Joe Biden was sworn into office as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, concluding an election year unlike any other.
As Trump and Biden’s campaign’s were disrupted by covid, the delay in election results left many Americans anxious. Against everything 2020 has brought us, Biden took the oath of office Wednesday afternoon, taking place in front of a quiet, and empty National Mall.
The day began with president Trump leaving the White House, flying down with Air force one upon arrival of his home in Palm Beach Florida. Before his departure, Trump showed his gratitude for his time as president, and that he loves American people. As he was not in attendance, Trump would join just three other presidents (John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Johnson) to not attend their successor’s Inauguration. Trump also wished the “incoming administration the best” as he would leave the Nation’s capital for one last time. Vice President Mike Pence would be in attendance.
Following Trump’s departure, president Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris would arrive in the U.S. Capitol for the Inauguration ceremony. The families of both Biden and Harris were in attendance ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. As president-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden made their way to the balcony of the U.S. Capitol, those in attendance would roar of cheers.
Along with the swearing in ceremony, Lady Gaga performed the National Anthem, as firefighter Andrea Hall would recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Following these performances, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris would take the oath of office, as they were officially sworn into presidency. Among those in attendance, former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush recorded a joint video, implementing ‘the majesty of the passage of power,’ focusing on the importance of supporting Democracy and staying engaged with America. This would air as the last segment in Wednesday’s showing.
As Biden took the stage to address the country, he emphasized unity and the remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr, who delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Biden highlighted multiple issues the country has faced this past year, including the pandemic, climate change, and racial inequality. On top of that, the President claims “[He’s] never been more optimistic about America,” as he hopes to work more and more in an effort to end the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Later that evening, the Inauguration would end with Joe and Jill Biden, as they joined their families on the Blue Room Balcony to watch fireworks as they “Celebrate America.”
