Donald Trump has pledged to unify America as he prepares to be sworn in as US president, amid plans for widespread protests and a boycott by dozens of politicians. <br /> <br />The tycoon-turned-politician will address hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Washington DC and millions watching around the world, in his first speech as the 45th president of the United States. <br /> <br />A massive security operation has been launched ahead of the event, including a heavily guarded perimeter around the US Capitol building where Mr Trump will deliver his inaugural address. <br /> <br />Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to take to the streets of cities around the world in opposition to Mr Trump's presidency. <br /> <br />Demonstrators clashed with police outside a pro-Trump rally in Washington on Thursday night, while protest group DisruptJ20 has said it will try to shut down or cause delays at security checkpoints at the inauguration ceremony. <br /> <br />Speaking at a concert at the Lincoln Memorial on the eve of his inauguration, Mr Trump told supporters: "We're going to unify our country. <br /> <br />"We're going to make American great for all our people. <br /> <br />"We're going to do things that haven't been done for our country for many, many decades. It's going to change." <br /> <br />After forecasters predicted rain in Washington DC on Friday, Mr Trump added: "I don't care frankly if it's going to be beautiful or if it's going to rain like crazy. It makes no difference to me. <br /> <br />"I have a feeling it's going to be beautiful." <br /> <br />Mr Trump is reportedly drafting a relatively short inaugural speech with the help of Stephen Miller, his incoming senior White House adviser for policy. <br /> <br />Hillary Clinton is listed to attend the inauguration ceremony with her husband, former president Bill Clinton, despite her bitterly fought election loss. President Barack Obama and former president George W Bush will also attend. <br /> <br />Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, who was the first British politician to meet Mr Trump after his election victory, has travelled to Washington for the ceremony. <br /> <br />Some 65 Democratic Congress members have said they will boycott Mr Trump's inauguration following his row with congressman John Lewis. <br /> <br />Mr Lewis called Mr Trump's victory illegitimate because of Russia's alleged interference in the election, prompting the president-elect to brand the civil rights activist as "all talk, talk, talk - no action or results". <br /> <br />Mr Trump will take part in the presidential procession and parade after he is sworn as president, before attending the inaugural ball at the Walter E Washington Convention Centre later that evening. <br /> <br />On Saturday, celebrities including Scarlett Johansson, Amy Schumer and Patricia Arquette have said they will attend a women's march on Washington which is expected to attract 200,000 people. <br /> <br />Mr Trump has said he will not start attending to presidential duties until Monday.
