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Donald Trump Inauguration: Climate Change Removed From White House Website Donald Trump Inauguration: A Day of Ceremony, Protests and Celebration
(35 minutes later)
Right Now: President Donald J. Trump is now on the inaugural parade to the White House. Follow our live coverage and analysis.
■ President Trump’s era on the government web began almost immediately with the wiping out of Obama-era initiatives and a new brand of policy pronouncement. But two sides can play that game.■ President Trump’s era on the government web began almost immediately with the wiping out of Obama-era initiatives and a new brand of policy pronouncement. But two sides can play that game.
■ As Mr. Trump dined with dignitaries and members of Congress in the Capitol, the police skirmished with protesters, hurling flash-bang grenades to drive them from the inauguration parade route.■ As Mr. Trump dined with dignitaries and members of Congress in the Capitol, the police skirmished with protesters, hurling flash-bang grenades to drive them from the inauguration parade route.
■ Hillary Clinton, who won the popular vote by nearly three million but lost the presidency, was on hand for her former rival’s swearing-in at the Capitol.■ Hillary Clinton, who won the popular vote by nearly three million but lost the presidency, was on hand for her former rival’s swearing-in at the Capitol.
Hours after the Senate confirmed James. N. Mattis as secretary of defense and John F. Kelly as secretary of homeland security, President Trump signed their commissions in the Oval Office. Vice President Mike Pence swore in both generals in his ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, across from the West Wing.
Mr. Mattis, a retired Marine general, issued a statement to the Defense Department casting the United States as a bulwark of the international order and the guardian of important alliances. He vowed the Pentagon would work “for an America that remains a steady beacon of hope for all mankind.”
“Recognizing that no nation is secure without friends, we will work with the State Department to strengthen our alliances,” Mr. Mattis added.
In tone and substance, Mr. Mattis’s short statement, like his congressional testimony last week, seemed intended to reassure partners abroad. It also appeared at odds with Mr. Trump’s populist vision of putting America first at the expense of longtime allies.
It didn’t take long.It didn’t take long.
The Department of Labor’s report on lesbians, bisexuals, gays and transgender people in the workplace? Gone.The Department of Labor’s report on lesbians, bisexuals, gays and transgender people in the workplace? Gone.
The White House’s exposition on the threat of climate change and efforts to combat it? Gone.The White House’s exposition on the threat of climate change and efforts to combat it? Gone.
In its place, An America First Energy Plan:In its place, An America First Energy Plan:
And “America First Foreign Policy.”And “America First Foreign Policy.”
There was a bit of a mix-up with the transition to power on the web. Mr. Trump’s initial cover photo on the official @POTUS handle used an image from Mr. Obama’s 2009 inauguration. It was quickly taken down.There was a bit of a mix-up with the transition to power on the web. Mr. Trump’s initial cover photo on the official @POTUS handle used an image from Mr. Obama’s 2009 inauguration. It was quickly taken down.
For some of Mr. Trump’s aides, hope for that @POTUS handle is high. They want him to stop using the handle he’s had since he joined Twitter, @realDonaldTrump, and accept staff management of the official account.For some of Mr. Trump’s aides, hope for that @POTUS handle is high. They want him to stop using the handle he’s had since he joined Twitter, @realDonaldTrump, and accept staff management of the official account.
But Mr. Trump relishes the freedom and direct-contact he has over Twitter, and he has continued using his personal account, with a staff member tweeting from it even as he was signing the official nominations of his Cabinet appointees after the swearing-in.But Mr. Trump relishes the freedom and direct-contact he has over Twitter, and he has continued using his personal account, with a staff member tweeting from it even as he was signing the official nominations of his Cabinet appointees after the swearing-in.
Many supporters and protesters scrambled to find a spot along the parade route to get a glimpse of President Trump. Near the White House on 15th and G, a small group of people wearing “Make America Great Again” hats gathered behind tall metal barricades and layers of security.Many supporters and protesters scrambled to find a spot along the parade route to get a glimpse of President Trump. Near the White House on 15th and G, a small group of people wearing “Make America Great Again” hats gathered behind tall metal barricades and layers of security.
