ère de coopération entre les Nations." #InvitéPol
I wish @realDonaldTrump well and look forward to the inauguration later today. pic.twitter.com/TCNKXKKoQ7
12.06pm GMT12.06pm GMT
12:0612:06
The usual diplomatic niceties about welcoming in new presidents are being widely abandoned.The usual diplomatic niceties about welcoming in new presidents are being widely abandoned.
The international affairs thinktank Chatham House, not known as particularly outspoken organisation, said a “shadow has been cast over America”.The international affairs thinktank Chatham House, not known as particularly outspoken organisation, said a “shadow has been cast over America”.
Leslie Vinjamuri, Associate Fellow of the US and Americas Programme at Chatham House, added:Leslie Vinjamuri, Associate Fellow of the US and Americas Programme at Chatham House, added:
“Today’s inauguration will take place in an America marked by the greatest divisions that we have seen, perhaps, since Vietnam. People and leaders across the globe lack confidence that America will be a reliable partner in the years ahead. The sense of deep uncertainty that surrounds today’s ceremony is palpable.”“Today’s inauguration will take place in an America marked by the greatest divisions that we have seen, perhaps, since Vietnam. People and leaders across the globe lack confidence that America will be a reliable partner in the years ahead. The sense of deep uncertainty that surrounds today’s ceremony is palpable.”
11.53am GMT11.53am GMT
11:5311:53
British MPs have been expressing dismay at the prospect of a Trump presidency.British MPs have been expressing dismay at the prospect of a Trump presidency.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said:Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said:
“Trump’s journey to the White House was the most divisive, vulgar and illiberal presidential campaign in memory, and judging by his actions since, these traits are sure to continue during his Presidency.“Trump’s journey to the White House was the most divisive, vulgar and illiberal presidential campaign in memory, and judging by his actions since, these traits are sure to continue during his Presidency.
“Of course the UK must continue to engage with the US on matters of mutual concern, but Theresa May must not to damage our national integrity and values by bowing down to a bully.“Of course the UK must continue to engage with the US on matters of mutual concern, but Theresa May must not to damage our national integrity and values by bowing down to a bully.
“Liberal internationalism has never been more at threat, and Trump’s inauguration today should serve as a chilling reminder to those who believe in an open, tolerant and united Britain that these values must be fought for, now more than ever, both at home and worldwide.”“Liberal internationalism has never been more at threat, and Trump’s inauguration today should serve as a chilling reminder to those who believe in an open, tolerant and united Britain that these values must be fought for, now more than ever, both at home and worldwide.”
Others tweeted their defiance.Others tweeted their defiance.
#ThisistheDay. It's not the end or even the beginning of the end but it is the end of the beginning & the beginning of the fightback #Trump#ThisistheDay. It's not the end or even the beginning of the end but it is the end of the beginning & the beginning of the fightback #Trump
I will not be watching inauguration of DJ Trump, instead I will be campaigning in #Failsworth&watching I,Daniel Blake with 100 constituentsI will not be watching inauguration of DJ Trump, instead I will be campaigning in #Failsworth&watching I,Daniel Blake with 100 constituents
As Trump gets his first access to the nuclear codes today(!!!), the case for a world free of nuclear weapons gets stronger.As Trump gets his first access to the nuclear codes today(!!!), the case for a world free of nuclear weapons gets stronger.
Glad to join @lgsmigrants with #BridgesNotWalls banner in #Brighton - opposing hatred whipped up by #Trump & standing up for rights of all pic.twitter.com/9bwlQJJfnRGlad to join @lgsmigrants with #BridgesNotWalls banner in #Brighton - opposing hatred whipped up by #Trump & standing up for rights of all pic.twitter.com/9bwlQJJfnR
11.50am GMT11.50am GMT
11:5011:50
Peter WalkerPeter Walker
Theresa May has received a letter from Donald Trump, her spokesman has told the regular parliamentary media briefing, writes Peter Walker.Theresa May has received a letter from Donald Trump, her spokesman has told the regular parliamentary media briefing, writes Peter Walker.
It seems to have arrived at some point this week.It seems to have arrived at some point this week.
It was a reply to May’s letter to the president-elect, news of which appeared when Trump showed it to Michael Gove when the Tory MP was interviewing him for the Times.It was a reply to May’s letter to the president-elect, news of which appeared when Trump showed it to Michael Gove when the Tory MP was interviewing him for the Times.
That letter contained a gift – a copy of Winston Churchill’s speech following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.That letter contained a gift – a copy of Winston Churchill’s speech following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.
