Donald Trump has promised a "beautiful" inauguration ceremony as he prepares to be sworn in as US president, amid plans for widespread protests and a boycott by dozens of politicians.
The tycoon-turned-politician will address hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Washington DC and millions watching around the world on Friday, in his first speech as the 45th president of the United States.
A massive security operation has been launched ahead of the event, including a heavily guarded perimeter around the US Capitol building where Trump will deliver his inaugural address.
Demonstrations against the controversial Republican have been planned in cities across America, including one by protest group Disrupt J20 which aims to disrupt the inaugural parade.
A women's march on Washington taking place a day after the inauguration ceremony is expected to attract 200,000 people, while protests are also planned in cities including Sydney and London.
"We're going to have a very, very elegant day," Trump said of his inauguration.
"The 20th is going to be something that will be very, very special, very beautiful."
Trump is reportedly drafting a relatively short inaugural speech with the help of Stephen Miller, his incoming senior White House adviser for policy.
"He wants to continue to talk about issues and areas where he can unite the country - bring it together," Trump's transition spokesman Sean Spicer told USA Today.
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.
Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, who was the first British politician to meet Trump after his election victory, will travel to Washington for the ceremony.
Around 50 Democratic Congress members have said they will boycott Trump's inauguration following his row with congressman John Lewis.
Lewis called 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".
Inauguration events will start on Thursday when Trump and vice president elect Mike Pence lay wreaths at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
A concert - dubbed the Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration - will take place later that day at the Lincoln Memorial.
Country stars Lee Greenwood and Toby Keith and rock band 3 Doors Down will perform at the event amid reports Trump has struggled to attract famous names to take part.
Broadway star Jennifer Holliday pulled out of the concert, citing concerns raised by fans from the LGBT community.
Trump will take part in the presidential procession and parade after he is sworn as president in on Friday, before attending the inaugural ball at the Walter E Washington Convention Centre later that evening.
Trump has said he will not start attending to presidential duties until Monday, two days after his inauguration.
