The transition of power begins as protests lined the streets of Manhattan and Washington, D.C.
Tens of thousands of citizens lined the streets of Washington, D.C., to welcome Donald Trump to the White House as he prepared to be sworn in on Friday.
With the Obama family’s bags packed and ready to leave 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue — the place they've called home for the past eight years — the Trumps have arrived.
Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence began Friday in a prayer service inside St. John’s Episcopal Church near the White House. That church has given blessings to almost every incoming president since James Madison.
We begin this historic and humbling day as we do every day, with a moment of reflection and prayer. #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/sfJkGktFpe
— Mike Pence (@mike_pence) January 20, 2017
Following the prayer, Trump and his family arrived at the White House to meet with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama prior to the ceremony.
As the Trumps shook hands and took photos with the first family, Melania handed Michelle a gift box from Tiffany’s. The first family and soon-to-be president of the United States and his wife then sat behind closed doors and had tea together.
Pence and his wife also met with current Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill.
Grateful for the support throughout the transition from @VP Biden & @DrBiden44. Pleasure to have them welcome Karen & me to The White House pic.twitter.com/M5khWysIU6
— Mike Pence (@mike_pence) January 20, 2017
In the final moments before Barack Obama will leave the White House, he spent time in the Oval Office where he is said to have left a letter for his successor. It has been a presidential tradition that dates back to George Washington, where the outgoing president leaves a letter of inspiration and wisdom to the incumbent.
As the 44th president and soon-to-be 45th president shared a moment together, the Supreme Court Justices, as well as dignitaries, invited guests and politicians all took their seats outside the Capitol Building for the Inauguration.
Friday’s transition of power comes as celebrations for Trump kicked off Thursday in Washington, D.C., with a concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which featured 3 Doors Down, Lee Greenwood, and Toby Keith.
Read: A White House Upbringing: Sasha and Malia Obama Through the Years
While Trump enjoyed his concert, protests raged in the nation’s capital as well as in New York City where filmmaker Michael Moore led a rally outside Trump International Hotel and Tower in Columbus Circle.
Robert De Niro, Mark Ruffalo, Cher, Sally Field, Alec Baldwin, Rosie Perez, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Mayor Bill de Blasio, all spoke to a crowd of thousands that peacefully protested the streets of Manhattan to oppose the Trump regime.
“Donald Trump and Steve Bannon and Mike Pence think you are going to lay down,” Baldwin said. “But New Yorkers never lay down.”
Baldwin also impersonated Trump as he does regularly on Saturday Night Live.
“Whatever happens, we Americans, we New Yorkers, we patriots stand united for the rights of our citizens,” De Niro said.
Watch: Michelle Obama Gets Nostalgic as She Bids Farewell to White House: 'The Honor of a Lifetime'
