Soon after the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, US president got control of the @POTUS account on Twitter which has served as the official handle of the president of the United States.&nbsp; 
 
The &nbsp;US President follows only 12 people so far which includes his wife Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and few of his White House aides. Biden follows only one celebrity so far - Chrissy Teigen.&nbsp; 
 
For those coming in late and wondering why Teigen features in the list of selected 12, here's a bit of a backstory. Model, TV star and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen has always been known to be active on Twitter and very vocal about her criticism towards former president Donald Trump.&nbsp; 
 
Trump had once termed the model as a "filthy-mouthed wife" and had blocked Chrissy from the @POTUS account for years when it was under Trump's control.&nbsp; 
 
On Wednesday, she tweeted an appeal to incoming president Joe Biden. "hello @joebiden I have been blocked by the president for four years can I get a follow plz," the 35-year-old wrote.&nbsp;

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hello <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@joebiden</a> I have been blocked by the president for four years can I get a follow plz
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrissyteigen/status/1351887031585153025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Biden, it seems,&nbsp;read Chrissy's tweet and the model became the only celebrity to be followed by the new President of United States. 
&nbsp; 
OH MY GOD !!!!!!!!!!" she tweeted in excitement. "I can finally see the president's tweets and they probably won't be unhinged," she added in an apparent taking a dig at Trump and his controversial tweets.&nbsp;

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my heart oh my god lmao I can finally see the president’s tweets and they probably won’t be unhinged
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrissyteigen/status/1352075704838582273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The POTUS Twitter account so far 4.6 million followers. &nbsp;Biden follows 46 people from his personal account including singer Lady Gaga who sand the American national anthem at the inauguration ceremony.&nbsp;

Teigen was present at the inauguration ceremony with husband John Legend, who performed at the televised event 'Celebrating America'.&nbsp;

Soon after the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, US president got control of the @POTUS account on Twitter which has served as the official handle of the president of the United States.

Soon after the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, US president got control of the @POTUS account on Twitter which has served as the official handle of the president of the United States. The US President follows only 12 people so far which includes his wife Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and few of his White House aides. Biden follows only one celebrity so far - Chrissy Teigen. For those coming in late and wondering why Teigen features in the list of selected 12, here's a bit of a backstory. Model, TV star and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen has always been known to be active on Twitter and very vocal about her criticism towards former president Donald Trump. Trump had once termed the model as a "filthy-mouthed wife" and had blocked Chrissy from the @POTUS account for years when it was under Trump's control. On Wednesday, she tweeted an appeal to incoming president Joe Biden. "hello @joebiden I have been blocked by the president for four years can I get a follow plz," the 35-year-old wrote. hello @joebiden I have been blocked by the president for four years can I get a follow plz — chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 20, 2021 × Biden, it seems, read Chrissy's tweet and the model became the only celebrity to be followed by the new President of United States. OH MY GOD !!!!!!!!!!" she tweeted in excitement. "I can finally see the president's tweets and they probably won't be unhinged," she added in an apparent taking a dig at Trump and his controversial tweets. my heart oh my god lmao I can finally see the president’s tweets and they probably won’t be unhinged — chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 21, 2021 × The POTUS Twitter account so far 4.6 million followers. Biden follows 46 people from his personal account including singer Lady Gaga who sand the American national anthem at the inauguration ceremony. Teigen was present at the inauguration ceremony with husband John Legend, who performed at the televised event 'Celebrating America'.

Joe Biden's @POTUS account on Twitter follows only 12 people including this celebrity 

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Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks were among popular American entertainers who graced the presidential inauguration.

A-star Jennifer Lopez spiced up Biden-Harris Inauguration, sings medley of 'America the Beautiful'

US President Joe Biden in his first speech as head of the state appealed all Americans to come together and unite and 'end uncivil war'. Biden's tone and words were a continuation of the steadfast message he has been sending across ever since results of US Presidential Elections were out in December 2020. During his speech, he assured that he will work as hard for those who DID NOT support him as for those who supported him during the election campaign. Former US President Donald Trump was not present for Biden's inauguration ceremony. Former Vice-President Mike Pence was in attendance.

Stressing repeatedly that he will be a president for "all Americans", President Biden admitted that there was "much to repair and much to restore".&nbsp;

On January 6, the US Capitol building was put under siege by supporters of Donald Trump after he encouraged them. Biden said that the violence "sought to shake capital's very foundation". He said that it was an attempt to stop the process in which "will"of Americans people was being heard. US Congress was in a process to certify Joe Biden's victory when the attack took place.

"Here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work on our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground," Biden said. "It did not happen; it will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever."

Biden thanked his predecessors "from both parties". Former US Presidents Barack Obama,&nbsp;the Bushes and Bill Clinton were present for the inauguration ceremony. He called his predecessors "patriots" who had taken oath to defend US Constitution. &nbsp;

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&nbsp;

"This is America's day, This is democracy's day [...] we celebrate a triumph of a cause of democracy," said Biden early in his speech.

"Hear me out," said Biden as he addressed the Americans who did not vote for him. He urged them to hear his words and said it was fine if they disagreed with him because that's how democracy functioned.

Racial justice, healthcare

In his inaugural speech, Biden said that he will deliver racial justice. He vowed to defeat political extremism and domestic terror. More significantly Biden mentioned white supremacy as a menace to confront

The United States faces "a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront, and we will defeat," he said.

"This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge and unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America." he added

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-inaugural-speech-full-text-358185">Check full text of Joe Biden's inaugural speech</a>

Biden urged Americans to "reject" culture of manipulating facts.

Joe Biden mentioned 'healthcare for all' as one of the goals of his administration.

'We will repair our alliances'

During Donald Trump's tenure, he took the US on an isolationist path and squabbled with America's traditional allies. He even unilaterally made the US exit many treaties with allies.

Joe Biden assured the world that under his watch, USA will repair the alliances.

On Coronavirus

Biden said that US was entering the 'deadliest' phase of COVID-19 pandemic. He led a silent prayer for all those who had lost their lives due to coronavirus.

"We need all our strength to... persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus," he said, calling on Americans to "finally face this pandemic as one nation."

US President Joe Biden in his first speech as head of the state appealed all Americans to come together and unite and 'end uncivil war'. Biden's tone and words were a continuation of the steadfast message he has been sending across ever since results of US Presidential Elections were out in December 2020.

US President Joe Biden in his first speech as head of the state appealed all Americans to come together and unite and 'end uncivil war'. Biden's tone and words were a continuation of the steadfast message he has been sending across ever since results of US Presidential Elections were out in December 2020. During his speech, he assured that he will work as hard for those who DID NOT support him as for those who supported him during the election campaign. Former US President Donald Trump was not present for Biden's inauguration ceremony. Former Vice-President Mike Pence was in attendance. Stressing repeatedly that he will be a president for "all Americans", President Biden admitted that there was "much to repair and much to restore". On January 6, the US Capitol building was put under siege by supporters of Donald Trump after he encouraged them. Biden said that the violence "sought to shake capital's very foundation". He said that it was an attempt to stop the process in which "will"of Americans people was being heard. US Congress was in a process to certify Joe Biden's victory when the attack took place. "Here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work on our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground," Biden said. "It did not happen; it will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever." Biden thanked his predecessors "from both parties". Former US Presidents Barack Obama, the Bushes and Bill Clinton were present for the inauguration ceremony. He called his predecessors "patriots" who had taken oath to defend US Constitution. × "This is America's day, This is democracy's day [...] we celebrate a triumph of a cause of democracy," said Biden early in his speech. "Hear me out," said Biden as he addressed the Americans who did not vote for him. He urged them to hear his words and said it was fine if they disagreed with him because that's how democracy functioned. Racial justice, healthcare In his inaugural speech, Biden said that he will deliver racial justice. He vowed to defeat political extremism and domestic terror. More significantly Biden mentioned white supremacy as a menace to confront The United States faces "a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront, and we will defeat," he said. "This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge and unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America." he added Check full text of Joe Biden's inaugural speech Biden urged Americans to "reject" culture of manipulating facts. Joe Biden mentioned 'healthcare for all' as one of the goals of his administration. 'We will repair our alliances' During Donald Trump's tenure, he took the US on an isolationist path and squabbled with America's traditional allies. He even unilaterally made the US exit many treaties with allies. Joe Biden assured the world that under his watch, USA will repair the alliances. On Coronavirus Biden said that US was entering the 'deadliest' phase of COVID-19 pandemic. He led a silent prayer for all those who had lost their lives due to coronavirus. "We need all our strength to... persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus," he said, calling on Americans to "finally face this pandemic as one nation."

US President Joe Biden appeals Americans to 'end uncivil war' in his inaugural speech

Joe Biden took office&nbsp;as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday. At a scaled-back ceremony in Washington that was largely stripped of its usual pomp and circumstance, Biden assumed the helm of a country beset by deep political divides and battered by a raging coronavirus pandemic.

Biden, 78, has become the oldest US president in history. And this is only one of the many firsts the ceremony will boast of for generations to come.

For Biden, who long harboured presidential ambitions, the inauguration was the zenith of a five-decade career in public service that included more than three decades in the US Senate and two terms as vice-president under former president Barack Obama.

