Amid the “peaceful transfer of power”, a surprise executive order, and an outburst of protests, the new First Couple, Donald and Melania Trump, made their debut as the first couple in the first of three inaugural balls by dancing to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way".
In the hours before the events, former President Barack Obama and his staff said one final goodbye to the American public before the Trump administration began to settle into the White House.
“Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power,” President Trump told the crowd at his inaugural address.
“And we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent.”
Inaugural balls are a staple for Washington elite in a tradition stretching back to 1809.
One of the most anticipated moments of the night was the first dance between Melania and Donald, one that the president declined to practise for, CNN reported, citing anonymous sources.
Supporters lined the 150,000 square-foot hall at the first event, the Liberty Ball.
Sinatra’s 1969 “My Way” was performed by jazz singer Erin Boheme, am appropriate choice following one of the most divisive presidential campaigns in recent history.
The Trump administration had a tough time attracting A-list celebrities and musicians to their day of celebration. The artists who did perform included Sam Moore, The Piano Guys, singer Tony Orlando and musician Josh Weathers.
The Piano Guys delivered an interesting performance in which they combined the song Amazing Grace with Rachel Platten’s The Fight Song, which was coincidentally one of the main songs played at Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
Before their first dance as the first couple of the United States, the president made a few remarks.
"I want to thank all of our supporters. My number one supporter Melania — thank you, honey,” he told his crowd of supporters.
“We want to see great things happen for our country. We want to make America great again and we will."
The event took place shortly before the First Family arrived at the White House for the first time around 7.30pm local time.