“Well, we didn’t realize we needed tickets,” Lisa Ross, a new Washington resident, said. “We still wanted to come and see what the inauguration is all about.”“Well, we didn’t realize we needed tickets,” Lisa Ross, a new Washington resident, said. “We still wanted to come and see what the inauguration is all about.”
Madeline Valentine, arriving at the barricade after running into multiple road blocks, said it was pretty clear that “they don’t want us here.” Madeline Valentine said, arriving at the barricade after running into multiple road blocks, said it was pretty clear “they don’t want us they us here.”
She traveled to Washington from Detroit for the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, but said she wanted to witness the inaugural festivities, too. She traveled to Washington from Detroit for the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, but said she wanted to witness inaugural festivities, too.
“I wanted to be here today to express my concerns for the nation,” she said.“I wanted to be here today to express my concerns for the nation,” she said.
As Mr. Trump grew closer, the apparent split in the crowd became evident: a pocket of pink pussycat hats and a pocket of red Trump hats.As Mr. Trump grew closer, the apparent split in the crowd became evident: a pocket of pink pussycat hats and a pocket of red Trump hats.
Protesters and police officers faced off in downtown Washington just hours after Mr. Trump was sworn into office, with the sound of flash-bang grenades echoing through cordoned-off streets and the smell of tear gas wafting through the air.Protesters and police officers faced off in downtown Washington just hours after Mr. Trump was sworn into office, with the sound of flash-bang grenades echoing through cordoned-off streets and the smell of tear gas wafting through the air.
As some protesters chanted, some in black face masks threw rocks and bricks at officers who responded with tear gas and flash grenades, trying to clear the streets. The police formed a line blocking off parts of K Street, the heart of Washington’s lobbying district. But hundreds of people remained, and some started a small fire in the street.As some protesters chanted, some in black face masks threw rocks and bricks at officers who responded with tear gas and flash grenades, trying to clear the streets. The police formed a line blocking off parts of K Street, the heart of Washington’s lobbying district. But hundreds of people remained, and some started a small fire in the street.
The protesters had struck first, hurling rocks at the police and hauling newspaper racks into the street.The protesters had struck first, hurling rocks at the police and hauling newspaper racks into the street.
During his one and only news conference as president-elect, Mr. Trump said no one cared about his refusal to release his tax returns but reporters.During his one and only news conference as president-elect, Mr. Trump said no one cared about his refusal to release his tax returns but reporters.
Well, he has his answer. The first official petition of the Trump era has been filed on WhiteHouse.gov: Release your tax returns.Well, he has his answer. The first official petition of the Trump era has been filed on WhiteHouse.gov: Release your tax returns.
Oh, and an impeachment website is up as well.Oh, and an impeachment website is up as well.
President Trump’s first official act as commander in chief was to pave the way for his defense secretary to be confirmed by the Senate.President Trump’s first official act as commander in chief was to pave the way for his defense secretary to be confirmed by the Senate.
Then he had some fun passing out pens.Then he had some fun passing out pens.
Minutes after being sworn in at the Capitol, Mr. Trump went to the President’s Room just off the Senate floor to sign a series of papers, including legislation cleared by Congress last week that provides a waiver for Gen. James N. Mattis from a legal requirement that military officers wait seven years before serving as defense secretary.Minutes after being sworn in at the Capitol, Mr. Trump went to the President’s Room just off the Senate floor to sign a series of papers, including legislation cleared by Congress last week that provides a waiver for Gen. James N. Mattis from a legal requirement that military officers wait seven years before serving as defense secretary.
General Mattis is among the three members of Mr. Trump’s cabinet that Congress may confirm on Friday and Monday. Seated at a large table and surrounded by lawmakers from both parties, the newly minted president also signed nominations for the rest of his cabinet, joking with members of Congress as he cycled through a series of pens, one for each nominee, and asked them which ones they would like to keep. Seated at a large table and surrounded by lawmakers from both parties, the newly minted president also signed nominations for the rest of his cabinet, joking with members of Congress as he cycled through a series of pens, one for each nominee, and asked them which ones they would like to keep.