Biden is the first and likely to be the only Silent Generation president. He&nbsp;is the first president to be born between 1928 and 1945. In other words, Biden is the first president to be born before the end of World War II in almost 30 years. Every president starting with Bill Clinton is a member of the Baby Boomer generation.&nbsp;

Every president from John F&nbsp;Kennedy to George HW&nbsp;Bush was born between 1901 and 1927 (i.e. the Greatest Generation).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Biden succeeded where other members of the Silent Generation (e.g. Michael Dukakis, Walter Mondale and John McCain) had failed before him.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-sworn-in-as-46th-president-of-united-states-358118">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden sworn in as 46th President of United States</a>

The ceremony unfolded in front of a heavily fortified US Capitol, where a mob of Trump supporters stormed the building two weeks ago, enraged by his false claims that November’s election was stolen with millions of fraudulent votes. The violence prompted the Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives to impeach Trump last week for an unprecedented second time.

The ceremony was hence itself a herculean task to be accomplished. Thousands of National Guard troops were called into the city after the siege, which left five people dead and briefly forced lawmakers into hiding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harris-inauguration-news-kamala-harris-breaks-barriers-as-americas-first-black-south-asian-woman-vice-president-358140">Also read |&nbsp;Kamala Harris breaks barriers as America's first Black, South Asian woman Vice President</a>

Instead of a throng of supporters, the National Mall was covered by nearly 200,000 flags and 56 pillars of light meant to represent people from US states and territories.

Biden, who had vowed to “restore the soul of America,” called for American unity at a time of crisis in his inaugural address. He possibly became the first president of the nation to mention racism and White supremacy in his inaugural address.

He said the United States must confront and defeat the rise of white supremacy and domestic extremism, adding, "I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal, and the harsh ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonisation have long torn us apart."

The norm-defying Trump flouted one last convention on his way out of the White House when he refused to meet with Biden or attend his successor’s inauguration, breaking with a political tradition seen as affirming the peaceful transfer of power.

Trump, who never conceded the November 3 election, did not mention Biden by name in his final remarks as president on Wednesday morning, when he touted his administration’s record and promised to be back “in some form.” He then boarded Air Force One for the last time and flew to his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-of-many-firsts-highlights-from-us-presidential-inauguration-358179">A day of many firsts: Highlights from US presidential inauguration</a>

Vice-President Mike Pence, former US presidents George W Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and both McCarthy and McConnell all however attended Biden’s inauguration ceremony.

President Joe Biden took a moment to jog over to a press area, while he was walking to the White House, and fist bumped a member of the press, according to CNN. "Keep doing what you're doing," Biden said.

Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, became the first Black person, first woman and first Asian American to serve as vice-president after she was sworn in by US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court’s first Latina member.

A US senator from California the past four years, Harris has shattered many a glass ceiling. She served as San Francisco’s first female district attorney and was California’s first woman of color to be elected attorney general.

As the Senate’s only Black woman, Harris emerged as a leading voice on racial justice and police reform after Minneapolis police killed African-American man George Floyd in May. She marched with protesters on the streets of Washington and won over some liberal skeptics.

There are obvious differences between Biden and Harris -- when it comes to race and gender, but it’s really worth thinking how similar their journeys have been.

Biden has waited forever for this moment. He first ran for president more than 30 years ago. He was first elected to the Senate nearly 50 years ago.&nbsp;

Harris’ trek to the vice presidency was much shorter in political life. But her scale of achievement has been no less.

Usually, presidents choose vice-presidents who have more experience than they do. But Biden chose a younger, Black woman.

Asked on the CBS programme “60 Minutes” last year why, given Biden’s age, he believed Harris would be ready to step into the presidency if something happened to him, Biden rapidly fired off five reasons.

“Number one, her values. Number two, she is smart as a devil, and number three, she has a backbone like a ramrod. Number four, she is really principled. And number five, she has had significant experience in the largest state in the union in running the justice department that’s only second in size to the United States Justice Department. And obviously, I hope that never becomes a question,” Biden said.

Biden takes office at a time of deep national unease, with the country facing what his advisers have described as four compounding crises: the pandemic, the economic downtown, climate change and racial inequality. He has promised immediate action, including a raft of executive orders on his first day in office.

Biden will waste little time trying to turn the page on the Trump era, signing 15 executive actions on Wednesday on issues ranging from the pandemic to the economy to climate change.

The orders include mandating masks on federal property, rejoining the Paris climate accord and ending Trump’s travel ban on some Muslim-majority countries.

Joe Biden took office as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday. At a scaled-back ceremony in Washington that was largely stripped of its usual pomp and circumstance, Biden assumed the helm of a country beset by deep political divides and battered by a raging coronavirus pandemic.

Joe Biden took office as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday. At a scaled-back ceremony in Washington that was largely stripped of its usual pomp and circumstance, Biden assumed the helm of a country beset by deep political divides and battered by a raging coronavirus pandemic. Biden, 78, has become the oldest US president in history. And this is only one of the many firsts the ceremony will boast of for generations to come. For Biden, who long harboured presidential ambitions, the inauguration was the zenith of a five-decade career in public service that included more than three decades in the US Senate and two terms as vice-president under former president Barack Obama. Biden is the first and likely to be the only Silent Generation president. He is the first president to be born between 1928 and 1945. In other words, Biden is the first president to be born before the end of World War II in almost 30 years. Every president starting with Bill Clinton is a member of the Baby Boomer generation. Every president from John F Kennedy to George HW Bush was born between 1901 and 1927 (i.e. the Greatest Generation). Biden succeeded where other members of the Silent Generation (e.g. Michael Dukakis, Walter Mondale and John McCain) had failed before him. Also read | Joe Biden sworn in as 46th President of United States The ceremony unfolded in front of a heavily fortified US Capitol, where a mob of Trump supporters stormed the building two weeks ago, enraged by his false claims that November’s election was stolen with millions of fraudulent votes. The violence prompted the Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives to impeach Trump last week for an unprecedented second time. The ceremony was hence itself a herculean task to be accomplished. Thousands of National Guard troops were called into the city after the siege, which left five people dead and briefly forced lawmakers into hiding. Also read | Kamala Harris breaks barriers as America's first Black, South Asian woman Vice President Instead of a throng of supporters, the National Mall was covered by nearly 200,000 flags and 56 pillars of light meant to represent people from US states and territories. Biden, who had vowed to “restore the soul of America,” called for American unity at a time of crisis in his inaugural address. He possibly became the first president of the nation to mention racism and White supremacy in his inaugural address. He said the United States must confront and defeat the rise of white supremacy and domestic extremism, adding, "I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal, and the harsh ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonisation have long torn us apart." The norm-defying Trump flouted one last convention on his way out of the White House when he refused to meet with Biden or attend his successor’s inauguration, breaking with a political tradition seen as affirming the peaceful transfer of power. Trump, who never conceded the November 3 election, did not mention Biden by name in his final remarks as president on Wednesday morning, when he touted his administration’s record and promised to be back “in some form.” He then boarded Air Force One for the last time and flew to his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida. A day of many firsts: Highlights from US presidential inauguration Vice-President Mike Pence, former US presidents George W Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and both McCarthy and McConnell all however attended Biden’s inauguration ceremony. President Joe Biden took a moment to jog over to a press area, while he was walking to the White House, and fist bumped a member of the press, according to CNN. "Keep doing what you're doing," Biden said. Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, became the first Black person, first woman and first Asian American to serve as vice-president after she was sworn in by US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court’s first Latina member. A US senator from California the past four years, Harris has shattered many a glass ceiling. She served as San Francisco’s first female district attorney and was California’s first woman of color to be elected attorney general. As the Senate’s only Black woman, Harris emerged as a leading voice on racial justice and police reform after Minneapolis police killed African-American man George Floyd in May. She marched with protesters on the streets of Washington and won over some liberal skeptics. There are obvious differences between Biden and Harris -- when it comes to race and gender, but it’s really worth thinking how similar their journeys have been. Biden has waited forever for this moment. He first ran for president more than 30 years ago. He was first elected to the Senate nearly 50 years ago. Harris’ trek to the vice presidency was much shorter in political life. But her scale of achievement has been no less. Usually, presidents choose vice-presidents who have more experience than they do. But Biden chose a younger, Black woman. Asked on the CBS programme “60 Minutes” last year why, given Biden’s age, he believed Harris would be ready to step into the presidency if something happened to him, Biden rapidly fired off five reasons. “Number one, her values. Number two, she is smart as a devil, and number three, she has a backbone like a ramrod. Number four, she is really principled. And number five, she has had significant experience in the largest state in the union in running the justice department that’s only second in size to the United States Justice Department. And obviously, I hope that never becomes a question,” Biden said. Biden takes office at a time of deep national unease, with the country facing what his advisers have described as four compounding crises: the pandemic, the economic downtown, climate change and racial inequality. He has promised immediate action, including a raft of executive orders on his first day in office. Biden will waste little time trying to turn the page on the Trump era, signing 15 executive actions on Wednesday on issues ranging from the pandemic to the economy to climate change. The orders include mandating masks on federal property, rejoining the Paris climate accord and ending Trump’s travel ban on some Muslim-majority countries.

Why Biden inauguration was a landmark day in political history of US

Democrat Joe Biden was sworn in as president of the United States on Wednesday, vowing to end the ‘uncivil war’ in a deeply divided country reeling from a battered economy and a raging coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 400,000 Americans.

