Donald Trump pledged Thursday to make America "greater than ever before" in remarks delivered at a Washington rally on the eve of his inauguration to be the 45th president of the United States. "What we've done is so special," Trump said, standing before the iconic Lincoln Memorial. "All over the world they're talking about it." The president-elect said he was "just the messenger" for a movement that wanted change in the country. "I promise you, it's going to change," Trumps said. His arrival in the capital early Thursday began a weekend of official events. Trump landed outside Washington aboard a blue-and-white aircraft, waving as he descended the steps alongside wife Melania at Andrews Air Force Base and saluting the Air Force officer who greeted him. He then rode in a motorcade to the Trump International Hotel near the White House for lunch with inaugural officials, top Republican lawmakers, cabinet members and senior staff. In his first public event of the inaugural weekend, Trump and vice president-elect Mike Pence traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns to honour US war dead. The evening concert at the Lincoln Memorial featured country singer Toby Keith, actor Jon Voight and rock band 3 Doors Down, among other performers. Trump's remarks were followed by a fireworks display. An inaugural souvenir seller pushes a cart with Donald Trump flags down a street in Washington Events will culminate at noon on Friday, when Trump takes the oath of office and delivers remarks to the American people at the US Capitol. The inaugural address will be "less of an agenda and more of a philosophical document on where he sees the country," spokesman Sean Spicer said. Trump arrives in Washington as the country remains sharply divided over his election, with just 40 per cent of Americans viewing him favourably, according to pollster Gallup. Even as hundreds of thousands of supporters are expected to cheer on the billionaire turned self-declared champion of the working class, hundreds of thousands are also expected to come to Washington to protest his policies. The large crowds have prompted a massive security operation in and around the Mall, with vast areas fenced off in a security perimeter encompassing the Capitol grounds and Pennsylvania Avenue leading to the White House. He is ready to enact his agenda from day one, including signing executive orders on issues such as health care, terrorism and immigration during his first few days in office, Spicer said. "We are ready to serve the American people and make America great again on day one," vice president-elect Mike Pence told reporters. Confirmation hearings for cabinet picks were also underway Thursday, with Senate panels interviewing treasury secretary nominee Steven Mnuchin and energy secretary nominee Rick Perry. Trump has named former Georgia governor Sonny Purdue as his choice for agriculture secretary, completing the selection of his cabinet. Several members of the current administration who are key to national security and foreign policy will stay on to ensure a continuity of government. According to Spicer, those staying include: State Department Under Secretary Thomas Shannon; Deputy Defence Secretary Robert Work; liaison to the anti-Islamic State coalition Brett McGurk; and Adam Szubin, who oversees sanctions for the Treasury Department.
