Gov. Abbott attends Donald Trump's presidential inauguration

All eyes were on Monday's presidential inauguration speech as Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States of America. 

Texas Gov. Abbott attends Trump's inauguration

The backstory:

The presidential inauguration formally ushered President Trump into office for a second term.

"Wow, look at you," said President Donald Trump to Governor Greg Abbott. "You mean we couldn't get you up in the front row? I'll tell ya."

In an unexpected portion of the speech, President Trump spoke directly to Governor Greg Abbott, who was among the supporters in attendance. 

RELATED: President Trump surprised to see Texas Gov. Greg Abbott at post-inauguration speech

"I got to see my friend," said President Trump. "So, governor, take care of yourself. You call me, we'll start working."

The president praised the governor of Texas specifically for his handling of the crisis at the southern border. 

"He was a very popular governor, but now, he's an unbeatable governor because of your border policies," said President Trump.

The other side:

While supporters welcomed Trump's return, others protested it. On Monday afternoon, demonstrators were heard throughout Downtown Austin. An anti-Trump rally was held outside the gates of the State Capitol building. 

"We're protesting a bigoted presidency coming in," said Mark Elliott, an organizer with the Party of Socialism and Liberation. "We recognize that the policies that will be enacted by this administration will be extremely destructive against our communities and our friends and family."

Organizers braved the frigid temperatures to make their voices heard. 

"Community defense comes from organizations growing in their understanding of the role we play in resistance," said Elliott. "We're hoping that that will come from this event." 

Local groups, including the Austin For Palestine Coalition, Austin Brown Berets, Austin Sanctuary Network, and Palestinian Youth Movement, arranged the hours-long rally. 

The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Katie Pratt

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