David Duke , who served one term as the Louisiana State Representative, also “hailed” Mr Trump and praised him for “declaring war” on the “Jewish establishment”.

Mr Duke, who once led the neo-Nazi white-supremacist organisation, had endorsed Mr Trump from the start of the presidential campaign.

“If Trump does win, okay, it’s going to be a real opportunity for people like white nationalists, acting intelligently to build upon that,” Mr Duke said.

A police officer falls to the ground as another shoots pepper spray at protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC

An activist demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump is helped after being hit by pepper spray on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC

Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump take cover as they are hit by pepper spray by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence takes the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton arrive on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington

Former US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush arrive for the Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol

Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump raise their hands as they are surrounded by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC

A man displays a placard as people lineup to get into the National Mall for the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC

Protesters registered their rage against the new president Friday in a chaotic confrontation with police who used pepper spray and stun grenades in a melee just blocks from Donald Trump's inaugural parade route. Scores were arrested for trashing property and attacking officers

Attendees partake in the inauguration ceremonies to swear in Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Justice John Roberts after taking the oath at inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump looks on during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington

In his first speech as President, Mr Trump said power would be transferred from Washington to “the people”.

“We the citizens of America are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people. Together we will determine the course of America and all of the world for many many years to come,” Mr Trump said.