Addressing a large crowd assembled on the National Mall and millions more watching on television, Trump vowed to deliver on his promise to take on the establishment in Washington and deliver results for Americans forgotten by their leaders.

“We are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people,” he said as rain fell over the nation’s capital.

Trump painted a bleak picture of a nation in crisis, plagued by “American carnage” caused by crime at home and the threat of terrorism from abroad.

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But he sought to rally the country behind his “America first” vision, which he promised would bring about a brighter future.

“From this moment on, it’s going to be America first,” he said. “I will fight for you with every breath in my body, and I will never, ever let you down. America will start winning again, winning like never before.”

Trump spoke after Chief Justice John Roberts administered the 35-word oath of office, which the new president recited holding his hand on top of his childhood bible and one President Lincoln used at his first inauguration.

The moment capped off a journey to the White House many never dreamed to be possible.

The reality TV star and real-estate magnate surprised many in the summer of 2015 when he rode down a golden escalator at his Manhattan high-rise to announce he was jumping into the presidential race.

Most believed Trump’s campaign would be derailed by his inflammatory comments and lack of traditional political organization.

But he rose to power by presenting himself as an outsider with the ability to shake up the Washington establishment that many voters say have failed the country.

His Friday afternoon speech echoed many of the themes of his campaign, from his unabashed populist message to his recitation of his slogan to “Make America Great Again.”

Trump now faces the difficult task of uniting a country that is deeply divided over his presidency.

His approval rating was no higher than 44 percent in a series of polls released in the lead up to his inauguration.

Those divisions were on display in downtown Washington, where police used pepper spray to quell violent protests against Trump.

Demonstrators smashed windows at businesses and vandalized bus stops and newspaper stands.

- Updated at 1:13 p.m.