At noon on Friday, Jan. 20, Donald Trump was sworn into office by Chief Justice John Roberts on the steps of the United States Capitol Building.
Afterward, Trump gave his first inaugural address, in which he told the American people that his presidency would mark a turning point in improving the lives of working class Americans.
"Today, we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another, or from one party to another," Trump said. "We are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the people."
Trump also promised to bring down crime in the U.S. and work to eradicate "Islamic terrorism" in the years to come.
(Watch the full version of President Trump's inaugural address below.)
Class discussion questions
Essential question
: Why is the peaceful transfer of power important to American democracy?
What did President Donald Trump mean when he said he is giving power back to the people? How do you think he will do that?
What do you think will be the biggest differences between President Trump's administration and former President Barack Obama's?
Several political commentators stated that Trump's inaugural address needed to show a greater focus on uniting the country. Do you agree with this critique? Why or why not?