Democrat Joe Biden was sworn in as president of the United States on Wednesday, vowing to end the ‘uncivil war’ in a deeply divided country reeling from a battered economy and a raging coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 400,000 Americans. With the US Capitol encircled by thousands of armed troops two weeks after a mob laid siege to it, Biden took the oath of office administered by US Chief Justice John Roberts and became the oldest US president in history at age 78. Kamala Devi Harris made history at the stroke of noon when she became the first vice president of Indian descent. US Inauguration Day 2021 Live updates The daughter of Shyamala Gopalan became the first Indian American, the first woman, and the first African American vice president, putting her a heartbeat away from the presidency. The historic moment in the US met with enthusiasm in Hollywood's corridors. While the event saw the presence of Lady Gaga singing the National Anthem and Jennifer Lopez, serving a hopeful, peaceful future with her songs, many celebrities took to Twitter to mark the occasion. From Oprah to Mark Ruffalo and Mindy Kaling, here's how celebrities reacted on Biden-Harris inauguration at the Capitol Hill: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shonda Rhimes (@shondarhimes) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oprah (@oprah) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eva Longoria Baston (@evalongoria) × He is finally gone. The nightmare has come to its fitful end. A bunch of trump elite criminals pardoned in the shroud of night. The Golden Toilet Presidency is over. A turd is a turd no matter where it lays. — Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) January 20, 2021 × The virtual event titled 'Celebrating America' will be hosted by legendary actor Tom Hanks and will witness performances from some of the leading artists of America. The event will see actors, musician and even TikTok stars participated in a long day of virtual programming.

Oprah to Mark Ruffalo: Celebrities welcome Joe Biden-Kamala Harris to lead America in new direction

Joe Biden on Wednesday took oath to become 46th President of United States of America. Soon after his swearing-in, he delivered the inaugural speech, that is, his first address as US President. Former US President Donald Trump gave the inauguration ceremony a miss. However, Biden's inaugural speech did not have any hint of resentment. His speech appealed all Americans to come together. He tackled issues such as racism, social injustice, environment, US economy, coronavirus and much more. Check out what he said.

Joe Biden inaugural speech full text:

<blockquote>
"This is democracy’s day.

A day of history and hope.

Of renewal and resolve.

Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge.

Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy.

The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.

We have learned again that democracy is precious.

Democracy is fragile.

And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.

So now, on this hallowed ground where just days ago violence sought to shake this Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.

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&nbsp;

We look ahead in our uniquely American way – restless, bold, optimistic – and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be.

I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here.

I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

You know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength of our nation.

As does President Carter, who I spoke to last night but who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.

I have just taken the sacred oath each of these patriots took — an oath first sworn by George Washington.

But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us.

On ‘We the People’ who seek a more perfect Union.

This is a great nation and we are a good people.

Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. But we still have far to go.

We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility.

Much to repair.

Much to restore.

Much to heal.

Much to build.

And much to gain.

Few periods in our nation’s history have been more challenging or difficult than the one we’re in now.

A once-in-a-century virus silently stalks the country.

It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War Two.

Millions of jobs have been lost.

Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed.

A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.

A cry for survival comes from the planet itself. A cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear.

And now, a rise in political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat.

To overcome these challenges – to restore the soul and to secure the future of America – requires more than words.

It requires that most elusive of things in a democracy: Unity.

In another January in Washington, on New Year’s Day 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

When he put pen to paper, the president said, “If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it.”

My whole soul is in it.

Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this:

Bringing America together.

Uniting our people.

And uniting our nation.

I ask every American to join me in this cause.

Uniting to fight the common foes we face:

Anger, resentment, hatred.

Extremism, lawlessness, violence.

Disease, joblessness, hopelessness.

With unity we can do great things. Important things.

We can right wrongs.

We can put people to work in good jobs.

We can teach our children in safe schools.

We can overcome this deadly virus.

We can reward work, rebuild the middle class, and make health care secure for all."
</blockquote>

Joe Biden on Wednesday took oath to become 46th President of United States of America. Soon after his swearing-in, he delivered the inaugural speech, that is, his first address as US President.

Joe Biden on Wednesday took oath to become 46th President of United States of America. Soon after his swearing-in, he delivered the inaugural speech, that is, his first address as US President. Former US President Donald Trump gave the inauguration ceremony a miss. However, Biden's inaugural speech did not have any hint of resentment. His speech appealed all Americans to come together. He tackled issues such as racism, social injustice, environment, US economy, coronavirus and much more. Check out what he said. Joe Biden inaugural speech full text: "This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve. Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge. Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded. We have learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed. So now, on this hallowed ground where just days ago violence sought to shake this Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries. × We look ahead in our uniquely American way – restless, bold, optimistic – and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be. I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. You know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength of our nation. As does President Carter, who I spoke to last night but who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service. I have just taken the sacred oath each of these patriots took — an oath first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On ‘We the People’ who seek a more perfect Union. This is a great nation and we are a good people. Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. But we still have far to go. We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility. Much to repair. Much to restore. Much to heal. Much to build. And much to gain. Few periods in our nation’s history have been more challenging or difficult than the one we’re in now. A once-in-a-century virus silently stalks the country. It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War Two. Millions of jobs have been lost. Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself. A cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear. And now, a rise in political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat. To overcome these challenges – to restore the soul and to secure the future of America – requires more than words. It requires that most elusive of things in a democracy: Unity. In another January in Washington, on New Year’s Day 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper, the president said, “If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it.” My whole soul is in it. Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together. Uniting our people. And uniting our nation. I ask every American to join me in this cause. Uniting to fight the common foes we face: Anger, resentment, hatred. Extremism, lawlessness, violence. Disease, joblessness, hopelessness. With unity we can do great things. Important things. We can right wrongs. We can put people to work in good jobs. We can teach our children in safe schools. We can overcome this deadly virus. We can reward work, rebuild the middle class, and make health care secure for all."

US President Joe Biden inaugural speech full text

On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden took oath as the 46th President of the United States, along with Vice President Kamala Harris. Soon after being sworn in, leaders from across the world congratulated the new president, wishing him all the best. Here are some reactions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Biden. Take a look:

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My warmest congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> on his assumption of office as President of the United States of America. I look forward to working with him to strengthen India-US strategic partnership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1351935756088999937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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United Kingdom's Prime Minister also congratulated Biden on being sworn in. He also wished Kamala Harris all the best.

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> on being sworn in as President of the United States and to <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> on her historic inauguration. America’s leadership is vital on the issues that matter to us all, from climate change to COVID, and I look forward to working with President Biden.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1351934951520923650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message from his official account.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: 
"Congratulations President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on your historic inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/wf6a5XhiVe">pic.twitter.com/wf6a5XhiVe</a>
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1351937908912099328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain also posted a message, calling it a ''great day''

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Today is a great day. The Administration of <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> begins its journey. All the successes and support of Spain in this era of hope and future. We'll work with the US for democracy and the reinforcement of a more just, sustainable &amp; inclusive global governance.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1351942480846065665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Finnish Prime Minister Marin also responded to the inauguration.

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Vice President <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>, my warmest congratulations! I look forward working with you and the new administration. Finland wants to strenghten our good relations and cooperation even further. Climate, equality and human rights need strong voices.
— Sanna Marin (@MarinSanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarinSanna/status/1351943784398008326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Calling Kamala Harris' Vice Presidency historic, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted the following

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> on being sworn-in as <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>. It is a historic occasion. Looking forward to interacting with her to make India-USA relations more robust. The India-USA partnership is beneficial for our planet.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1351945194023780353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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President of the European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen also reacted to the inauguration

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> on being sworn in as President of the United States and <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> – the first woman Vice-President of the US! 
 
Thank you for the inspiring inaugural address and for the offer to cooperate. 
 
Europe is ready for a fresh start.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InaugurationDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InaugurationDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/Re7vaoUlHS">pic.twitter.com/Re7vaoUlHS</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1351943486371733507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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European Council's President Charles Michel also extended his wishes to Biden-Harris duo in French

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Je souhaite au Président <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> et à la Vice-Présidente <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> tout le succès dans leur projet de rassembler le peuple américain et sortir leur pays de la pandémie. 
 
Il est temps de nous concentrer à nouveau sur nos convictions et de relancer la relation UE-US. 🇪🇺🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/Khe9orBPM4">pic.twitter.com/Khe9orBPM4</a>
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/1351936491656794112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is yet to congratulate Biden, but a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry said the following -&nbsp;"We expect that the new US administration will take a more constructive approach in its dialogue with us... We are ready for such work on principles of equal rights and taking mutual interests into account."

Irish Prime Minister also congratulated Biden-Harris on Twitter:

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Today a true friend of Ireland <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> became the 46th President of the USA. As he said in his speech, it is a day of history and hope and I look forward to forging ever closer ties between our two great nations. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InaugurationDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InaugurationDay</a>
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichealMartinTD/status/1351936586930393090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan also joined other leaders in wishing Biden on Twitter

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I congratulate President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> on his inauguration. Look forward to working with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> in building a stronger Pak-US partnership through trade &amp; economic engagement, countering climate change, improving public health, combating corruption &amp; promoting peace in region &amp; beyond
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1351936403584774151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Chile's President Pinera also extended his wishes to Joe Biden

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Today <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> takes office as the 46th U.S. President. His Administration will have the mission of healing the soul of the country and strengthening civic friendship. 
 
The commitment to democracy, freedom and human rights recognizes no borders. 
I wish President Biden the best.
— Sebastian Piñera (@sebastianpinera) <a href="https://twitter.com/sebastianpinera/status/1351898833953943554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide&nbsp;Suga congratulated the duo, reaffirming his pledge to work together

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Congratulations to President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and Vice President <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> on your inauguration. Japan and the United States are allies tied firmly by bonds and shared universal values.
— 菅 義偉 (@sugawitter) <a href="https://twitter.com/sugawitter/status/1351942370439225344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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France's Macron forwarded "Best wishes on this most significant day for the American people!"

