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Washington • Promising a new day for America and hailing what he said was an historic turn for the country, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States on Friday before a crowd of hundreds of thousands.

"What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people," Trump said.

"January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer."

A sea of people spread from the Capitol, where Trump took the oath, down the National Mall. Enthusiastic supporters, many clad in Trump's signature red hats, cheered as the new president assumed power and vowed a new vision for the country.

"They knew they were hearing something that was different from what they've come to expect from the past," said Steve Rouzer, 67, of Moab, who attended the inauguration.

After a raucous presidential campaign that sharply divided the country, Trump sought to unite, even as he sought to paint America as a disaster that only he could fix. The poverty, the crime, gangs and drugs will end, he said.

"This American carnage stops right here and stops right now," Trump said. "We are one nation — and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams; and their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home and one glorious destiny."

Not long after Trump said a "new vision will govern our land," violent protests broke out in downtown Washington with rioters throwing bricks, lighting fires and breaking store windows. Police in riot gear used pepper spray to try to temper the crowds just blocks from the inaugural parade route.

A smattering of protests also broke out amid Trump's inaugural speech, though the incoming president ignored them.

Staying on script, Trump said he would fight for Americans, and "I will never, ever let you down."

"To all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words: You will never be ignored again," Trump said.

A light rain began as Trump took the podium to offer his inaugural address with outgoing President Barack Obama seated feet behind him. A 21-gun salute welcomed the new commander in chief as the Marine Band played ruffles and flourishes.

"Nice job, Donald," yelled Joseph Wurzelbacher, an Ohio resident who became famously known as "Joe the Plumber" during the 2008 presidential campaign after he opposed Obama's election.

"It's a testimony to how great our country is," said Jeremy Jenkins, of Logan, who was one of Utah's six presidential electors. "I support Trump because I believe in his vision for America."

Hillary Clinton, who won the national popular vote but was defeated in the Electoral College — the one that determines the victor — stood on stage during the swearing in; later, Trump acknowledged her and asked an audience of members of Congress and dignitaries to applaud her.

Obama, who is headed to Palm Springs, Calif., but is expected to return to Washington to reside, offered his thanks to supporters as he parted from his eight-year perch.

"You proved the power of hope," Obama said in remarks at Joint Base Andrews before boarding an jet that usually serves as Air Force One. "And throughout this process, Michelle and I, we've just been your frontmen and women. We have been the face, sometimes the voice out front on the TV screen and the microphone. But this has never been about us."

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, who sat on the dais for the swearing in, praised the "peaceful and dignified transition."

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, voted for independent Evan McMullin because of his disagreements with Trump during the campaign. But he held out hope for the next four years.

"Winning back the people's trust must be the primary goal of the Republican Party as we assume unified control over Congress and the presidency, and there's only one way to accomplish it: by putting our trust back in the people.​"

Rep. Mia Love, who was no Trump fan during the campaign, has now embraced the new president.

"What a great day filled with hope and a brighter future for our country," she wrote on Facebook. "Time to return power back to the people. In that effort, I'm all in."