“I’ll give you Elaine — you want Elaine?” Mr. Trump asked Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the minority leader, apparently referring to Elaine Chao, his nominee for secretary of transportation. “Are we getting some more pens back there?” he asked moments later. “This is fun.”“I’ll give you Elaine — you want Elaine?” Mr. Trump asked Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the minority leader, apparently referring to Elaine Chao, his nominee for secretary of transportation. “Are we getting some more pens back there?” he asked moments later. “This is fun.”
Mr. Trump also signed a proclamation for a national day of patriotism.Mr. Trump also signed a proclamation for a national day of patriotism.
There was no word from Mr. Trump’s aides about whether he would issue any executive orders on his first day in office, although they have hinted that he would move immediately to roll back Obama administration policies on health care and immigration, among others.There was no word from Mr. Trump’s aides about whether he would issue any executive orders on his first day in office, although they have hinted that he would move immediately to roll back Obama administration policies on health care and immigration, among others.
The Trump administration on Friday afternoon suspended a plan to reduce the fees that borrowers must pay on some federally backed mortgage loans.The Trump administration on Friday afternoon suspended a plan to reduce the fees that borrowers must pay on some federally backed mortgage loans.
The Obama administration announced the cut last week in an effort to make homeownership more accessible to lower-income borrowers. A family that borrowed $200,000 would have saved $500 in annual fees. But Republicans had decried the change as risky.The Obama administration announced the cut last week in an effort to make homeownership more accessible to lower-income borrowers. A family that borrowed $200,000 would have saved $500 in annual fees. But Republicans had decried the change as risky.
The fees cover the cost of defaults, so the change would have reduced the money available to cover such losses.The fees cover the cost of defaults, so the change would have reduced the money available to cover such losses.
Ajit Pai, a senior Republican member of the Federal Communications Commission, is expected to be named chairman of the agency, in what is expected to be the beginning of a period of regulatory unwinding, according to two sources familiar with the transition team’s thinking.Ajit Pai, a senior Republican member of the Federal Communications Commission, is expected to be named chairman of the agency, in what is expected to be the beginning of a period of regulatory unwinding, according to two sources familiar with the transition team’s thinking.
The main target will be net neutrality regulations that treat broadband providers like utilities and that forbid internet service providers from blocking or slowing websites.The main target will be net neutrality regulations that treat broadband providers like utilities and that forbid internet service providers from blocking or slowing websites.
Mr. Pai, 44, will control a Republican majority from his first day. He promised in a speech last month to immediately roll back what he viewed as regulatory overreach by his predecessor, Tom Wheeler. Mr. Pai met with transition officials last weekend at Trump Tower and was widely liked by many of Mr. Trump’s advisers, according to people with knowledge of the meetings.Mr. Pai, 44, will control a Republican majority from his first day. He promised in a speech last month to immediately roll back what he viewed as regulatory overreach by his predecessor, Tom Wheeler. Mr. Pai met with transition officials last weekend at Trump Tower and was widely liked by many of Mr. Trump’s advisers, according to people with knowledge of the meetings.
In a speech to the Free State Foundation in December, Mr. Pai said, “I’m optimistic that last month’s election will prove to be an inflection point — and that during the Trump administration, we will shift from playing defense at the F.C.C. to going on offense.”In a speech to the Free State Foundation in December, Mr. Pai said, “I’m optimistic that last month’s election will prove to be an inflection point — and that during the Trump administration, we will shift from playing defense at the F.C.C. to going on offense.”
Mr. Pai is a veteran telecommunications lawyer, who has shifted in and out of government. He worked for Verizon from 2001 to 2003 and served as deputy general counselor at the F.C.C. from 2007 to 2011. In 2013, President Obama appointed him as a minority Republican commissioner.Mr. Pai is a veteran telecommunications lawyer, who has shifted in and out of government. He worked for Verizon from 2001 to 2003 and served as deputy general counselor at the F.C.C. from 2007 to 2011. In 2013, President Obama appointed him as a minority Republican commissioner.
