​A million people descend on Washington for Trump swearing-in

DEBKAfile was founded by a team of journalists in June 2000 as an independent Internet Web site, providing an intelligence and security news service. January 20, 2017, 10:03 AM (IDT)

Around 28,000 security officials are on hand to defend the close to one million people – supporters and opponents – gathered in Washington DC for the inauguration of Donald Trump as 45^th US President and Mike Pence as Vice President Friday at 7 pm (IST). 

In ceremonies taking place on the West Front of the Capitol (7 pm IST), Pence will be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas followed by Trump, who will take the oath of office administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts. Trump will use president Lincoln’s Bible and the Bible he was given by his mother at Sunday school graduation in 1955. He will then deliver his inaugural address.

Former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George Bush will attend the ceremonies with their wives. Scores of Democratic lawmakers have chosen to boycott the occasion.

The new president will then lead a parade to the White House through streets lined with spectators.

Anti-Trump protests are set to take place from Thursday night onwards, culminating in the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday. Before moving into the White House, Trump had to make his personal transition from billionaire real estate mogul to US president by giving up his beloved private plane for an Air Force Jet, and trading his Android phone for a secure, encrypted device approved by the Secret Service.
 

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