After all the fundraising and fierce campaigning, the endless stump speeches, posturing and preparation, the American electoral process is on the verge of fulfilling its most profound obligation. In just a few moments, Donald Trump will officially become the 45th president of the United States.
Raise The Money will be following the events and, as always, offering our two cents. How will America react to the transition? We’ll be tracking the conversation as it unfolds. Stay tuned and follow along on Twitter!
Update 10:15 a.m.
The Secret Service definitely has their hands full today with so many presidents on site. Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter are all on hand for the ceremony. Hillary Clinton, wearing her characteristic iron smile and clad in white, seems to be taking it all in stride while W. tells her jokes. There’s no day quite like Inauguration Day.
Update 10:30 a.m.
Even if only briefly, the atmosphere in Washington at the moment is genial, especially the atmosphere around George W. Bush, who seems quite happy to be there. Vice President Elect Mike Pence is ascending the platform and into a political office he probably couldn’t imagine a year ago. The President Elect will be next.
Update 11:00 a.m.
It’s official! Donald J. Trump is America’s 45th president, and Mike Pence has been sworn in as his Vice President. After much choir singing and across-the-aisle joviality, the new President Trump is taking the stage to give his inaugural speech.
Speaking from the steps of the Capitol, President Trump proclaims that “January 20, 2017, will be remembered as the day the American people became the rulers once again.” Setting a confident tone with his inaugural speech, the new president continues to share his vision, lapsing occasionally from the solemn commander in chief to the blustery businessman.
But in his claim that “patriotism leaves no room for prejudice,” the president begins the monumental task of promoting solidarity after one of our nation’s most derisive elections. From #RaiseTheMoney, we wish good luck to the new president and the American people. Thanks for joining us for Inauguration 2017.