Joe Biden becomes the 46th President of the United States

On Wednesday, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter in American history. In his inaugural address, Biden emphasized the importance of democracy and unity, stating, “Today, we celebrate triumph not of a candidate but of a cause: the cause of democracy. The people, the will of the people has been heard.”

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to Biden, who placed his hand on a Bible that has been in his family since 1893. This Bible holds sentimental value as Biden’s son, Beau Biden, also used it when he was sworn in as Delaware attorney general in 2007.

In a historic moment, Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, becoming the first female, Black, and South Asian person to hold this position. Harris used a Bible that once belonged to Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court justice.

At 78 years old, Biden is the oldest president to take office in U.S. history. He is also the 15th vice president to ascend to the presidency. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a limited number of guests due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Former President Donald Trump departed the White House on Wednesday morning and delivered brief remarks before departing for Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Trump is the first president in 152 years to skip his successor’s inauguration and has not formally conceded the election to Biden, although he did leave a letter for the incoming president in the White House.

Biden wasted no time getting to work, signing a series of executive orders on his first day in office. These actions include requiring face masks in federal buildings, rejoining the Paris climate accord, and ending Trump’s controversial “Muslim ban.” Biden’s administration has signaled a commitment to addressing key issues such as climate change, racial justice, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As the country transitions to a new administration, the eyes of the nation are on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as they face the monumental task of unifying a divided country and leading the United States through challenging times. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Biden administration begins its work to shape the future of America.