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To <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>. 
Best wishes on this most significant day for the American people! 
We are together. 
We will be stronger to face the challenges of our time. Stronger to build our future. Stronger to protect our planet. Welcome back to the Paris Agreement!
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1351955511814615042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada wished both Biden and Harris good luck, promising to continue their partnership

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Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a>, on your inauguration as the 46th President of the United States. Our two countries have tackled some of history’s greatest challenges together - and I’m looking forward to continuing this partnership with you, <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>, and your administration.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1351945454808920065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden took oath as the 46th President of the United States, along with Vice President Kamala Harris. Soon after being sworn in, leaders from across the world congratulated the new president, wishing him all the best.

On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden took oath as the 46th President of the United States, along with Vice President Kamala Harris. Soon after being sworn in, leaders from across the world congratulated the new president, wishing him all the best. Here are some reactions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Biden. Take a look: My warmest congratulations to @JoeBiden on his assumption of office as President of the United States of America. I look forward to working with him to strengthen India-US strategic partnership. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2021 × United Kingdom's Prime Minister also congratulated Biden on being sworn in. He also wished Kamala Harris all the best. Congratulations to @JoeBiden on being sworn in as President of the United States and to @KamalaHarris on her historic inauguration. America’s leadership is vital on the issues that matter to us all, from climate change to COVID, and I look forward to working with President Biden. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 20, 2021 × Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message from his official account. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "Congratulations President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on your historic inauguration. pic.twitter.com/wf6a5XhiVe — PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 20, 2021 × Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain also posted a message, calling it a ''great day'' Today is a great day. The Administration of @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris begins its journey. All the successes and support of Spain in this era of hope and future. We'll work with the US for democracy and the reinforcement of a more just, sustainable & inclusive global governance. — Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) January 20, 2021 × Finnish Prime Minister Marin also responded to the inauguration. Vice President @KamalaHarris, my warmest congratulations! I look forward working with you and the new administration. Finland wants to strenghten our good relations and cooperation even further. Climate, equality and human rights need strong voices. — Sanna Marin (@MarinSanna) January 20, 2021 × Calling Kamala Harris' Vice Presidency historic, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted the following Congratulations to @KamalaHarris on being sworn-in as @VP. It is a historic occasion. Looking forward to interacting with her to make India-USA relations more robust. The India-USA partnership is beneficial for our planet. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2021 × President of the European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen also reacted to the inauguration Congratulations @JoeBiden on being sworn in as President of the United States and @KamalaHarris – the first woman Vice-President of the US! Thank you for the inspiring inaugural address and for the offer to cooperate. Europe is ready for a fresh start.#InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/Re7vaoUlHS — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 20, 2021 × European Council's President Charles Michel also extended his wishes to Biden-Harris duo in French Je souhaite au Président @JoeBiden et à la Vice-Présidente @KamalaHarris tout le succès dans leur projet de rassembler le peuple américain et sortir leur pays de la pandémie. Il est temps de nous concentrer à nouveau sur nos convictions et de relancer la relation UE-US. 🇪🇺🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Khe9orBPM4 — Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) January 20, 2021 × Russian President Vladimir Putin is yet to congratulate Biden, but a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry said the following - "We expect that the new US administration will take a more constructive approach in its dialogue with us... We are ready for such work on principles of equal rights and taking mutual interests into account." Irish Prime Minister also congratulated Biden-Harris on Twitter: Today a true friend of Ireland @JoeBiden became the 46th President of the USA. As he said in his speech, it is a day of history and hope and I look forward to forging ever closer ties between our two great nations. #InaugurationDay — Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 20, 2021 × Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan also joined other leaders in wishing Biden on Twitter I congratulate President @JoeBiden on his inauguration. Look forward to working with @POTUS in building a stronger Pak-US partnership through trade & economic engagement, countering climate change, improving public health, combating corruption & promoting peace in region & beyond — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 20, 2021 × Chile's President Pinera also extended his wishes to Joe Biden Today @JoeBiden takes office as the 46th U.S. President. His Administration will have the mission of healing the soul of the country and strengthening civic friendship. The commitment to democracy, freedom and human rights recognizes no borders. I wish President Biden the best. — Sebastian Piñera (@sebastianpinera) January 20, 2021 × Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga congratulated the duo, reaffirming his pledge to work together Congratulations to President @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris on your inauguration. Japan and the United States are allies tied firmly by bonds and shared universal values. — 菅 義偉 (@sugawitter) January 20, 2021 × France's Macron forwarded "Best wishes on this most significant day for the American people!" To @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Best wishes on this most significant day for the American people! We are together. We will be stronger to face the challenges of our time. Stronger to build our future. Stronger to protect our planet. Welcome back to the Paris Agreement! — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 20, 2021 × Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada wished both Biden and Harris good luck, promising to continue their partnership Congratulations, @JoeBiden, on your inauguration as the 46th President of the United States. Our two countries have tackled some of history’s greatest challenges together - and I’m looking forward to continuing this partnership with you, @KamalaHarris, and your administration. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 20, 2021 ×

As Joe Biden and Kamala Harris make history in US, reactions from world leaders pour in

When President Joe Biden took the oath of office Wednesday, he placed his hand on a familial artefact that has followed him throughout his 50-year political career: a hefty Bible, accented with a Celtic cross, that has been in his family since 1893.

The Bible has been a staple at Biden’s past swearing-in ceremonies as a U.S. senator and as vice president. His son Beau Biden also used it when he was sworn in as the Delaware attorney general.

Joe Biden, who will make history as the country’s second Catholic president, after John F. Kennedy, often invoked his faith during the 2020 presidential campaign as he courted voters with a promise to restore the “soul of America.”

In an interview last month with Stephen Colbert, Biden shared some history about the family heirloom.

“Every important date is in there,” Biden said. “For example, every time I’ve been sworn in for anything, the date is inscribed.”

A person familiar with Biden’s inauguration preparations confirmed Wednesday that he would use the tome for his swearing-in.

The Bible that a president-elect chooses to use for the swearing-in ceremony often relays a symbolic message to the American public, said Seth A. Perry, an associate professor of religion at Princeton University and the author of “Bible Culture and Authority in the Early United States.”

“It’s difficult to imagine the ritual of the inauguration happening without that book at this point,” Perry said. “It’s part of the scenery. It’s part of the thing that gives the moment the authority that it has.”

Here’s a look how the Bible has figured into some of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history: the inaugurations of new presidents.

Washington’s Bible has been popular with other presidents.

Like much of the pageantry associated with presidential inaugurations, the presence of a Bible at swearing-in ceremonies is steeped in tradition, dating to the nation’s first president.

During his 1789 inauguration in New York, George Washington used a Bible from St. John’s Masonic Lodge No. 1. The Bible is said to have been retrieved after attendees noticed one was not on hand at Federal Hall, where Washington was preparing to take the oath of office, according to Claire Jerry, a curator of political history at the National Museum of American History.

The Bible represented the agreement that Washington was making with the American people, she said.

“Having sacred imagery associated with the taking of a covenant is fairly consistent and emphasizes that idea that we, who are witnessing the taking of the oath, and the individual who’s taking the oath are entering into a very profound relationship with each other,” Jerry said.

Washington’s Bible has been used in the inaugurations of four other presidents: Warren G. Harding, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and George Bush.

In 2017, President Donald Trump used one Bible that had been given to him by his mother when he was a boy and another used by Abraham Lincoln for his inauguration in 1861, just before the start of the Civil War. Barack Obama also used the Lincoln Bible when taking the oath of office, though in 2013, for his second inauguration, he supplemented it with a Bible given to Martin Luther King Jr. in 1954.

Some presidents have taken the oath of office with the Bible opened to a specific verse or passage, Jerry said. Popular choices include verses in Proverbs and Psalms.

How is an inaugural Bible chosen?

According to Mark Dimunation, head of the rare book and special collections division at the Library of Congress, presidents-elect often look for a text with which they have a personal connection or one that represents the history of the moment in which they are taking office.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-breaks-barriers-as-americas-first-black-south-asian-woman-vice-president-358140" hreflang="en">Kamala Harris breaks barriers as America's first Black, South Asian woman Vice President</a>

“The electricity of that moment was profound,” Dimunation said of the use of the Lincoln and King Bibles by Obama, the nation’s first Black president. “It’s been ensconced in these objects that really would seem to be nothing more than a book, but it carries with it the weight of its moment and history.”

The Library of Congress, which is home to many notable Bibles, including Lincoln’s, often receives requests from politicians about texts they hope to use for their oaths of office. Transporting the texts from the library to politicians’ hands is no easy feat.

“It takes a village,” Dimunation said.

Texts are required to go through a conservation review and are often transported in a specially built box to ensure protection against bad weather and other unfavorable conditions. The entire process is “handled at a high level of security,” Dimunation said.

Does the president have to use a Bible?

Although presidents and members of Congress are required by the Constitution to take an oath of office, they are not required to place a hand on a sacred text while doing so. But if they choose to swear on an object, they can pretty much use any text they prefer.

John Quincy Adams used a book of law during his ceremony, and in 1963, after Kennedy’s assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of office aboard Air Force One with his hand on a Roman Catholic missal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amanda-gorman-becomes-youngest-inaugural-poet-in-us-history-358151" hreflang="en">Amanda Gorman becomes youngest inaugural poet in US history</a>

Over the years, members of Congress have also incorporated other texts in their swearing-in ceremonies, sometimes speaking to their own personal faith or beliefs, Jerry said.

In 2007, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, the only Muslim in Congress at the time, used Thomas Jefferson’s Quran at his swearing-in ceremony. In her swearing-in photo, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., used a Quran given to her by her best friend.

