DONALD Trump has promised to end the “American carnage” of poverty, crime, unemployment and poor schooling, in his first speech as President of the United States of America.

The half-Scottish businessman, golf club owner, and TV personality was sworn in as the 45th leader of the free world yesterday afternoon, formally taking over from Barack Obama.

Hundreds of thousands had gathered on Capitol Hill for the ceremony, though significantly less than had gathered eight years prior for his predecessor’s inauguration.

As he took the oath, promising to “preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States”, he placed his hand on a bible which was presented to him by his Scots mother in 1955.

The first address of the new Commander-in-Chief was pure Trump. Those expecting a more moderate tone from the billionaire now he has the nuclear codes were to be disappointed.

“At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country we will rediscover our loyalty to each other,” he told the adoring crowd, many of whom were wearing red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps.

He added: “When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.”

At the centre of the speech was a promise to put the governance of American into the hand of Americans.

“That a nation exists to serve its citizens,” President Trump said.

“Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighbourhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves. These are the just and reasonable demands of a righteous public.

“But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system, flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge; and the crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealised potential.

“This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.”

There were the campaign favourites, the criticism of past leaders of defending “other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own.”

Then there was his solution: “From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this moment on, it’s going to be America First. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families.”

Earlier in the day, the Trumps had replaced the Obamas in the White House, though the new First Lady, Melania, is to stay in New York while son Barron finishes school.

The Obamas, too, unusually, are staying put. They’re moving just a couple of miles away from the White House, staying in Washington to let their youngest daughter, Sasha, finish her schooling.

At the ceremony, Hillary Clinton stood beside President number 43, George W Bush, watching as the man who won the election, despite receiving three million less votes than her, was sworn in.

Her husband, Bill, the 42nd President was there, as was Jimmy Carter, the 39th holder of the office. Missing was the 41st, George Bush, who was in intensive care in Houston, Texas, hospitalised by a bout of pneumonia.

After the ceremony there were photographs of the presidents, and of the vice-presidents, with Joe Biden handing over to Mike Pence.

As the presidents said their goodbyes, a camera crew reportedly picked up Obama telling Trump, “Well as I said, we’ll be right around the corner.”

Scotland’s First Minister sent her congratulations to President Trump, saying she wished his administration well in dealing with the “great global challenges”.

The First Minister added: “The ties of family, friendship and business that bind our countries are very deep and longstanding. We share fundamental values of equality, tolerance and human rights and I hope to see these values upheld during the new president’s term in office. Scotland and the United States will continue to co-operate in those areas where we share common interests and goals and, when appropriate, we will also look to have constructive dialogue on issues where our views differ.”