PROTESTERS came out in force across the US on the eve of Donald Trump being sworn into office as the 45th President of the US.

Celebs joined thousands of angry New Yorkers at director Michael Moore's We Stand United rally outside Trump Tower last night.

33 A man unleashes two jets of pepper spay over the crowd as protesters shield their eyes Credit: Rex Features

33 A protester has her eyes doused with water after allegedly being pepper sprayed by police outside of the Deplora Ball at the National Press Building Credit: Splash News

33 Thousands of New Yorkers took to the streets last night Credit: AP:Associated Press

33 A youth adds to the burning pile of protest signs Credit: AP:Associated Press

33 Protesters came out in force on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration Credit: EPA

In Washington DC, cops used tear gas on demonstrators after the protests turned ugly.

Secret Service forces and armed cops lined the streets around the White House as protesters gathered downtown.

Hollywood A-listers Robert De Niro, Mark Ruffalo and Alec Baldwin slammed Trump at the New York rally.

De Niro took to the stage saying he was pleased to be there "with all of you and all of my overrated friends" in reference to Trump's recent criticism of actress Meryl Streep.

The actor - who has said he would love to punch Trump - continued to mock the billionaire mogul by reading out some Trump-style fake tweets about himself.

He said: "De Niro's career is a disaster. He was passed over for Godfather 4 and Magnificent Seven. Pathetic.

"De Niro should give back his Oscars. Voting was rigged.

"There's only one true Raging Bull and that's Vladimir Putin."

The iconic actor, 73 continued his rant by slamming the Republican as a "bad example for this country".

33 Activists burns posters outside the pro-Trump Deplorable ball in Washington DC Credit: Getty Images

33 A crowd gathers around the flames Credit: Getty Images

33 Anti-Trump protesters clash with cops in Washington DC Credit: Getty Images

33 A protester has eyes doused with water after cops used tear gas in Washington DC Credit: Getty Images

33 Another anti-Trump protester lies on the ground at the Washington demo Credit: Getty Images

33 Anti-Trump activisst take the streets ahead of the billionaire's inauguration Credit: Getty Images

33 Cops take matters into their own hands at the anti-Trump march Credit: TMZ

33 A cop can be seen spraying the crowd as things got out of hand Credit: TMZ

33 Robert De Niro spoke to thousands at the We Stand United rally in New York Credit: Getty Images

33 The actor poked fun at the President-elect in front frustrated Americans Credit: Getty Images

33 Actor Alec Baldwin trotted out his Trump parody to the crowd Credit: Getty Images

33 People gather outside Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan Credit: EPA

33 Others gather in front of Trump International Hotel in Columbus Circle, New York Credit: Splash News

33 Avengers star Mark Ruffalo also took to the stage to speak to demonstrators Credit: Getty Images

33 Protesters hold up signs at the New York rally Credit: Getty

33 Thousands took the street armed with anti-Trump picket signs Credit: AP:Associated Press

33 Credit: Getty Images

Actor Alec Baldwin trotted out his famous Trump parody from Saturday Night Live to the crowd.

Mimicking the President elect the 30 Rock star said: “I just want to say, I’ve been standing out here in the freezing cold for a long time.

“I have to go to the bathroom. I have to pee. But I’m holding it in, I’m holding it in, I’m not gonna pee. "I’m going to a function at the Russian consulate tonight, I’m gonna hold it in ‘till I get there.”

“And then when I get to the Russian consulate, I’m going to have a really, really long pee,”

Avengers star Mark Ruffalo told the crowd: "We're coming here tonight to protect something precious to us, and that's each other."

Actresses Shailene Woodley, Julianne Moore and Rosie Perez were also on the march.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio told protesters "Donald Trump may control Washington, but we control our destiny as Americans.

33 People gather around a talking Trump puppet Credit: AP:Associated Press

33 Director Michael Moore held the 'We Stand United' rally in New York Credit: AP:Associated Press

33 New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also hit out at the President-elect at the rally Credit: Getty Images

33 Activists walk the streets with highly emotive signs Credit: EPA

33 A protester holding a pro-Hillary Clinton sign Credit: Getty Images

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33 Donald Trump spoke at his inauguration ceremony to a crowd of supporters Credit: AP:Associated Press

33 The billionaire spoke to Americans at a pre-Inaugural 'Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration' in Washington Credit: AP:Associated Press

33 Fireworks explode over the Lincoln Memorial in Washington Credit: Associated Press

33 President-elect and wife Melania Trump in high spirits yesterday Credit: Reuters

33 Trump and his family stood by the Lincoln Memorial at the end of his speech Credit: Reuters

33 Trump spoke to a sea of supporters yesterday afternoon Credit: Reuters

"We don't fear the future. We think the future is bright, if the people's voices are heard."

Cops clashed with anti-Trump protesters outside the Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C.

Pepper spray was fired into the crowd while protesters tried to break through police lines.

Protesters were said to be targeting the DeploraBal' celebration - an event organised by some of Trump's most enthusiastic supporters.

While activists took to the streets, President-elect Donald Trump prepared to attend his inaugural concert at Washington DC's Lincoln Memorial.

Further protests are expected across the US on Friday after Trump takes the oath of office.

Saturday's Women's March on Washington is expected to draw in a hundreds of thousands of activists.

The inauguration will take place at midday local time (5pm GMT) today.