When President Joe Biden took the oath of office Wednesday, he placed his hand on a familial artefact that has followed him throughout his 50-year political career: a hefty Bible, accented with a Celtic cross, that has been in his family since 1893.

When President Joe Biden took the oath of office Wednesday, he placed his hand on a familial artefact that has followed him throughout his 50-year political career: a hefty Bible, accented with a Celtic cross, that has been in his family since 1893. The Bible has been a staple at Biden’s past swearing-in ceremonies as a U.S. senator and as vice president. His son Beau Biden also used it when he was sworn in as the Delaware attorney general. Joe Biden, who will make history as the country’s second Catholic president, after John F. Kennedy, often invoked his faith during the 2020 presidential campaign as he courted voters with a promise to restore the “soul of America.” In an interview last month with Stephen Colbert, Biden shared some history about the family heirloom. “Every important date is in there,” Biden said. “For example, every time I’ve been sworn in for anything, the date is inscribed.” A person familiar with Biden’s inauguration preparations confirmed Wednesday that he would use the tome for his swearing-in. The Bible that a president-elect chooses to use for the swearing-in ceremony often relays a symbolic message to the American public, said Seth A. Perry, an associate professor of religion at Princeton University and the author of “Bible Culture and Authority in the Early United States.” “It’s difficult to imagine the ritual of the inauguration happening without that book at this point,” Perry said. “It’s part of the scenery. It’s part of the thing that gives the moment the authority that it has.” Here’s a look how the Bible has figured into some of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history: the inaugurations of new presidents. Washington’s Bible has been popular with other presidents. Like much of the pageantry associated with presidential inaugurations, the presence of a Bible at swearing-in ceremonies is steeped in tradition, dating to the nation’s first president. During his 1789 inauguration in New York, George Washington used a Bible from St. John’s Masonic Lodge No. 1. The Bible is said to have been retrieved after attendees noticed one was not on hand at Federal Hall, where Washington was preparing to take the oath of office, according to Claire Jerry, a curator of political history at the National Museum of American History. The Bible represented the agreement that Washington was making with the American people, she said. “Having sacred imagery associated with the taking of a covenant is fairly consistent and emphasizes that idea that we, who are witnessing the taking of the oath, and the individual who’s taking the oath are entering into a very profound relationship with each other,” Jerry said. Washington’s Bible has been used in the inaugurations of four other presidents: Warren G. Harding, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and George Bush. In 2017, President Donald Trump used one Bible that had been given to him by his mother when he was a boy and another used by Abraham Lincoln for his inauguration in 1861, just before the start of the Civil War. Barack Obama also used the Lincoln Bible when taking the oath of office, though in 2013, for his second inauguration, he supplemented it with a Bible given to Martin Luther King Jr. in 1954. Some presidents have taken the oath of office with the Bible opened to a specific verse or passage, Jerry said. Popular choices include verses in Proverbs and Psalms. How is an inaugural Bible chosen? According to Mark Dimunation, head of the rare book and special collections division at the Library of Congress, presidents-elect often look for a text with which they have a personal connection or one that represents the history of the moment in which they are taking office. Also read: Kamala Harris breaks barriers as America's first Black, South Asian woman Vice President “The electricity of that moment was profound,” Dimunation said of the use of the Lincoln and King Bibles by Obama, the nation’s first Black president. “It’s been ensconced in these objects that really would seem to be nothing more than a book, but it carries with it the weight of its moment and history.” The Library of Congress, which is home to many notable Bibles, including Lincoln’s, often receives requests from politicians about texts they hope to use for their oaths of office. Transporting the texts from the library to politicians’ hands is no easy feat. “It takes a village,” Dimunation said. Texts are required to go through a conservation review and are often transported in a specially built box to ensure protection against bad weather and other unfavorable conditions. The entire process is “handled at a high level of security,” Dimunation said. Does the president have to use a Bible? Although presidents and members of Congress are required by the Constitution to take an oath of office, they are not required to place a hand on a sacred text while doing so. But if they choose to swear on an object, they can pretty much use any text they prefer. John Quincy Adams used a book of law during his ceremony, and in 1963, after Kennedy’s assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of office aboard Air Force One with his hand on a Roman Catholic missal. Also read: Amanda Gorman becomes youngest inaugural poet in US history Over the years, members of Congress have also incorporated other texts in their swearing-in ceremonies, sometimes speaking to their own personal faith or beliefs, Jerry said. In 2007, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, the only Muslim in Congress at the time, used Thomas Jefferson’s Quran at his swearing-in ceremony. In her swearing-in photo, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., used a Quran given to her by her best friend.

Biden’s family Bible has a long history

Immediately after being sworn in, US Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, said that she is "ready to serve" the United States and the American people.

'Ready to serve': Kamala Harris after taking oath as America's first woman Vice President

As part of his first act in the White House, President Joe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-economic-crisis-racial-injustice-climate-crisis-threats-to-our-democracy-says-president-biden-from-lincoln-memorial-358219">Biden</a> formally revoked the Keystone XL oil pipeline which was blocked by former President Obama in 2015 due to environmental concerns but was reversed by Donald Trump in 2017.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-halts-trump-border-wall-construction-rejoin-paris-climate-accord-in-first-day-order-358248/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The 1,947-kilometer) oil pipeline was supposed to transport up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day from the Alberta oil sands to Nebraska and from there to Texas.

Canadian regulators had approved the project back in 2010, but President Biden had said it was "very, very high pollutant".

The $8 billion project had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-urges-unified-front-against-china-detentions-says-all-nations-vulnerable-356807">Trudeau's</a>&nbsp;support even before he became prime minister with the Keystone XL pipeline running between Canada and the United States.

"While we welcome the president's commitment to fight climate change, we are disappointed but acknowledge the President's decision to fulfill his election campaign promise on Keystone XL," Trudeau said in a statement while welcoming President Biden's move to rejoin the Paris agreement on climate change.&nbsp;

"I look forward to working with President Biden to reduce pollution," the Canadian PM added even though he had pressed the American President to reverse his stance.

"I brought up this issue in my very first conversation with president-elect Biden before Christmas," Trudeau had told a news conference, adding, "Over the past number of days and continuing today, we are communicating our arguments in favour of Keystone XL directly to the highest levels of this (US) administration."

However, Trudeau's persistence did not pay as the new US president blocked the Keystone XL pipeline fiercely opposed by environmentalists but backed by the Canadian government.

As part of his first act in the White House, President Joe Biden formally revoked the Keystone XL oil pipeline which was blocked by former President Obama in 2015 due to environmental concerns but was reversed by Donald Trump in 2017.

As part of his first act in the White House, President Joe Biden formally revoked the Keystone XL oil pipeline which was blocked by former President Obama in 2015 due to environmental concerns but was reversed by Donald Trump in 2017. Watch: The 1,947-kilometer) oil pipeline was supposed to transport up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day from the Alberta oil sands to Nebraska and from there to Texas. Canadian regulators had approved the project back in 2010, but President Biden had said it was "very, very high pollutant". The $8 billion project had Trudeau's support even before he became prime minister with the Keystone XL pipeline running between Canada and the United States. "While we welcome the president's commitment to fight climate change, we are disappointed but acknowledge the President's decision to fulfill his election campaign promise on Keystone XL," Trudeau said in a statement while welcoming President Biden's move to rejoin the Paris agreement on climate change. "I look forward to working with President Biden to reduce pollution," the Canadian PM added even though he had pressed the American President to reverse his stance. "I brought up this issue in my very first conversation with president-elect Biden before Christmas," Trudeau had told a news conference, adding, "Over the past number of days and continuing today, we are communicating our arguments in favour of Keystone XL directly to the highest levels of this (US) administration." However, Trudeau's persistence did not pay as the new US president blocked the Keystone XL pipeline fiercely opposed by environmentalists but backed by the Canadian government.

'We are disappointed': Biden rolls back Trump order, scraps Keystone XL pipeline

Lots has been going on with Kanye West as he is in the middle of a reported divorce with wife Kim Kardashian after having failed at marriage counselling (read about it here)and more. But since the flavour of the week is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> becoming the new US President, how can we not talk about how the rapper feels about this since he is a publicly announced republican party supporter and in fact been good friends with the former US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

A source close to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kanye-west">Kanye West</a> was quoted in Hollywood Life saying: “Kanye is a bit in his own world right now and not paying much attention to Trump leaving and Biden becoming the President.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/justin-timberlake-and-ant-clemons-chose-the-perfect-song-for-joe-bidens-presidential-inauguration-358243" hreflang="en">Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons chose the perfect song for Joe Biden's presidential inauguration</a>

Kanye “is going to stay out of it,” said the source in the published piece and added, “He is going to be non-existent when it comes to the next few days and all of that. He’s working and focusing on music right now, the politics and 2024 have plenty of time to show itself and when they do, everyone will know.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oprah-to-mark-ruffalo-celebrities-welcome-joe-biden-kamala-harris-to-lead-america-in-new-direction-358195" hreflang="en">Oprah to Mark Ruffalo: Celebrities welcome Joe Biden-Kamala Harris to lead America in new direction</a>

Kanye West had filled his name for candidature this year too but couldn't go through with it. The source claims that the next time Kanye West and US presidency will be discussed, it will be because he would want to be in the White House as the president himself, “He still wants [Kanye 2024] to happen and when we get closer, he will go for it full force.”

