Joe Biden has been sworn in as the 46th President of the United States during a sombre inauguration ceremony unlike any other in history, with the coronavirus pandemic preventing crowds and thousands of troops stationed around the US Capitol amid heightened tension and deep political division.
In his first address as President, Mr Biden struck an optimistic tone and touched on the dual crises playing out across America: the pandemic and political divisions.
Those divisions were laid bare amid former President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the results of last year’s election, which culminated in the deadly riots at the Capitol two weeks ago.
Mr Biden described the divide as an “uncivil war that pits red against blue” – referring to the two colours that represent the Republican and Democratic parties – and urged unity.
“We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts, if we show a little tolerance and humility, and if we’re willing to stand in the other person’s shoes,” he said.
‘Democracy has prevailed’
Mr Biden said it was a day of “history and hope, of renewal and resolve”.
“Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, a cause of democracy,” he said.
“The people, the will of the people, has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We’ve learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile, and at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”
Mr Biden also described the coming months of the pandemic as a “dark winter” and asked people watching his address at home and the in-person audience of about 1,000 to join him in a silent prayer for the more than 400,000 American lives lost to COVID-19.
“Sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, friends, neighbours and co-workers: we’ll honour them by becoming the people and the nation we know we can and should be,” he said.
New orders
The new president wasted no time putting his agenda into action, immediately signing 15 executive actions undoing policies put in place by his predecessor.
Among the first orders on his agenda was one requiring face masks to be worn by federal staff and on federal property, while another was to rejoin the Paris climate accord.
“We are going to combat climate change in a way we have not done so far,” Mr Biden said.
He also signed orders reversing Mr Trump’s decision to leave the World Health Organization and his so-called ‘Muslim travel ban’.
At least 1,000 new White House employees were also sworn in with a warning from Mr Biden that they would be fired “on the spot” if he heard them disrespecting a fellow colleague.
“If you’re ever working with me and I hear you treating another colleague with disrespect, talking down to someone, I promise you I will fire you on the spot,” he said.
“No ifs, ands, or buts.”
Kamala Harris speaks about ‘American aspiration’
Kamala Harris made history as she was sworn in as Mr Biden’s Vice President, becoming the first woman, the first Black American and the first Asian American to hold the second-highest US office.
“It is my honour to be here, to stand on the shoulders of those who came before, to speak tonight as your Vice-President,” she said in her first address.
“In many ways, this moment embodies our character as a nation. It demonstrates who we are, even in dark times.
“We not only dream, we do. We not only see what has been, we see what can be. We shoot for the moon and plant our flag on it. We are bold, fearless and ambitious.
“We are undaunted in our belief that we shall overcome, that we will rise up. This is American aspiration.”
An inauguration like no other
The inauguration was unique in many ways, not least of which was the stark lack of blue, white and red-clad spectators lining the streets of Washington DC.
The pandemic, as well as security concerns in the wake of the Capitol attack, forced officials to bar the public from the day’s events, including the inauguration parade.
Law enforcement and officials were almost the only people visible on the streets as Mr Biden’s motorcade made its way through the city from Arlington National Cemetery to the White House, local media reported.
But the eerily quiet scenes did not deter the new President from revelling in the excitement.
Mr Biden jumped out of his car – nicknamed ‘the Beast’ – to walk the final leg of the procession with his family, taking a moment to fist-bump a member of the press.
Donald Trump’s ‘generous letter’
Mr Trump may have defied custom by not attending the ceremony, but he did leave a traditional handover note for his successor at the White House.
Mr Biden said the letter was “very generous”.
“Because it was private, I won’t talk about it until I talk to him. But it was generous,” Mr Biden told reporters.
Donald Trump has hinted at a comeback as he said farewell to Washington.
Getty Images North America
Before he flew off to Florida aboard Air Force One, Mr Trump did not mention Mr Biden’s name but did leave with some words for his successor.
“I wish the new administration great luck and great success. I think they’ll have great success,” he said.
