Whatever you think of Donald Trump, and it's fair to say that he's divided the world enough, it's time to welcome - however warmly or coldly you'd like - the new President of the United States. Social media has certainly been doing plenty of that, while commenting on events running up to Trump's inauguration. Here are a few snippets - although they don't always make for pleasant reading...
Let's start, however, with some of the more positive sentiments. Trump has pledged often enough to "Make America Great Again", and many tweeters are confident that he will do that.
I'm ready for more jobs, lower taxes, better inner cities, and no more illegals corrupting our country. #maga #TrumpInauguration
— Gwenyth Bennett (@gwenyth_bennett) January 20, 2017
#Prosperity is back! Record-shattering economic growth is coming America! Thanks to @realDonaldTrump #TrumpInauguration #Fox5Potus #WTD16 https://t.co/uBykGxhUUv
— Why The Donald '16? (@whythedonald) January 20, 2017
It's a good moment for photo opportunities too - and as if Trump's comb-over hasn't already attracted more than enough commentary, the man himself has posed for a few pictures in the run-up to the inauguration. Wife Melania has been very present along the way - including in one photo where she and her husband showed respect to one of his most esteemed predecessors.
New Day Patriots...welcome leadership and class back to Office of the President today, 6 hours away #TrumpInauguration pic.twitter.com/QotfgwultJ
— VisorGame (@VisorGame) January 20, 2017
The First Family standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial was an amazing moment. #TrumpInauguration pic.twitter.com/Zlsv1dA13S
— Deplorable Vet 🇺🇸 (@KGBVeteran) January 20, 2017
Still, it did lead to some observers making unfavourable comparisons between Trump and Abraham Lincoln. How much in common do the two really have? We'll leave you to form your own judgement, but it's clear that not everyone thought Trump's presence at the Lincoln Memorial was apt - especially as he might even have been caught fibbing...
Lincoln gave his life for his country, but trump can't even give his taxes. #LincolnMemorial #TrumpInauguration
— ㅤㅤ (@drugfailed) January 19, 2017
I guess when Trump visited the Lincoln Memorial he missed the inscription “With malice toward none, with charity for all…”#TrumpInauguration
— Harold Itzkowitz (@HaroldItz) January 20, 2017
Trump said the crowd for his Lincoln Memorial concert was one of the biggest crowds ever there. Liar. #trumpinauguration pic.twitter.com/vXEdgEpmJa
— Harold Itzkowitz (@HaroldItz) January 20, 2017
Also, accusations of racism continue to blight Trump's image. Furthermore, while it's a common and routine thing to compare current political leaders with those from history, especially when a leader is only just taking office, some historical comparisons can be disturbing - while, frankly, being too eye-opening for some people to resist drawing attention to.
#TrumpInauguration pic.twitter.com/hsEoriZsF3
— Bob Hardy (@B0bHardy) January 20, 2017
#TrumpInauguration
We see. https://t.co/UqFUWN09Q5— Bernie Wins (@berniewins2016) January 20, 2017
Naturally, when a new leader takes over, it's a good time to look back at the record of the previous one. What's Obama's legacy? Actually, it might be too early to answer that. After all, we'll have to see the extent to which his reforms stand the test of time.
Tweeters had their own - mixed - opinions. Is Trump about to undo Obama’s good work or repair his damage? It depends who you ask.
Dear @realDonaldTrump, President Obama has already made America great again. #ThankYouObama #TrumpInauguration @Donkey_Feed #thanksObama pic.twitter.com/ZdnLDMWJp9
— MATTY ICE (@FailGOP) January 20, 2017
It's been eight long years of a President who hates America. Tomorrow, we'll again have a president who loves America.#TrumpInauguration
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) January 20, 2017
#ThankYouObama for nothing! Your legacy will be nothing but history soon! #TrumpInauguration #MAGA pic.twitter.com/zaBfVhvEO3
— Deplorable Aaron 🐸 (@GopAaron) January 20, 2017
Looking back at the election results, you only have to weigh up the number of votes for Trump and the number for Hillary to see that the US is deeply divided. In light of this, it shouldn't surprise many people that the inauguration has attracted protests before it even takes place - and those protests have taken a seriously ugly turn at times. Watch the following if you dare...
This is video of @realJamesAllsup being struck in the head with a flag pole. #DeploraBall #TrumpInauguration pic.twitter.com/EsKLg15xIP
— Deplorable Vet 🇺🇸 (@KGBVeteran) January 20, 2017
'Peaceful' 'Tolerant' Democrats use old Nazi tactics by beating up women and men exiting an inaugural event. Very sad. #TrumpInauguration pic.twitter.com/nqrN0bRBPa
— Truth Bombers (@Truth_Bombers) January 20, 2017
Nonetheless, maybe we should end this run-down of tweets like we began it: with a more optimistic frame of mind. We've tried to represent a broad spectrum of views in this article - but whether you like it or not, Trump is set to be President of the United States for the next four years and might even stay for another four years after that.
So yet again, we return to the subject of Abraham Lincoln, who once uttered the following words that many of Trump's supporters would likely be pleased to highlight.
"If there is anything that a man can do well, I say let him do it. Give him a chance." - Abraham Lincoln#Inauguration #TrumpInauguration pic.twitter.com/0rIZFnIccb
— Vote Trump Pics (@VoteTrumpPics) January 20, 2017