Kanye was one of the first high-profile people to visit then-president-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump </a>in December 2016. West, who said he didn’t vote in the 2016 election, would go on to make good on the promise he made during the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards and run for president. The campaign bombed with only 60,000 people voting for the rapper.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lady-gaga-jennifer-lopez-strike-the-patriotic-chord-at-biden-harris-inauguration-358125" hreflang="en">Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez strike the patriotic chord at Biden-Harris inauguration</a>

Lots has been going on with Kanye West as he is in the middle of a reported divorce with wife Kim Kardashian after having failed at marriage counselling (read about it here)and more.

Lots has been going on with Kanye West as he is in the middle of a reported divorce with wife Kim Kardashian after having failed at marriage counselling (read about it here)and more. But since the flavour of the week is Joe Biden becoming the new US President, how can we not talk about how the rapper feels about this since he is a publicly announced republican party supporter and in fact been good friends with the former US President Donald Trump. A source close to Kanye West was quoted in Hollywood Life saying: “Kanye is a bit in his own world right now and not paying much attention to Trump leaving and Biden becoming the President.” Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons chose the perfect song for Joe Biden's presidential inauguration Kanye “is going to stay out of it,” said the source in the published piece and added, “He is going to be non-existent when it comes to the next few days and all of that. He’s working and focusing on music right now, the politics and 2024 have plenty of time to show itself and when they do, everyone will know.” Oprah to Mark Ruffalo: Celebrities welcome Joe Biden-Kamala Harris to lead America in new direction Kanye West had filled his name for candidature this year too but couldn't go through with it. The source claims that the next time Kanye West and US presidency will be discussed, it will be because he would want to be in the White House as the president himself, “He still wants [Kanye 2024] to happen and when we get closer, he will go for it full force.” Kanye was one of the first high-profile people to visit then-president-elect Donald Trump in December 2016. West, who said he didn’t vote in the 2016 election, would go on to make good on the promise he made during the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards and run for president. The campaign bombed with only 60,000 people voting for the rapper. Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez strike the patriotic chord at Biden-Harris inauguration

This is how Kanye West feels about Donald Trump leaving the White House: Report

As a child, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. wrestled with words, grappling with a boyhood stutter. Years later, as a young politician, he could not stop saying them, quickly developing a reputation for long-winded remarks.

It was words that undercut his first two campaigns for the White House, with charges of plagiarism ending his 1988 bid and verbal missteps that hampered his 2008 outing from nearly the first moments. And it was his self-described penchant for being a “gaffe machine,” as he once put it, that would cement his vice-presidential nickname of “Uncle Joe,” the endearing relative who prompts the occasional wince.

Through a nearly half-century-long political career marked by personal tragedy and forged in national upheaval, Biden’s struggle with his own words has remained a central fact of his professional life and of the ambition he harboured for nearly as long: the White House.

Yet over the course of the 2020 campaign and especially in the two months since his victory, Biden, the nation’s 46th president, has transformed himself into a steady hand who chooses words with extraordinary restraint.

The self-described “scrappy kid from Scranton,” Pennsylvania, who called former President Donald Trump a “clown” and told him to “shut up” during their first debate, refused to take the political bait laid by Trump for weeks after the election with his attempts to overturn the results. Rather than get sucked into the Trumpian chaos, Biden focused on announcing his Cabinet and helping his party win two runoff races in Georgia. And with a second impeachment trial looming in the Senate, Biden, 78, has maintained his steadfast faith in the political center, positioning himself as a champion of all Americans and a deal-maker between the left and the right.

There is “more of a sense of a calm resolve now,” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., who has known Biden for decades and served as a co-chair of his campaign. “Even the words that he uses that are fiery are very intentional now. He is where he is supposed to be at this moment.”

The coming year will test Biden’s self-discipline, as he takes office amid urgency from his own party to make a decisive break with the Trump era by pushing through an aggressive policy agenda in the face of a Republican Party that is looking to come together around a new opponent. Biden and his aides are staking much on his ability to find the right words to restore America’s reputation, win bipartisan support in Congress and unite an anxious nation.

Much of Biden’s inaugural address Wednesday centered on calling the country to come together in the midst of many challenges, with some of his first words as president focused on issuing a plea to those who did not support his candidacy.

“Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart,” he said. “Yet hear me clearly: Disagreement must not lead to disunion.”

Biden's ability to steer and stay the course calmly through turbulence is a testament, say friends and family, to both Biden’s unabashed optimism and his deep belief in the importance of American political norms and traditions. The man who came to Washington at age 30 as one of the youngest senators in history now enters the White House as the oldest president in history, with more experience in government and legislating to guide his path than any leader in decades.

“He’s been around so long that now that he is going to be the leader of this country, he knows he must conduct himself with presidential composure,” said Chuck Hagel, a longtime friend of Biden’s who served as defense secretary in the administration of former President Barack Obama and before that as a Republican senator from Nebraska. “He knows the only way we’ll be able to start to climb out of this hole is for the leader of the country to be seen as fair and open and not dwelling on the negative.”

That Biden finds himself in this role at all is an unlikely turn of events for a man whose political career seemed to have stalled or ended so many times, including when tragedy struck just after he won his first election to the Senate in 1972. But after 36 years in the chamber and eight years as vice president, he became a familiar figure in the country’s political consciousness. When Americans sought a way back to stability after four years of tumult, Biden felt like a comfort to many voters. As Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C. and one of Biden’s most important supporters in the primary race, is fond of saying and repeated in an interview Tuesday, “We know Joe, and Joe knows us.”

To Biden’s friends and family, his success at winning the White House is proof that there is something fundamentally reassuring about his character — his loyalty, his empathy and his experience — that Americans want after four years of an unpredictable and chaotic administration. Even when he misspeaks, they argue, it underscores his authenticity, the journey of a man who moved through the darkness of the losses of his young wife, baby daughter and adult son to remain optimistic about politics, the country and his own destiny.

“He has a backbone of steel. He has a tremendous amount of empathy, and he seeks the better angels in humankind,” said Valerie Biden Owens, Biden’s sister and closest political adviser. “His word is his bond.”

Biden’s remarks during his presidential bid did not always set as decisive a tone. A campaign trail refrain that “words matter,” a line intended to be an attack on Trump, seemed at times like a reminder to the candidate. Often rambling and spotted with verbal tics — Bidenisms like an indignant “c’mon man” and a gentle “God love 'em” — his comments careened between dense policy proposals, praise for long-deceased political leaders, minor flubs and the occasional factual inaccuracy.

Republicans pounced on his rhetorical style, caricaturing Biden as too mentally frail for the job. Even some in his own party pointed to comments like his praise for segregationists and overly friendly interactions with women as a sign that Biden was out of step with the times.

Throughout a long campaign, a pandemic, a racial reckoning and a riot at the Capitol, Biden’s central message of moral and political restoration never wavered: Renew American decency. Return to good governance. And heal a divided nation. From snowy Iowa cornfields to socially distanced debate stages, the former vice president offered his “word as a Biden” that he could fulfill his campaign promises.

In the end, after a crowded primary packed with Democratic candidates pushing for structural transformation and a general election against a president determined to upend government, Americans selected a new president but rejected sweeping change.

While Biden has pivoted left with his party, he remains a centrist at his core, determined to unite a frayed body politic and persuade some Republicans to support his agenda. For much of the past half-century, Biden has found himself in the literal middle of American politics: in the central seat on the Judiciary Committee, in the center of policy debates in the Obama administration, at center stage in the presidential debates and now at the White House. He is a man both of and apart from Washington, deeply immersed in the mores, manners and maneuvering of the Capitol even as he spent decades commuting home to Delaware on Amtrak.

“He has the most unique insight into what motivates politicians and how they think than anyone since Lyndon Johnson,” said Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who first met Biden as a young man. “He just spent so many decades engaging with politicians.”

More essentially, said Ted Kaufman, Biden’s longtime chief of staff and short-term successor in the Senate, Biden is a “healer” determined to bridge seemingly unbridgeable divides.

The political traits that would come to define Biden were present from the start. A Catholic son of Scranton and Wilmington, Delaware, he has long mythologized his childhood in stump speech tales of “Grandpop Finnegan” and virtuous sayings from his father, a car salesman who struggled to find work.

Even in the 1960s, Biden was something of an institutionalist in a blow-it-up generation. In penny loafers and sports coats, he rambled around the University of Delaware and Syracuse University College of Law, a middling student with little connection to the civil rights movement and the other social activism of the time. He received five student draft deferments during the Vietnam War and was kept from service after a physical exam in 1968 because he had asthma as a teenager, according to his campaign.

“I’m not big on flak jackets and tie-dye shirts,” he told reporters in 1987, distinguishing himself from some politically minded contemporaries. “Other people marched. I ran for office.”

After marriage, graduation and a brief stint at a Wilmington law firm, Biden won a seat on the New Castle County Council. Shortly after his election, one of his colleagues quipped that Biden “was the only man he knew who could give an extemporaneous 15-minute speech on the underside of a blade of grass.” The local paper called him a “compulsive talker,” and his underdog race for the Senate in 1972 was labeled “Mr. Nice vs. Mr. Mouth.” Biden was, of course, the mouth.

He entered office just weeks after the death of his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi in a crash with a tractor-trailer. Reeling from the tragedy, Biden would make only a six-month commitment to the Senate, taking the oath of office from the hospital bedside of his two young sons. Mentored by Sen. Mike Mansfield, then the majority leader, he eventually found himself swept into the business of the body with a plum seat on the Foreign Relations Committee — an early move that would later cement his reputation as an expert in U.S. foreign policy.

