Washington (CNN) The cloak of the presidency isn't changing Donald Trump. Not one bit.

The 45th President of the United States blazed onto the campaign trail more than a year ago with a message that stunned the Washington establishment. He was going to be a pure populist. He promised to give voice to "forgotten Americans." He said he would restore wealth to a middle class left behind in the economic resurgence.

There was no explicit embrace of Republican values, no clear ideological bent -- only a vow to reshape government to serve the "tens of millions" of frustrated Americans who rose up to support his campaign. He rebuked the "small group in our nation's capital" that "has reaped the rewards the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost."

"What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people," Trump said. "January 20th, 2017 will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again."

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

Though he did not explicitly reach out to Americans who didn't vote for him, he did say he viewed his oath as "an oath of allegiance to all Americans."

Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Donald Trump, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence and Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, signs his first executive order on health care, Friday, January 20, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Hide Caption 1 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Donald Trump smiles with his son Barron as they watch the 58th Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington on Friday, January 20. Hide Caption 2 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Donald Trump salutes members of the New York Military Academy during the 58th Presidential Inaugural Parade on Friday, January 20. Hide Caption 3 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence salute military personnel from the main reviewing stand in front of the White House during the Presidential Inaugural Parade. Hide Caption 4 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Donald Trump steps out of his limousine in front of the Presidential Inaugural Parade reviewing stand on Pennsylvania Avenue on Friday, January 20. Hide Caption 5 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Vice President Mike Pence, center, waves to supporters as he walks with his family during the Presidential Inaugural Parade. Hide Caption 6 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Spectators watch from rooftops as President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk in the inaugural parade on Friday, January 20, in Washington. Hide Caption 7 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Donald Trump waves as he walks on Pennsylvania Avenue with first lady Melania Trump during the Presidential Inaugural Parade on Friday, January 20. Hide Caption 8 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps marches in the Presidential Inaugural Parade on Friday, January 20, in Washington. Hide Caption 9 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Secret Service members surround the presidential limousine as it drives up Pennsylvania Avenue during the Presidential Inaugural Parade on Friday, January 20, in Washington. Hide Caption 10 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Police escorts participate in the Presidential Inaugural Parade procession on January 20, in Washington. Hide Caption 11 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day From left, first lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump, US Army Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker, Vice President Mike Pence and Karen Pence review the troops as part of the inaugural ceremonies. Hide Caption 12 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Members of a military band line up prior to marching in the Presidential Inaugural Parade. Hide Caption 13 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Trump waves to Hillary Clinton, whom he defeated in the election, during his speech at the inaugural luncheon. He was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on Friday, January 20. Hide Caption 14 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Dignitaries bow their heads in prayer during the inaugural luncheon. Hide Caption 15 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Newly sworn in President Trump shakes hands with Hillary Clinton. Hide Caption 16 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Trump is joined by the congressional leadership and his family as he formally signs his cabinet nominations into law. Hide Caption 17 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Former President Barack Obama waves as he boards a Marine helicopter during a departure ceremony. Hide Caption 18 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day The Obamas and Trumps walk to Marine One after Donald Trump was sworn in as President. Hide Caption 19 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Trump delivers his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on Friday, January 20. Hide Caption 20 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Trump is sworn in as President with his wife, Melania, at his side. Hide Caption 21 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Supporters watch as Trump appears for his inauguration. Hide Caption 22 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Vice President Mike Pence is sworn in by Justice Clarence Thomas as Pence's wife, Karen, holds the bible. Hide Caption 23 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Trump arrives on the West Front of the Capitol to be sworn in. Hide Caption 24 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Barack Obama chats with Trump before the ceremony. Hide Caption 25 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Trump arrives on the West Front of the Capitol. Hide Caption 26 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Trump waits to step out onto the portico for his presidential inauguration. Hide Caption 27 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Pence arrives at the Capitol for the inauguration. Hide Caption 28 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Obama and Vice President Joe Biden arrive on the West Front of the Capitol. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi step before them. Hide Caption 29 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Melania Trump arrives for the ceremony. Hide Caption 30 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Former President Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter, former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush wait for the ceremony to begin. Hide Caption 31 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Trump's children look for their seats before the ceremony begins. Hide Caption 32 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Supreme Court justices await the ceremony. Front from left: Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Anthony Kennedy and Clarence Thomas. Back from left: Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer and Samuel Alito. Hide Caption 33 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Crowds file in along the National Mall before Trump's swearing-in. Hide Caption 34 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Former House Speakers Newt Gingrich and John Boehner arrive with their wives at the Capitol. Hide Caption 35 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Former Vice President Dick Cheney arrives for the inauguration. Hide Caption 36 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Sen. Ted Cruz arrives for the ceremony. Hide Caption 37 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Sen. Bernie Sanders waves to the crowd from the West Front of the Capitol before the ceremony. Hide Caption 38 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day The presidential motorcade moves down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol for the inauguration ceremony. Hide Caption 39 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Former Vice President Dan Quayle and his wife, Marilyn, arrive for the ceremony. Hide Caption 40 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day The Obamas welcome the Trumps to the White House as they arrive for inauguration festivities Hide Caption 41 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day President Obama kisses the first lady as they await the arrival of President-elect Trump and his wife, Melania. Hide Caption 42 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Pence arrives for a worship service at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House. Hide Caption 43 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day The Rev. Luis Leon greets the Trumps on their arrival for the service at St. John's. Hide Caption 44 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day The rain doesn't deter a crowd from gathering to watch the inauguration ceremony. Hide Caption 45 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Workers dry seats on the West Front of the US Capitol. Hide Caption 46 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, prepare to leave the White House for the final time. Hide Caption 47 of 48 Photos: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day The sun begins to rise behind the Capitol as Washington prepares for Donald Trump's inauguration. Hide Caption 48 of 48

"At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other," Trump said. "When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. ...A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights and heal our divisions."