Asked if Trump sent a gift in return, May’s spokesman said: “I’m not aware that he did, but as we said, the prime minister didn’t send a gift in the hope she would receive one.”Asked if Trump sent a gift in return, May’s spokesman said: “I’m not aware that he did, but as we said, the prime minister didn’t send a gift in the hope she would receive one.”
Otherwise there was no information about what was in the letter, or even whether is was printed or handwritten.Otherwise there was no information about what was in the letter, or even whether is was printed or handwritten.
11.48am GMT11.48am GMT
11:4811:48
At his pre-inauguration speech last night Trump spoke about the “forgotten man”. He said:At his pre-inauguration speech last night Trump spoke about the “forgotten man”. He said:
On the campaign I called it “the forgotten man” and “the forgotten woman.” Well, you’re not forgotten anymore. That I can tell you. Not forgotten anymore.On the campaign I called it “the forgotten man” and “the forgotten woman.” Well, you’re not forgotten anymore. That I can tell you. Not forgotten anymore.
His words were an unintended reminder of a painting by Jon McNaughton entitled the “Forgotten Man”, which according Steve Rose is the defining image of Trump’s presidential moment.His words were an unintended reminder of a painting by Jon McNaughton entitled the “Forgotten Man”, which according Steve Rose is the defining image of Trump’s presidential moment.
11.37am GMT11.37am GMT
11:3711:37
The White House took on a ghostly quality as most of President Obama’s staff moved out, writes David Nakamura in the Washington Post.The White House took on a ghostly quality as most of President Obama’s staff moved out, writes David Nakamura in the Washington Post.
Desks were emptied. Iconic photographs of Obama came off the walls. Handwritten notes were left for the Obama aides’ successors.Desks were emptied. Iconic photographs of Obama came off the walls. Handwritten notes were left for the Obama aides’ successors.
Secret Service agents allowed reporters to take some photos of the hallways, where empty frames hung on the walls. “There’s nothing in them,” one said with a shrug ...Secret Service agents allowed reporters to take some photos of the hallways, where empty frames hung on the walls. “There’s nothing in them,” one said with a shrug ...
A skeleton staff was scheduled to be on hand Friday morning as Obama welcomed Trump for the traditional tea service before leaving for the inauguration and his swearing-in at noon. But most had already left the place behind.A skeleton staff was scheduled to be on hand Friday morning as Obama welcomed Trump for the traditional tea service before leaving for the inauguration and his swearing-in at noon. But most had already left the place behind.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.39am GMTat 11.39am GMT
11.25am GMT11.25am GMT
11:2511:25
In the months leading up to his presidency Trump has made numerous pledges about what he will do on his first day in office. From repealing Obamacare to building a wall to withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, here’s a video of some of the promises Trump has made.In the months leading up to his presidency Trump has made numerous pledges about what he will do on his first day in office. From repealing Obamacare to building a wall to withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, here’s a video of some of the promises Trump has made.
11.22am GMT
11:22
Trump’s inauguration is due to start at 11.30EST/4.30pm GMT, but security screening is already underway, according to the schedule.
11.18am GMT
11:18
Harriet Sherwood
Before the inauguration ceremony, Trump and his family are due to attend a private service at St John’s church in Washington, at which controversial pastor Robert Jeffress is expected to preach, writes Harriet Sherwood.
Jeffress is the Southern Baptist leader of a 12,000-member megachurch in Dallas, a regular Fox News contributor and a strong supporter of Trump during the election campaign.
He has described Islam as an “evil religion” that “promotes paedophilia” and has said the Roman Catholic church is a “counterfeit religion” which represents the “genius of Satan”.
He has accused Obama of paving the way of the Antichrist by his support for same sex marriage, and that gay people lead a “miserable lifestyle” that is predisposed to “depression, or suicide, or alcoholism.”
Jeffress tweeted on Thursday that he was “Honored to deliver sermon ‘When God Chooses a Leader’ for Trump/Pence private family service at St. John’s Church before‪#Inauguration.”
Honored to deliver sermon "When God Chooses a Leader" for Trump/Pence private family service at St. John's Church before #Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/MD0HmyKzTP
On Fox News, he said his sermon would focus on Nehemiah, a biblical figure who helped rebuild Jerusalem in the 5th century BC, in part by mounting a defensive wall around the city. About 300 people are expected to attend the service.
Accordingto the New York Times, six faith leaders will take part in today’s inauguration ceremony, more than for any previous president.