In Washington, Mouth found much to discuss. A legendary profile by future celebrity biographer Kitty Kelley in 1974 featured Biden openly discussing dating, sex and his late wife. (Biden would later talk about that period in his life as a haze of rage and anger, saying he felt like a “sucker” for sharing so much.)

His personal life stabilized after his marriage to his second wife, Jill, and the birth of a fourth child, their daughter Ashley. But his political career continued along an uneven course.

Biden’s greatest early failure and biggest success intertwined in 1987: the humiliation of a failed presidential bid and his victory as the new chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee in stopping Robert Bork’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Biden announced his campaign was over during a break from the hearing, where his strategy focused on persuading Republicans to block President Ronald Reagan’s nominee.

Four years later, Biden would again make overtures to his Republican colleagues during Justice Clarence Thomas’ confirmation hearings, allowing harsh and invasive questioning of Anita Hill, the law professor who accused the nominee of sexual harassment. Biden would later express “regret” for the treatment she endured but insist he did not mistreat her.

“If you go back to what I said and didn’t say, I don’t think I treated her badly,” he said in an interview shortly after beginning his presidential bid in April 2019.

As he progressed through what would ultimately be six terms in the Senate, Biden became known for his willingness to reach across the aisle to craft legislation like the Violence Against Women Act and the 1994 crime bill and as a crucial voice in U.S. conflicts overseas. The Senate became his professional home, reinforcing his unshakable belief in the value of personal relationships — the power of his deal-making words — in the service of bipartisan compromise.

Another presidential bid in 2008 ended in failure, marked by impolitic comments like calling Obama, who was then one of his rivals in the primary, “articulate and bright and clean.” But his years on Capitol Hill and in foreign policy and his connection with white working-class voters later won him a place on Obama’s presidential ticket.

During the Obama administration, Biden settled into the role of elder statesman and experienced voice on foreign policy. He led negotiations with Sen. Mitch McConnell and congressional Republicans over the economic stimulus plan and budget deals. Still, some of his most memorable moments grew out of unsanctioned honesty — like breaking with the administration’s official position by saying in 2012 that he was “absolutely comfortable” with same-sex marriage.

In 2015, Biden mulled making a third bid for the White House, but the death of his son, Beau, from brain cancer that May was a devastating blow that Biden said left him emotionally unable to mount an effective campaign.

By the time Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a surprise ceremony at the end of his second term, praising his vice president as a “lion of American history,” the event seemed to mark a tearful end to Biden’s political ambitions.

In the end, it was that faith in his own character and experience that persuaded Biden to make a third run at the White House. Five months before announcing his bid with a 3 1/2-minute video casting the election as a national emergency, Biden described himself as the “most qualified person” for the job. When confronted by a moderator with a list of his possible political liabilities, he dismissed them all as minor issues compared with the huge problems faced by the country.

“I am a gaffe machine, but my God, what a wonderful thing compared to a guy who can’t tell the truth,” he said during a stop on his book tour in 2018. “The question is, what kind of nation are we becoming?”

That sense of history was not lost on Biden on Tuesday when he made an emotional goodbye to his home state. With remarks recalling the national unrest before his Senate victory in 1972, his trip to Washington for his 2009 inauguration as vice president and memories of his deceased son, Biden teared up before even uttering a sentence.

“I’ll always be a proud son of Delaware,” he said, choking up as he drew on a phrase from James Joyce and the tears began to flow. “Excuse the emotion, but when I die, Delaware will be written on my heart.”

Presidents rarely utter such pointed words about their own mortality. But the moment was classic Biden, sharing his pain as he sought to connect with others.

The next president wiped his eyes once more and headed to Washington.

As a child, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. wrestled with words, grappling with a boyhood stutter. Years later, as a young politician, he could not stop saying them, quickly developing a reputation for long-winded remarks.

As a child, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. wrestled with words, grappling with a boyhood stutter. Years later, as a young politician, he could not stop saying them, quickly developing a reputation for long-winded remarks. It was words that undercut his first two campaigns for the White House, with charges of plagiarism ending his 1988 bid and verbal missteps that hampered his 2008 outing from nearly the first moments. And it was his self-described penchant for being a “gaffe machine,” as he once put it, that would cement his vice-presidential nickname of “Uncle Joe,” the endearing relative who prompts the occasional wince. Through a nearly half-century-long political career marked by personal tragedy and forged in national upheaval, Biden’s struggle with his own words has remained a central fact of his professional life and of the ambition he harboured for nearly as long: the White House. Yet over the course of the 2020 campaign and especially in the two months since his victory, Biden, the nation’s 46th president, has transformed himself into a steady hand who chooses words with extraordinary restraint. The self-described “scrappy kid from Scranton,” Pennsylvania, who called former President Donald Trump a “clown” and told him to “shut up” during their first debate, refused to take the political bait laid by Trump for weeks after the election with his attempts to overturn the results. Rather than get sucked into the Trumpian chaos, Biden focused on announcing his Cabinet and helping his party win two runoff races in Georgia. And with a second impeachment trial looming in the Senate, Biden, 78, has maintained his steadfast faith in the political center, positioning himself as a champion of all Americans and a deal-maker between the left and the right. There is “more of a sense of a calm resolve now,” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., who has known Biden for decades and served as a co-chair of his campaign. “Even the words that he uses that are fiery are very intentional now. He is where he is supposed to be at this moment.” The coming year will test Biden’s self-discipline, as he takes office amid urgency from his own party to make a decisive break with the Trump era by pushing through an aggressive policy agenda in the face of a Republican Party that is looking to come together around a new opponent. Biden and his aides are staking much on his ability to find the right words to restore America’s reputation, win bipartisan support in Congress and unite an anxious nation. Much of Biden’s inaugural address Wednesday centered on calling the country to come together in the midst of many challenges, with some of his first words as president focused on issuing a plea to those who did not support his candidacy. “Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart,” he said. “Yet hear me clearly: Disagreement must not lead to disunion.” Biden's ability to steer and stay the course calmly through turbulence is a testament, say friends and family, to both Biden’s unabashed optimism and his deep belief in the importance of American political norms and traditions. The man who came to Washington at age 30 as one of the youngest senators in history now enters the White House as the oldest president in history, with more experience in government and legislating to guide his path than any leader in decades. “He’s been around so long that now that he is going to be the leader of this country, he knows he must conduct himself with presidential composure,” said Chuck Hagel, a longtime friend of Biden’s who served as defense secretary in the administration of former President Barack Obama and before that as a Republican senator from Nebraska. “He knows the only way we’ll be able to start to climb out of this hole is for the leader of the country to be seen as fair and open and not dwelling on the negative.” That Biden finds himself in this role at all is an unlikely turn of events for a man whose political career seemed to have stalled or ended so many times, including when tragedy struck just after he won his first election to the Senate in 1972. But after 36 years in the chamber and eight years as vice president, he became a familiar figure in the country’s political consciousness. When Americans sought a way back to stability after four years of tumult, Biden felt like a comfort to many voters. As Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C. and one of Biden’s most important supporters in the primary race, is fond of saying and repeated in an interview Tuesday, “We know Joe, and Joe knows us.” To Biden’s friends and family, his success at winning the White House is proof that there is something fundamentally reassuring about his character — his loyalty, his empathy and his experience — that Americans want after four years of an unpredictable and chaotic administration. Even when he misspeaks, they argue, it underscores his authenticity, the journey of a man who moved through the darkness of the losses of his young wife, baby daughter and adult son to remain optimistic about politics, the country and his own destiny. “He has a backbone of steel. He has a tremendous amount of empathy, and he seeks the better angels in humankind,” said Valerie Biden Owens, Biden’s sister and closest political adviser. “His word is his bond.” Biden’s remarks during his presidential bid did not always set as decisive a tone. A campaign trail refrain that “words matter,” a line intended to be an attack on Trump, seemed at times like a reminder to the candidate. Often rambling and spotted with verbal tics — Bidenisms like an indignant “c’mon man” and a gentle “God love 'em” — his comments careened between dense policy proposals, praise for long-deceased political leaders, minor flubs and the occasional factual inaccuracy. Republicans pounced on his rhetorical style, caricaturing Biden as too mentally frail for the job. Even some in his own party pointed to comments like his praise for segregationists and overly friendly interactions with women as a sign that Biden was out of step with the times. Throughout a long campaign, a pandemic, a racial reckoning and a riot at the Capitol, Biden’s central message of moral and political restoration never wavered: Renew American decency. Return to good governance. And heal a divided nation. From snowy Iowa cornfields to socially distanced debate stages, the former vice president offered his “word as a Biden” that he could fulfill his campaign promises. In the end, after a crowded primary packed with Democratic candidates pushing for structural transformation and a general election against a president determined to upend government, Americans selected a new president but rejected sweeping change. While Biden has pivoted left with his party, he remains a centrist at his core, determined to unite a frayed body politic and persuade some Republicans to support his agenda. For much of the past half-century, Biden has found himself in the literal middle of American politics: in the central seat on the Judiciary Committee, in the center of policy debates in the Obama administration, at center stage in the presidential debates and now at the White House. He is a man both of and apart from Washington, deeply immersed in the mores, manners and maneuvering of the Capitol even as he spent decades commuting home to Delaware on Amtrak. “He has the most unique insight into what motivates politicians and how they think than anyone since Lyndon Johnson,” said Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who first met Biden as a young man. “He just spent so many decades engaging with politicians.” More essentially, said Ted Kaufman, Biden’s longtime chief of staff and short-term successor in the Senate, Biden is a “healer” determined to bridge seemingly unbridgeable divides. The political traits that would come to define Biden were present from the start. A Catholic son of Scranton and Wilmington, Delaware, he has long mythologized his childhood in stump speech tales of “Grandpop Finnegan” and virtuous sayings from his father, a car salesman who struggled to find work. Even in the 1960s, Biden was something of an institutionalist in a blow-it-up generation. In penny loafers and sports coats, he rambled around the University of Delaware and Syracuse University College of Law, a middling student with little connection to the civil rights movement and the other social activism of the time. He received five student draft deferments during the Vietnam War and was kept from service after a physical exam in 1968 because he had asthma as a teenager, according to his campaign. “I’m not big on flak jackets and tie-dye shirts,” he told reporters in 1987, distinguishing himself from some politically minded contemporaries. “Other people marched. I ran for office.” After marriage, graduation and a brief stint at a Wilmington law firm, Biden won a seat on the New Castle County Council. Shortly after his election, one of his colleagues quipped that Biden “was the only man he knew who could give an extemporaneous 15-minute speech on the underside of a blade of grass.” The local paper called him a “compulsive talker,” and his underdog race for the Senate in 1972 was labeled “Mr. Nice vs. Mr. Mouth.” Biden was, of course, the mouth. He entered office just weeks after the death of his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi in a crash with a tractor-trailer. Reeling from the tragedy, Biden would make only a six-month commitment to the Senate, taking the oath of office from the hospital bedside of his two young sons. Mentored by Sen. Mike Mansfield, then the majority leader, he eventually found himself swept into the business of the body with a plum seat on the Foreign Relations Committee — an early move that would later cement his reputation as an expert in U.S. foreign policy. In Washington, Mouth found much to discuss. A legendary profile by future celebrity biographer Kitty Kelley in 1974 featured Biden openly discussing dating, sex and his late wife. (Biden would later talk about that period in his life as a haze of rage and anger, saying he felt like a “sucker” for sharing so much.) His personal life stabilized after his marriage to his second wife, Jill, and the birth of a fourth child, their daughter Ashley. But his political career continued along an uneven course. Biden’s greatest early failure and biggest success intertwined in 1987: the humiliation of a failed presidential bid and his victory as the new chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee in stopping Robert Bork’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Biden announced his campaign was over during a break from the hearing, where his strategy focused on persuading Republicans to block President Ronald Reagan’s nominee. Four years later, Biden would again make overtures to his Republican colleagues during Justice Clarence Thomas’ confirmation hearings, allowing harsh and invasive questioning of Anita Hill, the law professor who accused the nominee of sexual harassment. Biden would later express “regret” for the treatment she endured but insist he did not mistreat her. “If you go back to what I said and didn’t say, I don’t think I treated her badly,” he said in an interview shortly after beginning his presidential bid in April 2019. As he progressed through what would ultimately be six terms in the Senate, Biden became known for his willingness to reach across the aisle to craft legislation like the Violence Against Women Act and the 1994 crime bill and as a crucial voice in U.S. conflicts overseas. The Senate became his professional home, reinforcing his unshakable belief in the value of personal relationships — the power of his deal-making words — in the service of bipartisan compromise. Another presidential bid in 2008 ended in failure, marked by impolitic comments like calling Obama, who was then one of his rivals in the primary, “articulate and bright and clean.” But his years on Capitol Hill and in foreign policy and his connection with white working-class voters later won him a place on Obama’s presidential ticket. During the Obama administration, Biden settled into the role of elder statesman and experienced voice on foreign policy. He led negotiations with Sen. Mitch McConnell and congressional Republicans over the economic stimulus plan and budget deals. Still, some of his most memorable moments grew out of unsanctioned honesty — like breaking with the administration’s official position by saying in 2012 that he was “absolutely comfortable” with same-sex marriage. In 2015, Biden mulled making a third bid for the White House, but the death of his son, Beau, from brain cancer that May was a devastating blow that Biden said left him emotionally unable to mount an effective campaign. By the time Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a surprise ceremony at the end of his second term, praising his vice president as a “lion of American history,” the event seemed to mark a tearful end to Biden’s political ambitions. In the end, it was that faith in his own character and experience that persuaded Biden to make a third run at the White House. Five months before announcing his bid with a 3 1/2-minute video casting the election as a national emergency, Biden described himself as the “most qualified person” for the job. When confronted by a moderator with a list of his possible political liabilities, he dismissed them all as minor issues compared with the huge problems faced by the country. “I am a gaffe machine, but my God, what a wonderful thing compared to a guy who can’t tell the truth,” he said during a stop on his book tour in 2018. “The question is, what kind of nation are we becoming?” That sense of history was not lost on Biden on Tuesday when he made an emotional goodbye to his home state. With remarks recalling the national unrest before his Senate victory in 1972, his trip to Washington for his 2009 inauguration as vice president and memories of his deceased son, Biden teared up before even uttering a sentence. “I’ll always be a proud son of Delaware,” he said, choking up as he drew on a phrase from James Joyce and the tears began to flow. “Excuse the emotion, but when I die, Delaware will be written on my heart.” Presidents rarely utter such pointed words about their own mortality. But the moment was classic Biden, sharing his pain as he sought to connect with others. The next president wiped his eyes once more and headed to Washington.

