Jan 20, 2017 - Economy & Business

The world reacts to Trump’s speech

Andrew Harnik / AP

People around the world watched President Trump's inaugural address. From the Pope to the pundits, here are some of the instant reactions...

  1. Pope Francis: "I offer you my cordial good wishes and the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high office... I pray that your decisions will be guided by the rich spiritual and ethical values that have shaped the history of the American people and your nation's commitment to the advancement of human dignity and freedom worldwide."
  2. Bob Schieffer, CBS: Trump "took the hide off of everybody" on the platform with an inaugural address slamming Washington.
  3. Newt Gingrich, former House Speaker: On how media and some officials in both parties may respond to Trump's speech: "With horror."
  4. Chuck Todd, NBC: "It was surprisingly divisive for an inaugural address... That wasn't the kind of address intended to bring us all together."
  5. Jake Tapper, CNN: "I think it will go down in history as one of the most radical speeches ever uttered by a president."
  6. Rick Wilson, GOP strategist: "Much like his convention speech, it's a portrait of a dark, dead America, fueled by the promise of revenge and economic fantasy."
  7. Ian Dale, Sky News pundit: "I have read many books about Benito Mussolini. Large parts of this speech could have been written and delivered by him. I do not exaggerate."
  8. Chris Matthews, MSNBC: "Hillary Clinton stood there like a true American patriot and the guy who lost the popular vote didn't give her much."
  9. Doris Goodwin, biographer: "I don't think we saw a humble President today," referencing Donald Trump Jr. who said he thinks his father's victory has "humbled" him on MSNBC.
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