Mr. Pai has a drastically different view on competition in telecommunications than Mr. Wheeler. Mr. Pai has said web firms such as Google and Facebook are competitors to wireless, cable and broadcast companies in voice calls, messaging and streaming video. The F.C.C. under Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Pai said, strapped too many rules on internet service providers without providing real evidence that consumers were harmed without regulations.Mr. Pai has a drastically different view on competition in telecommunications than Mr. Wheeler. Mr. Pai has said web firms such as Google and Facebook are competitors to wireless, cable and broadcast companies in voice calls, messaging and streaming video. The F.C.C. under Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Pai said, strapped too many rules on internet service providers without providing real evidence that consumers were harmed without regulations.
Although Mr. Pai is well liked by other Republicans in government, his impending appointment was greeted with much consternation by consumer groups.Although Mr. Pai is well liked by other Republicans in government, his impending appointment was greeted with much consternation by consumer groups.
“He’s never met a mega-merger he didn’t like or a public safeguard he didn’t try to undermine,” said Matt Wood, policy director at Free Press, a consumer interest group.“He’s never met a mega-merger he didn’t like or a public safeguard he didn’t try to undermine,” said Matt Wood, policy director at Free Press, a consumer interest group.
We asked readers what was motivating them to attend the inauguration. Here are some of their answers.We asked readers what was motivating them to attend the inauguration. Here are some of their answers.
Hillary Clinton, who amassed nearly three million votes more than Mr. Trump on Election Day but lost in the Electoral College, was on hand with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, to watch the man who called her a “nasty woman” take the oath of office. She shook Mr. Trump’s hand at the post-inauguration luncheon in the Capitol.Hillary Clinton, who amassed nearly three million votes more than Mr. Trump on Election Day but lost in the Electoral College, was on hand with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, to watch the man who called her a “nasty woman” take the oath of office. She shook Mr. Trump’s hand at the post-inauguration luncheon in the Capitol.
As she was shown on a large screen on the National Mall, some in the crowd shouted, “Lock her up.” They chanted, “Trump, Trump, Trump.”As she was shown on a large screen on the National Mall, some in the crowd shouted, “Lock her up.” They chanted, “Trump, Trump, Trump.”
While crowd-size estimates were not immediately available, Washington’s transit system released ridership numbers.While crowd-size estimates were not immediately available, Washington’s transit system released ridership numbers.
As of 11 a.m., Metro logged 193,000. Four years ago, there were 317,000 at the same point on Inauguration Day. At Mr. Obama’s first inauguration, the number was 513,000.As of 11 a.m., Metro logged 193,000. Four years ago, there were 317,000 at the same point on Inauguration Day. At Mr. Obama’s first inauguration, the number was 513,000.
On George W. Bush’s second inauguration, 197,000 had taken the subway by 11 a.m.On George W. Bush’s second inauguration, 197,000 had taken the subway by 11 a.m.
As Mr. Trump gave his inaugural address, one of the biggest cheers from the crowd came when he spoke about eradicating “radical Islamic terrorism.”As Mr. Trump gave his inaugural address, one of the biggest cheers from the crowd came when he spoke about eradicating “radical Islamic terrorism.”
“Finally, someone said it,” a supporter shouted. That man was Mark Constantine, a lawyer from Yonkers.“Finally, someone said it,” a supporter shouted. That man was Mark Constantine, a lawyer from Yonkers.
“I’ve never been to an inauguration before,” Mr. Constantine said. “But I made a point about coming.”“I’ve never been to an inauguration before,” Mr. Constantine said. “But I made a point about coming.”
Nearby, Eric Metaxas, an evangelical writer and radio host from Manhattan who voted for Mr. Trump, said he was bothered by people who have protested the new president’s administration.Nearby, Eric Metaxas, an evangelical writer and radio host from Manhattan who voted for Mr. Trump, said he was bothered by people who have protested the new president’s administration.
