Washington (CNN)Donald
Trump will soon be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States
during a historic transfer of power that encapsulates American democracy
even in politically divisive times.
The
70-year-old Republican has arrived at the White House, where he was
greeted at the North Portico by President Barack Obama and First Lady
Michelle Obama. Trump will take the oath of office on the West Front of
the Capitol just before noon, swearing to preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution. That moment will mark the culmination of a stunning
upset victory in last year's bitter presidential election.
The
real estate tycoon and former reality show star will become head of
state, commander in chief and the top executive of the government,
shouldering the burden of keeping Americans safe at home and protecting
the country's global power.
The
traditions of the day began unfolding Friday morning. Trump and his
family attended a private worship service at St. John's Church, known as
the church of presidents. Obama wrote a letter to Trump and left it on
the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, as outgoing presidents typically
do for their successors.
Obama left the Oval Office for the final
time before welcoming the Trumps to the White House. Asked if he had
any words for the American people, Obama said, "thank you."
The
customs and symbolism that will play out over the course of the day --
from the President-elect's ride to the Capitol with Obama to the First
Couple's dance at an inaugural ball -- will be familiar. But the
circumstances of this inauguration -- the 58th in the nation's history
-- could hardly be more unconventional.
When
the presidential primary season began nearly a year ago, few thought
Trump could survive the battle for the Republican nomination -- much
less beat Hillary Clinton to win the presidency. He will be the oldest
president sworn in for a first term and the first president with no
previous diplomatic, political or military executive experience.
But
his populist campaign deeply resonated with Americans who were fed up
with Washington's political class and felt left behind in the
globalizing economy. Trump offered a preview of his inaugural message
during a celebratory concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
Thursday evening.
"I promise you
that I will work so hard, we are going to get it turned around, we are
going to bring our jobs back," Trump said. "We are going to build up our
great military, we are going to build it up. We are going to strengthen
our borders. We are going to do things that haven't been done for our
country for many, many decades. It's going to change. I promise you."
On
Friday morning, he heralded his inauguration in typical style -- with
an early morning tweet after he waking up in Blair House, the official
government residence across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House.
"It
all begins today! I will see you at 11:00 A.M. for the swearing-in. THE
MOVEMENT CONTINUES - THE WORK BEGINS!" Trump tweeted.
Day of ceremony
Trump
began a day of ceremony Friday morning by attending the traditional
inauguration day worship service. When they arrived at the White House,
soon-to-be First Lady Melania Trump brought a gift for the Obamas in a
blue box wrapped in a bow, which the President handed into an aide
before returning for a photo.
The
Obamas will soon leave the White House for the last time, accompanying
the Trumps to Capitol Hill for the swearing-in ceremony. Trump will take
the oath of office, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, on two Bibles,
one that he used as a child and the other used by Abraham Lincoln at his
first inauguration.
In
what is always a poignant moment, the former president and his family
will then head to Andrews Air Force base for a farewell ceremony before
taking one last flight on the presidential jet. The Obamas are heading
to Palm Springs, California, for a vacation.
Trump
will attend a joint congressional inaugural luncheon in the Capitol
before heading back to the White House for the inaugural parade. In the
evening, Trump and the new first lady, Melania Trump, will attend two
inaugural balls, part of the stripped down inaugural festivities that
aides say are meant to stress that the new president is eager to get to
work.