Trump takes office with ‘America first’ vow

Donald Trump took power as the 45th president of the United States yesterday and pledged to end the “American carnage” of social and economic woes in an inaugural address that was a populist and nationalist rallying cry.
Sketching a bleak vision of a country he said was ravaged by rusted-out factories, crime, gangs and drugs, Trump indirectly blamed his predecessors in the White House for policies that helped Washington at the expense of struggling families.
“From this moment on, it’s going to be America First,” the Republican told thousands of people gathered on the grounds of the National Mall as he took over the presidency from Democrat Barack Obama.
Away from the ceremony, masked activists protesting against Trump ran through the streets smashing windows at a McDonald’s restaurant, a Starbucks coffee shop and a steakhouse several blocks from the White House.
They carried black anarchist flags and signs that said, “Join the resistance, fight back now.”
Aerial pictures of the crowds of Trump supporters on the Mall showed a much smaller turnout at midday on Friday than that in comparable photos from Obama’s first inauguration in 2009.
In his short speech, Trump accused the Washington establishment of protecting itself but abandoning regular citizens who have suffered from poverty and crime.
“This American carnage stops right here and stops right now,” he said. “Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families,” he said.
Trump, 70, takes over a country divided after a savage election campaign.
The dark vision of America he often paints is belied by statistics showing low levels of unemployment and crime nationally, although Trump won many votes in parts of the nation where manufacturing industry has been badly hit.
A wealthy New York businessman and former reality TV star who has never held public office, Trump will set the country on a new, uncertain path at home and abroad.
Trump’s election was greeted with concern by many countries around the world, in part because of the potential for an isolationist foreign policy.
In an interview after Trump was sworn in, German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said, “What we heard today were high nationalistic tones.”
“I think we have to prepare for a rough ride,” he told public broadcaster ZDF, adding Europe should stand together to defend its interests.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto congratulated Trump on his inauguration, but cautioned that the sovereignty, national interest and protection of Mexicans would be paramount.
Mexicans have been angered by Trump’s pledge to build a wall along the southern US border to keep illegal immigrants out, and to make Mexico pay for it.
On financial markets, the dollar was down but US stock indexes pared their gains in the last day of a choppy trading week, after Trump’s inaugural speech prompted investor concern about protectionist trade policies.
Pope Francis urged Trump to be guided by ethical values, saying he must take care of the poor and the outcast during his time in office.
In Moscow, Russians hoping Trump will usher in a new era of detente celebrated his inauguration.
Russian nationalists held an all-night party at what used to be the main Soviet-era post office in Moscow.

Emir congratulates Trump
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to US President Donald Trump on the occasion of taking the oath and assuming the presidency, wishing him success and the relations between the two countries further progress and prosperity. HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent similar cables.