THE inauguration of Donald Trump marks the most divided America has been since the civil war, says a North-East historian.

Donald Trump officially became the 45th president of the United States yesterday.

Dr Randall Stephens, an associate professor in history and American studies at Northumbria University, described inauguration day as an “unprecedented transition of power”.

He added: “I think that trying to look at it objectively it reveals how divided the US is right now. As a historian the thing that comes to my mind is it’s probably the most divided the country has been since the eve of the civil war. There’s such a sharp divide between the most conservative Americans and liberals.

“But even though the country is divided it’s a fairly unified government with Republicans having a majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate and chief executive so it means they can push through laws that wasn’t possible during the Obama administration.”

He added: “There are some signs from Trump’s cabinet that there will be an agreement on foreign trade with the UK, especially with Brexit. But on the other hand Trump is very isolationist.

“I think it will probably destabilise the western world. think the uncertainty is probably the best word to summarise what is going on right now.”

The inauguration of the new president was met with protests across the UK, with a Banners not Bridges campaign staged across the country.

In York and Newastle, activists dropped from the Ouse Bridge and Millennium Bridge.

In Newcastle, anti-Trump protestors met at Grey’s Monument to listen to speakers including the city’s MP Chi Onwurah.

Organisers Newcastle Unites said: “The effects of a Trump presidency is set to be felt all over the world as racism and sexism is normalised through the voice of one of the most powerful and visible figures in the world, and progress on CO2 emissions targets dashed as one of the world’s largest emitters refuses to accept there is a problem.

“Activists in the US have called protests for the day of his inauguration – we stand in solidarity with them and others around the UK.”

Dr Stephens added: “The North and in particular a city like Newcastle which has a very progressive history and particularly the labour element there’s a lot of consternation about Trump.

“We are in a bad place for progressive and liberals in the west. It’s the pendulum swinging.

“With this and with Brexit we’ve seen the rejection of experts. The doubters and the populists are definitely raising a fist, or a middle finger.”

Fellow American Studies professor Brian Ward said: “Depending on your perspective, historical comparisons with other controversial presidents offer either the reassurance that once in office, they are rarely as bad as their enemies fear, or the salutary reminder that they are rarely as good as their supporters hope.”

Durham University students also hosted an anti-inauguration panel discussion.