In pictures: Donald Trump's inauguration

Donald Trump took power as the 45th president of the United States on Friday and pledged to end ‘American carnage’ of social and economic woes in an inaugural address that was a populist and nationalist rallying cry.

After repeating the 35-word oath of office, Trump stretched his arms wide and hugged his wife, Melania, and other members of his family. Ceremonial cannon blasts fired. The transition from a Democratic president to a Republican took place before a crowd of former presidents, dignitaries and hundreds of thousands of people on the grounds of the National Mall. Crowds looked much smaller than those for Obama’s two inaugurations.

Here we look at a series of photographs from Trump's inauguration.

People look on and listen as President Trump delivers his inaugural address. PHOTO: REUTERS

Washington motorcycle police lead the parade. PHOTO: REUTERS

President Trump's armored limousine is escorted. PHOTO: REUTERS

President Obama and first lady Michelle greet President-elect Trump and Melania for tea. PHOTO: REUTERS

President Trump shakes hands with House Speaker Paul Ryan as he is joined by the Congressional leadership and his family while he formally signs his cabinet nominations into law, in the President's Room of the Senate, at the Capitol, following his swearing-in. PHOTO: REUTERS

Donald Trump and his wife Melania present a gift to first lady Michelle Obama. PHOTO: REUTERS

President Obama looks over at President-elect Donald Trump, taking a drink of water before getting up to take the oath of office. PHOTO: REUTERS

Former president George W. Bush keeps covered in the rain as he sits with his wife Laura. PHOTO: REUTERS

Donald Trump takes the oath of office with his wife Melania and son Barron at his side. PHOTO: REUTERS

Former president Obama looks on as President Donald Trump speaks. PHOTO: REUTERS

President Trump shakes hands with Hillary Clinton during the Inaugural Luncheon on Capitol Hill. PHOTO: REUTERS

President Trump delivers his inaugural address. PHOTO: REUTERS

Trump acknowledges his family after the speech. PHOTO: REUTERS

An activist demonstrating against President Donald Trump is helped after being hit by pepper spray on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington. PHOTO: REUTERS

Outgoing President Obama departs following President Trump's inauguration.

First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Karen Pence wave goodbye to Barack and Michelle Obama. PHOTO: REUTERS

A police officer falls to the ground as another shoots pepper spray at protesters demonstrating against Trump on the sidelines of the inauguration. PHOTO: REUTERS

A protester holds an anti-Trump sign. PHOTO: REUTERS

Demonstrators hold placards during a protest against President Donald Trump in Madrid, Spain.

People rally against President-elect Donald Trump outside Trump International Hotel and Tower at Columbus Circle in Manhattan, New York City.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump dance while attending the Inauguration Freedom Ball. PHOTO: REUTERS

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump dance while attending the Inauguration Freedom Ball. PHOTO: REUTERS