“The level of anger frightens me,” Mr. Metaxas said. “It’s not coming from the Trump side.”“The level of anger frightens me,” Mr. Metaxas said. “It’s not coming from the Trump side.”
It was an interesting sentiment from Mr. Metaxas. He wrote a lengthy and well-regarded biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who stood up to Nazi authoritarianism and died for his stand.It was an interesting sentiment from Mr. Metaxas. He wrote a lengthy and well-regarded biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who stood up to Nazi authoritarianism and died for his stand.
Well, to start with, a website.Well, to start with, a website.
On Friday morning, just minutes before Mr. Trump was sworn in, news publications reflected the country’s great division.On Friday morning, just minutes before Mr. Trump was sworn in, news publications reflected the country’s great division.
“Winter Comes,” blared The Huffington Post, the left-leaning site founded by Arianna Huffington, in all capital letters.“Winter Comes,” blared The Huffington Post, the left-leaning site founded by Arianna Huffington, in all capital letters.
“Yes, this is really happening,” BuzzFeed said briefly on its home page, in the lower right corner of its live video of the inauguration.“Yes, this is really happening,” BuzzFeed said briefly on its home page, in the lower right corner of its live video of the inauguration.
By contrast, The Drudge Report, the conservative website known for its flashy headlines, struck a more optimistic tone with the headline, “It All Begins Today.”By contrast, The Drudge Report, the conservative website known for its flashy headlines, struck a more optimistic tone with the headline, “It All Begins Today.”
Headlines on other news websites were not quite as partisan. “New Era Begins as Trump Set to Take Oath,” The Washington Post said. The Wall Street Journal went with “Trump Set to Take Reins of Power.” The New York Times chose: “Trump’s Inauguration Day Caps a Remarkable Rise to Power.”Headlines on other news websites were not quite as partisan. “New Era Begins as Trump Set to Take Oath,” The Washington Post said. The Wall Street Journal went with “Trump Set to Take Reins of Power.” The New York Times chose: “Trump’s Inauguration Day Caps a Remarkable Rise to Power.”
Breitbart, the right-wing website that embraced Mr. Trump during the election campaign, was, perhaps surprisingly, the most subdued, going with the blandly factual “The Inauguration of President Donald Trump.”Breitbart, the right-wing website that embraced Mr. Trump during the election campaign, was, perhaps surprisingly, the most subdued, going with the blandly factual “The Inauguration of President Donald Trump.”
Fox News announced that Nigel Farage, the right-wing populist British leader who helped lead last year’s Brexit campaign, would join the network as a regular contributor. The move grants Mr. Farage, who is friendly with Mr. Trump, a foothold on the country’s most watched cable-news network, in a year of critical elections in Europe where right-wing groups are on the rise.Fox News announced that Nigel Farage, the right-wing populist British leader who helped lead last year’s Brexit campaign, would join the network as a regular contributor. The move grants Mr. Farage, who is friendly with Mr. Trump, a foothold on the country’s most watched cable-news network, in a year of critical elections in Europe where right-wing groups are on the rise.
As Mr. Trump gave his inaugural address, Madea Benjamin, a founder of the left-wing stunt protester group Code Pink, strode toward the dais in a section reserved for honored guests and journalists, pausing just below the president as she shouted that he was not a “legitimate president.”As Mr. Trump gave his inaugural address, Madea Benjamin, a founder of the left-wing stunt protester group Code Pink, strode toward the dais in a section reserved for honored guests and journalists, pausing just below the president as she shouted that he was not a “legitimate president.”
Two Capitol Police officers quickly grabbed her and escorted her out.Two Capitol Police officers quickly grabbed her and escorted her out.
How she got that ticket, now that’s a story.How she got that ticket, now that’s a story.