They are Catholic cardinal Timothy Dolan, Hispanic Christian leader Samuel Rodriguez, televangelist Paula White, rabbi Marvin Hier, African-American bishop Wayne Jackson of Great Faith Ministries International, and Franklin Graham, the son of evangelical Billy Graham.
11.14am GMT
11:14
Germany finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, has urged Trump to stick to international agreements.
Speaking to Der Spiegel Schaeuble said: “I don’t think a big trade war will break out tomorrow, but we will naturally insist that agreements are upheld.”
Trump criticised German car makers this week for failing to produce more cars in the US and warned that he would impose a tax of 35% on vehicle imports.
Schaeuble said he wished Trump luck if he wanted to tell Americans which cars to buy. “That’s not my vision of America and I don’t think it’s his either,” he said.
He also recommended not taking Trump’s practice of tweeting policy changes too seriously.
“One shouldn’t confuse Trump’s form of communication with statements of government policy. We will not participate in that,” he said.
11.07am GMT
11:07
Madonna has joined the list of celebrities speaking out against Trump, AP reports.
Speaking at New York’s Brooklyn Museum on Thursday night, she said: “He’s actually doing us a great service, because we have gone as low as we can go.
“We can only go up from here, so what are we going to do? We have two choices, destruction and creation. I chose creation.”
Madonna spoke alongside artist Marilyn Minter about art in a time of protest. Both vowed to lead protests against Trump, including attending Saturday’s Women’s March in Washington.
“This is the most frightened I’ve ever been,” Minter said. “The most qualified candidate who ever ran was defeated by the most unqualified candidate who ever ran, and it’s all because of misogyny.”
Madonna said that while she was “horrified” Trump won the election over Hillary Clinton, she now believes it was necessary.
“I do believe that Trump was elected for a reason, to show us how lazy and un-unified and lackadaisical and taking for granted we’ve become of our freedom and the rights that we have as Americans,” Madonna said. “I feel like people forgot what was written in the Constitution.”
She added: “They always say it’s darkest before the dawn and I feel this had to happen to bring people together, so let’s get this party started.”
Updated
at 11.10am GMT
10.53am GMT
10:53
Here’s video of protesters clashing with police outside the pro–Trump “DeploraBall” event on Thursday night.
There’s more on the protests here:
10.49am GMT
10:49
Russians have been flocking to the US since Trump’s election, according to figures from the travel website Opodo.co.uk. It recorded a 168% spike in year on year bookings from Russians going to the US.
The second biggest peak comes from Nordic countries Sweden (96%) and Denmark (81%), followed by Germany with a growth of 50%.
The UK recorded a modest 6% rise in visitor numbers showing that Brits are continuing to visit as usual.
10.36am GMT
10:36
Alec Baldwin and a host of celebrities took to the stage outside of Trump International Hotel and Tower for an anti-Donald Trump rally in New York on Thursday.
Baldwin’s impressions of Trump on Saturday Night Live have riled the president-elect. Other speakers included Robert De Niro, Sally Field, Mark Ruffalo and Michael Moore.
10.26am GMT
10:26
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10.10am GMT
10:10
New York’s tabloids go with the same pun on their front pages.
The NYC tabloid stars aligned today pic.twitter.com/rQOVhogYYh
10.04am GMT
10:04
Bridge protests
A banner reading “Build bridges not walls” has been draped across London’s Tower Bridge as part of a series of events across the world aimed to protest against Trump’s presidency.
Protesters were joined by Green Party joint leader Jonathan Bartley.
With Greens @carolinerussell & @jon_bartley at Tower Bridge saying #BridgesNOTWalls. Proud of London for twice rejecting divisive campaigns! pic.twitter.com/SJ0IZyFzAH
Reuters reports:
Protesters on the iconic bridge held up pink letters reading “Act now!” soon after sunrise while others unfurled the banner over the railings and a speedboat with a black flag reading “build bridges not walls” raced down the River Thames.
Beside the British parliament, protesters draped banners saying “Migrants welcome here” and “Migration is older than anguage” over Westminster bridge. Other protests are planned in London and other British cities on Friday.
Trump also faces protests in Washington during his inauguration, and in cities from Toronto to Sydney, Addis Ababa and Dublin over his politics which critics say are divisive and dangerous.
The protest in London was organised by the campaign group also called “Bridges not Walls”, in reference to Trump’s pledge to build a wall on the Mexican border.
“We won’t let the politics of hate peddled by the likes of Donald Trump take hold,” Nona Hurkmans of Bridges not Walls said in a statement.
Updated
at 10.06am GMT