Inauguration and the 'American Carnage' Speech

The Ceremony

On January 20, 2017, Donald John Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office as outgoing President Barack Obama, former presidents, and members of Congress looked on. The ceremony followed the peaceful transfer of power tradition, though the tone of Trump’s inaugural address would immediately set his presidency apart from his predecessors.

”American Carnage”

Trump’s 16-minute speech painted a bleak picture of the nation he was inheriting. He described “American carnage” — rusted-out factories “scattered like tombstones across the landscape,” crime, gangs, and drugs. He declared that “this American carnage stops right here and stops right now.” The phrase was so striking that the speech became universally known by that label.

The address was a sharp departure from the traditionally optimistic tone of inaugural speeches. Rather than extending an olive branch to political opponents or celebrating national unity, Trump drew a line between the Washington establishment and his supporters. “For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost,” he said, as former presidents and congressional leaders sat behind him.

Reaction

The speech stunned many in attendance. Former President George W. Bush was reportedly overheard saying, “That was some weird shit,” as he left the platform. Speech writers from both parties noted the historically dark tone. While supporters praised Trump for speaking directly to the concerns of working-class Americans who felt left behind, critics argued the address was divisive, nationalist, and bore little resemblance to reality — particularly given that unemployment had fallen steadily under Obama and the economy was growing.

Setting the Tone

The inauguration set the tone for the Trump presidency in other ways as well. Protests erupted across Washington, D.C., with over 200 people arrested. The very next day, millions would turn out for the Women’s March in cities around the world — one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history. From its very first day, the Trump presidency would be defined by sharp polarization and a willingness to reject political norms.