Calls for unity

He also made repeated calls for unity, as well as compassion for "mothers and children trapped in poverty in inner cities," Americans affected by "shuttered factories" that "have left our shores," and people impacted by crime, gangs and drugs "that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential."

"This American carnage stops right here and stops right now," he said to cheers.

Like his speech at the Republican National Convention, Trump portrayed a dark vision of a nation in deep distress, ignoring traditional metrics like the dip to 4.7% unemployment under Obama's eight years in office.

But he expressed hope and optimism about the change he could be able to bring to Washington, pronouncing that the time for "empty talk" from politicians was over and the "hour of action" had arrived.

While he did not go into great detail about his agenda, he promised to fix "decaying" infrastructure and outlined a marked turn inward to an "America First" policy that would govern all of his actions on trade and global affairs.

In a preview of the retrenchment from the role of America's policeman that was such a strong theme under President George W. Bush, Trump spoke of trillions of dollars "wasted overseas" while American roads and bridges fell into disrepair.

"We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams," he said.

After months of biting Tweets, sharp criticism of the opposition party, and threats of immigration crackdowns that have sent fear coursing through minority communities across the nation, Trump dialed back his more controversial instincts on the day he put his hand on Abraham Lincoln's Bible to take the oath of office.

It marked a rare moment where the most unconventional presidential candidate of modern times was swept up in the storied traditions that accompany the peaceful transfer of power that is so uniquely American.

Trump's supporters, who had traveled to Washington from all over the country, hailed the speech as a moment of vindication.

"I feel wonderful," said Harold Sexton, a 49-year-old construction superindent from Kenton, Ohio. "I'm very hopeful for the future. Just what he promised to bring the American people: more jobs, better trade, drain the swamp."

James King, a 68-year-old crane operator from Fredericksburg, Virginia, said he was "thrilled beyond belief."

"We have an opportunity for change," he said. "Whether it happens or not we don't know, but we have the opportunity."

Still, Trump's more restrained speech, the strains of "Hail to the Chief" and the traditional 21-gun salute that ushered Trump into office, could not mask what is a historical moment of deep divisions and tensions in America.

On Saturday, some hundreds of thousands of women are expected to descend on Washington to march in protest of Trump's agenda and past remarks, which they view as sexist, misogynistic and disrespectful.

JUST WATCHED Anti-Trump demonstrators clash with DC police Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Anti-Trump demonstrators clash with DC police 01:09

Scattered protests against Trump also erupted around the city on Friday, even as Washington was under heavy guard from police with temporary metal walls that stretched for miles.

Challenges ahead

Trump faces stark challenges in the days ahead. Other presidents have stepped into the role after a honeymoon period that serves as a helpful launching pad for their first 100 days. Trump, by contrast, is mired in historic lows that are on par with the dismal numbers that other presidents have faced when they left office.

Just 40% of adult Americans said they approved of Trump's handling of the transition in a CNN/ORC poll released this week, the lowest of any recent president. By comparison, Obama had an 84% approval rating when he took office in 2009, 67% approved of Bill Clinton and 61% approved of George W. Bush shortly before he took office in 2001 after a fierce and lengthy recount.

Trump also starts his administration under a cloud of uncertainty. He has vowed to repeal Obamacare at the time when it has reached the height of its popularity.

Womens' groups fear that the administration's plans to defund women's health funding around the world. And the administration has not ruled out the possibility of Trump signing a pile of executive orders that would unravel Obama's actions.

On a more granular level, most of Trump's 21 Cabinet-level nominees have not been confirmed by the Senate and there are hundreds of key jobs still to be filled in the administration.

Trump tweaked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in brief remarks during the formal luncheon at the Capitol following his inaugural address, signaling his eagerness to get his nominees through. And he recognized his election rival, Hillary Clinton, prompting a standing ovation.

Beyond top Cabinet jobs, transition officials acknowledge that they have filled few jobs in the leadership tier below the cabinet level -- the deputy secretaries who form the management structure of each federal agency.

In order to keep the government functioning, the Trump team has assembled 536 "beachhead team members" to fill empty posts in various federal agencies today. They range in number from one to 30 people for different agencies, according to a Trump transition aide.

It's unclear however, how much power the temporary, staff-level aides will have at a time when few senior officials are in place. And it remains to be seen how Trump intends to address complaints about the lack of diversity in his cabinet. For the first time since the 1980s, the group of cabinet appointees does not include a single Hispanic-American.

Sean Spicer, Trump's new White House press secretary, pushed back on questions about Trump's commitment to diversity Thursday.

"I think when you look at the totality of his administration — the people that he's talked to, the people that he's met with, the people that he is appointing -- you see a president who is committed to uniting this country, who's brining the best and the brightest together," he said.

Spicer said ultimately Americans will focus on diversity in gender, thinking and ideology: "It's not just about, you know, skin color or ethnic heritage."

Trump echoed those thoughts in his speech Friday, stating that he would welcome differences in opinion and philosophies.

"We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity," Trump said. "When America is united, America is totally unstoppable."