Joe Biden is inaugurated as president of the United States
Joseph R. Biden Jr. was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Jan. 20 at the United States Capitol.
Biden’s predecessor, Donald J. Trump, choose not to attend the ceremony. The decision makes him one of only four presidents to not attend their successor’s inauguration.
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar started off the ceremony by giving a speech about the fragility of democracy.
“Two weeks ago, when an angry, violent mob staged an insurrection and desecrated this temple of our democracy, it awakened us to our responsibilities as Americans,” Klobuchar said.
Missouri senator and inaugural chair Roy Blunt also referenced the Capitol attack in his speech.
“The assault on our Capitol at this very place just two weeks ago, reminds us that a government designed to balance and check itself is both fragile and resilient,” Blunt said.
At approximately 11:45 a.m. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was sworn in as the 49th vice president of the United States.
Just a few minutes later, Biden was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts.
“This is America’s day, this is democracy’s day,” Biden said.
Biden continued his speech by emphasizing that the will of the people had been heard by confirming him as president-elect.
“On this hallowed ground, where just a few days ago violence sought to shake the Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible to carry out the peaceful transfer of power, as we have for more than two centuries,” he said.
The president also acknowledged that this has been a difficult year, due primarily to issues caused by the pandemic and racial inequality. He said there is much work to be done.
“The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer,” he added. “There is a rise of political extremism, white supremacy and domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat.”
However, he stressed that any hope of peace must come through the difficult task of unifying the country. He said he also understands that unity can sound like a foolish fantasy.
“To all those who did not support us, let me say this: hear me out as we move forward,” Biden said. “Take a measure of me and my heart. If you still disagree with me, so be it. That’s democracy.”
He emphasized that disagreement must never lead to disunion or violence.
To the rioters that stormed the Capitol and attempted to overthrow democracy, he had this message:
“It did not happen; it will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.”
Biden’s first order as the new president was a moment of silence for all the Americans who lost their lives to COVID-19.
The National Mall, which is generally filled with people for a presidential inauguration, was instead filled with flags; a representation of those who lost their battle to the deadly virus.