Press TV- Donald Trump has sworn in as the 45th president of the United States at Capitol Hill, pledging to embark on “a great national effort to rebuild this country and restore its promise for the American people.”

The 70-year-old Republican took the oath on Friday during a momentous event that has been marred by massive protests against his election victory over Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton..

He placed his hand on two Bibles -- his own and one used by Abraham Lincoln -- to take the solemn oath. "I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God," he declared, before pumping his fist in the air several times.

Trump changes tone after swearing-in



[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"] US President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address at the US Capitol. (Photo by Getty Images)[/caption]



[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Members of the public filling the Mall and the West Front of the US Capitol. (Photo by Getty Images)[/caption]

In his inaugural address, Trump vowed that he would make only ever decision that puts "only America first."

"From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward, it's going to be only America first," he said.

"Together we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And, yes, together, we will make America great again," Trump said as he concluded his address.

"Thank you. God bless you and God bless America!"

Even before Trump took the oath of office, thousands of protesters descended on Washington with a message for him: "You’re not my president."



Trump and vice President-elect Mike Pence were sworn in around Friday noon local time (5:00 PM GMT).



[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Hillary Clinton and husband Bill arrive at the US Capitol. (Photo by Getty Images)[/caption]



[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"] George W. Bush and Laura Bush arrive at the US Capitol. (Photo by Getty Images)[/caption]

Trump and his wife went to a White House tea reception hosted by outgoing President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Pence and his family were also in attendance.

Obama and Michelle greeted Trump and his wife Melania on the steps of the White House. "Mr President-elect, how are you?" Obama asked.



[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Barack Obama (R) and Michelle Obama(L) welcome Donald Trump(2nd-R) and his wife Melania to the White House. (Photo by AFP)[/caption]



Obamas had morning tea with Trumps before they made their way to the US Capitol for the inauguration ceremony.

Obama leaves Oval Office for last time 



[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"] US President Barack Obama departs the Oval Office for the last time as president (Photo by AFP)[/caption]

Before welcoming his successor Trump to the White House, Obama left the Oval Office for the last time.

Obama walked into the Oval Office holding a letter, which he left on the Resolute desk for his successor.

As Obama walked along the West Wing colonnade, when asked if he was feeling nostalgic, he replied, "Of course".

Asked for last words for the American people, he said: "Thank you."

Police clash with anti-Trump protesters 



[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"] An anti-Trump protester is dragged away by police from a public access point to the National Mall. (Photo by Getty Images)[/caption]



US police clashed with protesters demonstrating the inauguration and presidency of Trump in Washington, DC.

Police used pepper spray to disperse protesters where a pro-Trump event was being held while smoke was also seen filling the street.

“It’s a scam,” said Cathy Garley, 68, a protester who took a bus from Rochester, New York, to Washington to express her displeasure. “It’s a junta.”

She was among the thousands of anti-Trump demonstrators protesting against the new administration led by the billionaire  from New York.

"The message I want to send is that Trump does not represent this country. He represents the corporate interests," said Jessica Reznicek, a 35-year-old Catholic aid worker from Des Moines, Iowa, who participated in a peaceful march.

(This news article is being updated continuously.)