Trump hears sermon on biblical protection of Jerusalem before swearing-in

This year's version of the traditional pre-inauguration service will focus on when God chooses a leader, specifically the biblical figure of Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls that protected Jerusalem.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, REUTERS

JANUARY 20, 2017 16:06

Updated: JANUARY 20, 2017 16:59

Trump enters St. John's church ahead of his inauguration

President-elect Donald Trump entered St. John's Church, known as the "president's church" in Washington DC Friday morning, along with his wife and children, including Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.

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

According to CNN, this year's version of the traditional pre-inauguration religious service will focus on when God chooses a leader, specifically the biblical figure of Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls that protected Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was central in #Inauguration church service: "The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."
— Michael Wilner (@mawilner) January 20, 2017

Pres.-elect Trump and the incoming First Lady attend #InaugurationDay service at St John’s Church in Washington, DC. pic.twitter.com/MY1xCfxBYh
— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) January 20, 2017

In a ceremony likely to draw 900,000 people, including protesters, Trump and his vice president, Mike Pence, will take the oath of office at midday (1700 GMT) outside the domed US Capitol, with US Chief Justice John Roberts presiding.

"It all begins today!" Trump wrote in a note on Twitter at about 7:30 a.m. "I will see you at 11:00 A.M. for the swearing-in. THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES - THE WORK BEGINS!"

It all begins today! I will see you at 11:00 A.M. for the swearing-in. THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES - THE WORK BEGINS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2017

Security was tight around the White House and Capitol. Streets near the president's home were blocked to traffic by empty buses and dump trucks or temporary pedestrian security checkpoints where law enforcement officers and National Guard troops checked people's bags.

Checkpoints around the National Mall in front of the Capitol opened early to begin admitting guests, some of them wearing red caps bearing Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan. They were barred from bringing selfie sticks, coolers for beverages, and long umbrellas despite the rainy weather.

Most of the area was orderly, but about 100 protesters shouted slogans near one checkpoint and linked arms to block people from entering. Police in riot gear pushed them back into an intersection to allow people attending the inauguration to reach the checkpoints.