Inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States

On January 20, 2021, Joseph R. Biden Jr. was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. This event marked a significant moment in American history, not only due to the transition of power but also because Kamala D. Harris was sworn in as the Vice President, becoming the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President in U.S. history.

Context and Background

The 2020 presidential election was held on November 3, 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an unprecedented number of mail-in ballots and early voting. Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate and former Vice President under Barack Obama, ran against the incumbent President, Donald J. Trump. Biden’s campaign focused on issues such as the pandemic response, economic recovery, racial justice, and climate change.

After a contentious election period, Biden was declared the winner with 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232. The election results were certified by Congress on January 6, 2021, following a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Trump attempting to overturn the election results.

The Inauguration Ceremony

The inauguration ceremony took place at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the event was scaled down with limited attendance, and strict health protocols were in place. Security was heightened following the January 6 Capitol riot.

Key Moments

• Oath of Office: Joe Biden took the oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Kamala Harris was sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice.

• Inaugural Address: In his inaugural address, President Biden emphasized themes of unity, democracy, and healing. He called for Americans to come together to overcome the challenges facing the nation.

• Performances and Participants: The ceremony featured performances by Lady Gaga, who sang the national anthem, Jennifer Lopez, and Garth Brooks. Poet Amanda Gorman delivered a powerful reading of her poem “The Hill We Climb.”

Significance and Aftermath

The inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris represented a historic shift in American politics. Harris’s ascension to the vice presidency broke significant barriers and inspired many across the nation and the world. Biden’s presidency began with a focus on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and restoring international alliances.

The inauguration underscored the resilience of American democracy, highlighting the peaceful transfer of power despite the challenges and divisions faced in the preceding months. It set the stage for the Biden administration’s agenda and its efforts to tackle pressing national and global issues.