Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election was a surprising one, as he overcame rival Hillary Clinton to claim the White House. The businessman-turned-politician’s first inauguration in January 2017 became a day of unforgettable moments, some of which sparked viral attention for various reasons.
Here are 5 iconic moments from that day that went viral
1. Michelle Obama’s Side Eye
One of the most memorable moments from Trump’s inauguration day happened when he and wife Melania greeted the outgoing president, Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama. As the couples exchanged pleasantries, an awkward moment occurred when Melania handed Michelle a wrapped gift. The confusion over what to do with it, followed by Michelle’s side-eye and half-smile, was caught on camera, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about viral moments from the day.
2. Crowd Size Controversy
Trump’s inauguration crowd size became a point of contention almost immediately after the ceremony. While the president claimed it was the largest gathering in history, photos and reports showed a starkly different reality. His press secretary, Sean Spicer, famously criticised the press for underreporting the crowd size, but further investigation revealed that Trump had ordered alterations to aerial photos to make the crowds appear larger. The public backlash only intensified, with the media questioning the credibility of the claims.
3. The Presidential Pens Incident
After being sworn in, Trump quickly moved to sign formal documents nominating his Cabinet members. However, the moment became awkward when he began handing out custom-made Cross pens to those in attendance, seemingly as mementos. As the pens ran out, Trump remarked, “I think we’re going to need some more pens,” leading to the White House ordering additional supplies. The unusual scene of Trump distributing pens added to the list of odd moments that day.
4. The ‘American Carnage’ Speech
In his inaugural address, Trump made waves with his stark depiction of America’s troubles. His speech, which he had described as being fiery, painted a bleak picture of a nation suffering from rampant crime, a failing education system, and economic decline. The line, “This American carnage stops right here and stops right now,” drew criticism from leaders across the world, with many viewing it as a jarring tone for the beginning of a new presidency. The speech set the tone for much of his first term in office, marked by intense political division.
5. The Raised Fist and Red Tie Moment
Amidst the ceremony, several iconic photos of Trump from his first inauguration went viral. One of the most notable images featured Trump waving to the crowd, with his red tie blowing dramatically in the wind over his shoulder. Another moment that captured attention was Trump raising his fist to the crowd in a gesture that seemed to surprise those on the dais. This moment of defiance would later be echoed during a pivotal moment in Trump’s presidency, just after surviving an assassination attempt, making it even more historically significant.
Trump’s first inauguration was a day filled with memorable and sometimes controversial moments, each of which played a part in shaping the narrative of his presidency and leaving an indelible mark on American history.