As US President Barack Obama prepares to leave office on January 20, here are 10 things his presidency may be remembered for.
Washington – Pledging emphatically to empower America’s « forgotten men and women », Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States on Friday, taking command of a riven nation facing an unpredictable era under his assertive but untested leadership.
Under cloudy, threatening skies at the West Front of the US Capitol, Trump painted a bleak picture of the America he now leads, declaring as he had throughout the election campaign that it is beset by crime, poverty and a lack of bold action. The billionaire businessman and reality television star – the first president who had never held political office or high military rank – promised to stir a « new national pride » and protect America from the « ravages » of countries he says have stolen US jobs.
« This American carnage stops right here, » Trump declared. In a warning to the world, he said, « From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this moment on, it’s going to be America first. »
Eager to demonstrate his readiness to take actions, Trump went directly to the Oval Office Friday night, before the inaugural balls, and signed his first executive order as president – on « Obamacare ».
The order notes that Trump intends to seek the « prompt repeal » of the law. But in the meantime, it allows the Health and Human Services Department or other federal agencies to delay implementing any piece of the law that might impose a « fiscal burden » on states, health care providers, families or individuals.
Trump also signed commissions for two former generals confirmed to Cabinet posts earlier by the Senate: James Mattis as secretary of defence and John Kelly to head the Department of Homeland Security. Vice President Mike Pence swore them in soon after.
Mattis struck a different tone from his new boss in his first statement to his department: « Recognising that no nation is secure without friends, we will work with the State Department to strengthen our alliances. »
Demonstrations
At the inauguration, the crowd that spread out before Trump on the National Mall was notably smaller than at past inaugurals, reflecting both the divisiveness of last year’s campaign and the unpopularity of the incoming president compared to modern predecessors.
After the swearing-in, demonstrations unfolded in the streets of Washington. Police in riot gear deployed pepper spray after protesters smashed the windows of downtown businesses, denouncing capitalism and the new president.
Police reported more than 200 arrests by evening and said six officers had been hurt. At least one vehicle was set afire.
Short and pointed, Trump’s 16-minute address in the heart of Washington was a blistering rebuke of many who listened from privileged seats only feet away. Surrounded by men and women who have long filled the government’s corridors of power, the new president said that for too long, « a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost ».
His predecessor, Obama, sat stoically as Trump pledged to push the country in a dramatically different direction.
Trump’s victory gives Republicans control of both the White House and Congress – and all but ensures conservatives can quickly pick up a seat on the closely divided Supreme Court. Despite entering a time of Republican dominance, Trump made little mention of the party’s bedrock principles: small government, social conservativism and robust American leadership around the world.
He left no doubt he considers himself the product of a movement – not a party.
Trump declared his moment a fulfillment of his campaign pledge to take a sledgehammer to Washington’s traditional ways, and he spoke directly to the alienated and disaffected.
Scant outreach
« What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people, » he said. « To all Americans in every city near and far, small and large from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean, hear these words: You will never be ignored again. »
But the speech offered scant outreach to the millions who did not line up behind his candidacy.
Trump’s call for restrictive immigration measures, religious screening of immigrants and his caustic campaign rhetoric about women and minorities angered millions. He did not directly address that opposition, instead offering a call to « speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity. »
While Trump did not detail policy proposals on Friday, he did set a high bar for his presidency. The speech was full of the onetime showman’s lofty promises to bring back jobs, « completely » eradicate Islamic terrorism, and build new roads, bridges and airports.
Despite Trump’s ominous portrait of America, he is taking the helm of a growing economy. Jobs have increased for a record 75 straight months, and the unemployment rate was 4.7% in December, close to a 9-year low.
Yet Trump’s victory underscored that for many Americans, the recovery from the Great Recession has come slowly or not at all. His campaign tapped into seething anger in working class communities, particularly in the Midwest, that have watched factories shuttered and the certainty of a middle class life wiped away.
Randy Showalter, a 36-year-old diesel mechanic and father of five from Mount Solon, Virginia, said he felt inspired as he stood and listened to Trump’s speech.
‘American pride’
« I feel like there’s an American pride that I’ve never felt, honestly, in my life, » said Showalter, who donned Trump’s signature « Make America Great Again » red hat.
Trump’s journey to the inauguration was as unlikely as any in recent US history. He defied his party’s establishment and befuddled the news media. He used social media to dominate the national conversation and challenge conventions about political discourse. After years of Democratic control of the White House and deadlock in Washington, his was a blast of fresh air for millions.
At 70, Trump is the oldest person to be sworn in as president, marking a generational step backward after two terms for Obama, one of the youngest presidents to serve as commander in chief.
