Biden Inaugurated as 46th President, Marking a New Era for the Nation

In a stark contrast to the divisive and tumultuous years under former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States, ushering in an era of calm and comity to Washington. Standing at the Capitol, just two weeks after a mob of insurrectionists invaded the building seeking to overturn the presidential election based on Trump's lies, Biden set out on the daunting task of uniting the nation by urging Americans to come together as they confront the deadly pandemic, an economic collapse, and deep divisions over issues of racial justice and police brutality.

Key Takeaways:

• Biden emphasized the importance of unity, calling on Americans to come together and reconcile differences, stating, "Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path."
• In his inaugural speech, Biden noted that the nation is struggling through a rise of White nationalism, racism, and deep political divisions, and vowed to fight for all Americans, including those who did not support him in the November election.
• Vice President Kamala Harris made history as the first female, the first Black, and the first South Asian vice president of the United States, being sworn in on two Bibles, one belonging to former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and another to Regina Shelton, a neighbor who cared for Harris and her sister Maya when they were growing up.
• Harris was described as a "second mother to us" by Biden, highlighting the significance of her upbringing and values.
• Trump left the White House as a disgraced and diminished figure, failing to attend the inauguration for the first time in over 150 years and departing without acknowledging his successor by name.
• Biden's task has been complicated by the fact that Trump has still not conceded the election, impeded the transition between administrations, and was consumed in planning his own departure ceremony.
• The President plans to undo Trump's legacy, with aides readying about a dozen executive actions, including rejoining the Paris climate agreement and ending Trump's ban on travel from predominantly Muslim countries.
• Biden will extend the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for families affected by Covid-19 and sign an order requiring masks on federal property and during interstate travel.

Statistics:

• 25,000 National Guard troops were deployed to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.
• Joe Biden used the Biden family Bible, a Celtic Cross on the cover, which has been a family heirloom since 1893, for his swearing-in ceremony.
• Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female, the first Black, and the first South Asian vice president of the United States.
• The inaugural parade will be a virtual event, with a presidential escort from 15th Street to the White House, including the US Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard, and the commander in chief's Guard and Fife Drum Corps.

Sources:

• CNN: "Biden Inaugurated as 46th President, Marking a New Era for the Nation"
• The White House: "President Biden's Inaugural Address"
• CNN: "Kamala Harris Makes History as First Female, Black, and South Asian Vice President"
• CNN: "Joe Biden to Sign Order Requiring Masks on Federal Property and During Interstate Travel"