As Mr. Trump assumes the presidency, he and his senior aides have settled on a strategy to begin slowly unwinding regulations and policies from the Obama era, opting against the more sudden approach that some inside his team had recommended.As Mr. Trump assumes the presidency, he and his senior aides have settled on a strategy to begin slowly unwinding regulations and policies from the Obama era, opting against the more sudden approach that some inside his team had recommended.
The plan, as described by one senior Trump official, is “more rolling thunder than shock and awe.”The plan, as described by one senior Trump official, is “more rolling thunder than shock and awe.”
Some aides to Mr. Trump, including his chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, had advised the president-elect to make a more dramatic show of his first few days in office, by signing a flurry of executive orders and making new policy pronouncements that would undo many of Mr. Obama’s actions on immigration, wages, banking and the environment.Some aides to Mr. Trump, including his chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, had advised the president-elect to make a more dramatic show of his first few days in office, by signing a flurry of executive orders and making new policy pronouncements that would undo many of Mr. Obama’s actions on immigration, wages, banking and the environment.
But Mr. Trump has opted instead to let his plans trickle out over the next 30 days, this official said.But Mr. Trump has opted instead to let his plans trickle out over the next 30 days, this official said.
Thrilled by the prospect of voting for the first time, my college-age daughter, Nora, recently asked her 89-year-old grandfather, Joseph Trinity, whether he remembered his own first vote. He dodged the question, then stunned his family with this late-breaking news: But I do remember being in Eisenhower’s inaugural parade.Thrilled by the prospect of voting for the first time, my college-age daughter, Nora, recently asked her 89-year-old grandfather, Joseph Trinity, whether he remembered his own first vote. He dodged the question, then stunned his family with this late-breaking news: But I do remember being in Eisenhower’s inaugural parade.
He was encouraged to elaborate.He was encouraged to elaborate.
It seems word had traveled to Catholic University, where he was a student, that the inaugural parade of 1953 needed bodies. My future father-in-law soon found himself standing alone, in cap and gown, on a long float crawling down Pennsylvania Avenue — a nervous representation of Eisenhower’s tenure as president of Columbia University.It seems word had traveled to Catholic University, where he was a student, that the inaugural parade of 1953 needed bodies. My future father-in-law soon found himself standing alone, in cap and gown, on a long float crawling down Pennsylvania Avenue — a nervous representation of Eisenhower’s tenure as president of Columbia University.
Intrigued, Nora searched online for a photograph of this odd moment, but only came up with that year’s inaugural program. She then contacted Kathy Struss, the audio/visual archivist at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kan., to explain the situation: guy in cap and gown, on an inaugural float.Intrigued, Nora searched online for a photograph of this odd moment, but only came up with that year’s inaugural program. She then contacted Kathy Struss, the audio/visual archivist at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kan., to explain the situation: guy in cap and gown, on an inaugural float.
The library has more than 330,000 photographs. Still, Ms. Struss, who has been with the library since 1977, faintly recalled the image, and began her cross-reference hunt. And there it was, a National Park Service photograph, preserved in a red-covered album that Eisenhower had given to his mother-in-law, Elivera M. Doud, as a birthday gift.The library has more than 330,000 photographs. Still, Ms. Struss, who has been with the library since 1977, faintly recalled the image, and began her cross-reference hunt. And there it was, a National Park Service photograph, preserved in a red-covered album that Eisenhower had given to his mother-in-law, Elivera M. Doud, as a birthday gift.
And yes, that is Joe Trinity in cap and gown, aboard a float adorned with an inspirational banner (“Youth is the Future of America – Eisenhower”) and being pulled by a jeep bearing the name of the Young Republicans National Federation.And yes, that is Joe Trinity in cap and gown, aboard a float adorned with an inspirational banner (“Youth is the Future of America – Eisenhower”) and being pulled by a jeep bearing the name of the Young Republicans National Federation.
This is particularly delicious, since my father-in-law, a retired public-school teacher, is a lifelong Democrat. His excuse: It paid a few bucks.This is particularly delicious, since my father-in-law, a retired public-school teacher, is a lifelong Democrat. His excuse: It paid a few bucks.
DAN BARRYDAN BARRY