The Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

Azzurra Degliuomini

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The Field of Flags represent those who could not attend the inauguration ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

@joebiden on Instagram

The “Field of Flags” represent those who could not attend the inauguration ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After 4 challenging years, the Trump Era officially came to an end shortly before noon on January 20, 2021, after Joe Biden took the Oath of Office. Kamala Harris took the Oath of Office a few minutes before Biden. 

At 10:30 am eastern, the new President and Vice-President arrived at the Capitol, and at 11:15 am, the swearing-in ceremony officially began. 

Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota opened the inauguration with a speech, which was shortly followed by Lady Gaga singing the National Anthem. Fire Captain Andrea M. Hall recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Vice President Kamala Harris was sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, while her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, held the Bible for her to take the Oath of Office on. 

Following her swearing-in, Jennifer Lopez performed, “This Land Is Your Land” and “America, The Beautiful.” 

President Joe Biden was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts, while his wife, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, held a Bible that has been in the Biden family for 150 years.

In his inaugural speech, Joe Biden has called for unity and rejected white supremacy.

“… a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, and domestic terrorism that we must confront, and we will defeat,” said President Biden in his inauguration speech. 

President Biden is expected to sign over a dozen executive actions on his first day involving the pandemic, immigration, and rejoining agreements that Donald Trump pulled the US out of. The Paris Agreement, which tackles climate change,  is one that he’s been vocal about throughout his entire campaign.