Donald Trump Becomes 45th President Of America, And UK Reacts With Horror

'Absolutely bonkers.'
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Donald Trump has renewed his “America First” mantra as it became official: he is the 45th President of the United States of America.

After taking the Presidential oath, Trump addressed the crowd with a defiant and populist speech, railing against Washington, “crime, gangs and drugs”, and promising: “The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.”

Returning to the theme that won him US ‘rust belt’ states hit by overseas trade, he blasted: “The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and redistributed around the world.”

Making clear his belief in protectionism, he told the depleted crowd: “From this day forward, a new vision will govern this land. From this day forward, it will only be America First.”

President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States.
President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States.
Andrew Harnik/AP

The UK reacted to his comments with interest.

Sounds like he's really gonna be great for UK trade #inaguration

— Jess Phillips MP (@jessphillips) January 20, 2017

Absolutely bonkers.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 20, 2017

Well, in a world with a terrifyingly uncertain future, there's one thing that's certain: that's the stupidest inaugration speech ever given.

— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) January 20, 2017

On this sad and difficult day for so many of us, let us remember that, for some, this #InaugurationDay is a day of joy. pic.twitter.com/uqXxyGGVyF

— David Schneider (@davidschneider) January 20, 2017

This would be a good moment for Bobby Ewing to step out of the damn shower.

— alexmassie (@alexmassie) January 20, 2017

Good luck with that trade agreement @Number10gov #Brexit https://t.co/MyCcNvfxzt

— Martin Docherty MP (@MartinJDocherty) January 20, 2017

The UK is currently at Denial Level 10 #inauguration pic.twitter.com/G3OM3XXEXj

— Chris York (@ChrisDYork) January 20, 2017

But some liked it.

A very strong speech by @POTUS. He means it.

— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) January 20, 2017

And others pointed out ...

Never forget "America First" was motto of the 1930s movement that opposed US involvement in the war against Hitler and fascism

— Tim Montgomerie ن (@montie) January 20, 2017

There were key passages:

On Washington ...

For too long, a small group in our nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. Washington flourished – but the people did not share in its wealth.

On ‘America First’ ...

From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this moment on, it’s going to be America First. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength.

On the ‘forgotten men and women’ ...

The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Everyone is listening to you now.

Trump, who arrived at the Capitol Building on Friday morning to chants of ‘USA! USA! USA!’, spent the morning attending church and meeting with outgoing President Obama as VIPs filled into the stands for the inauguration.

The Obamas warmly greeted the Trumps on the steps of the White House, bringing a large gift box from Tiffany’s which Melania handed to first lady Michelle.

Trump gives a thumb up during the 58th Presidential Inauguration.
Trump gives a thumb up during the 58th Presidential Inauguration.
Douliery Olivier/ABACA USA/ABACA USA
Barack and Michelle Obama greet Donald Trump and his wife Melania.
Barack and Michelle Obama greet Donald Trump and his wife Melania.
Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

As the two couples were meeting, the president-elect’s family, former presidents, the Supreme Court justices and Congressman started filing into the stands outside the Capitol Building to see the ceremony - including Trump’s rival Hillary Clinton.

Metro Ridership: As of 11am, 193k trips taken so far today. (11am 1/20/13 = 317k, 11am 1/20/09 = 513k, 11am 1/20/05 = 197k) #wmata

— Metro (@wmata) January 20, 2017
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