How Joe Biden became a steady hand amid so much chaos

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris's inauguration preparations are underway in Washington DC amid tight security. White officials were seen making arrangements for the inauguration event. WION brings you a report.

Preparations underway for Biden-Harris inauguration in Washington DC

Here is a guide on what else to expect when Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris begin to implement their foreign-policy agenda.

What's Joe Biden's foreign-policy for China?

President-elect Joe Biden's pick for intelligence chief Avril Haines told the Senate Intelligence Committee that she would release the classified report into the assassination of Jamal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-considering-legal-immunity-for-saudi-crown-prince-salman-in-assassination-plot-khashoggi-killing-report-351639">Khashoggi</a>.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joe-biden-gives-emotional-farewell-in-delaware-en-route-to-washington-dc-357855/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump had refrained from taking harsh measures against Saudi Arabia after reports emerged Khashoggi's body was dismembered in the Kingdom's Istanbul consulate in 2018.&nbsp;Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly ordered the killing of the Washington Post journalist.&nbsp;

Biden during his election campaign had vowed to re-evaluate the relationship with Saudi Arabia.

A New York judge had earlier ordered US intelligence agencies to acknowledge that they possess tape recording of the 2018 murder of Saudi Arabian journalist.&nbsp;

The Senate Intelligence Committee has been vetting &nbsp;Avril Haines,51, nomination who is a former top CIA official nominated to be director of national intelligence (DNI) by Joe Biden's incoming administration.

"Our approach to China has to evolve, and essentially meet the reality of the particularly assertive and aggressive China that we see today," Haines told the US Senators, adding, "to safeguard the integrity of our intelligence community, the DNI must insist that, when it comes to intelligence, there is simply no place for politics -- ever."

"The DNI must prioritize transparency, accountability, analytic rigor, facilitating oversight and diverse thinking —- not as afterthoughts, but as strategic imperatives that bolster our work and our institutions," Haines added.

Avril will be overseeing all US intelligence, including the CIA, the National Security Agency(NSA) and FBI counterintelligence.

President-elect Joe Biden's pick for intelligence chief Avril Haines told the Senate Intelligence Committee that she would release the classified report into the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi.

President-elect Joe Biden's pick for intelligence chief Avril Haines told the Senate Intelligence Committee that she would release the classified report into the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi. Watch: Trump had refrained from taking harsh measures against Saudi Arabia after reports emerged Khashoggi's body was dismembered in the Kingdom's Istanbul consulate in 2018. Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly ordered the killing of the Washington Post journalist. Biden during his election campaign had vowed to re-evaluate the relationship with Saudi Arabia. A New York judge had earlier ordered US intelligence agencies to acknowledge that they possess tape recording of the 2018 murder of Saudi Arabian journalist. The Senate Intelligence Committee has been vetting Avril Haines,51, nomination who is a former top CIA official nominated to be director of national intelligence (DNI) by Joe Biden's incoming administration. "Our approach to China has to evolve, and essentially meet the reality of the particularly assertive and aggressive China that we see today," Haines told the US Senators, adding, "to safeguard the integrity of our intelligence community, the DNI must insist that, when it comes to intelligence, there is simply no place for politics -- ever." "The DNI must prioritize transparency, accountability, analytic rigor, facilitating oversight and diverse thinking —- not as afterthoughts, but as strategic imperatives that bolster our work and our institutions," Haines added. Avril will be overseeing all US intelligence, including the CIA, the National Security Agency(NSA) and FBI counterintelligence.

Biden to declassify report on assassination of Jamal Khashoggi

China sanctions Pompeo, Trump officials for violating 'sovereignty'

China is sanctioning more than two dozen officials and members of former US president Donald Trump's cabinet, including his secretary of state Mike Pompeo, for violating the country's "sovereignty".

The foreign ministry said Wednesday, "China has decided to sanction 28 persons who have seriously violated China's sovereignty."

This came close on the heels of the inauguration of Trump's successor President Joe Biden in Washington.

Beyond Pompeo, those sanctioned include Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro, national security advisor Robert O'Brien, assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs David Stilwell, health secretary Alex Azar and UN envoy Kelly Craft.&nbsp;

Beijing also sanctioned former Trump national security advisor John Bolton and former advisor Stephen Bannon.

China sanctions Pompeo, Trump officials for violating 'sovereignty' China is sanctioning more than two dozen officials and members of former US president Donald Trump's cabinet, including his secretary of state Mike Pompeo, for violating the country's "sovereignty".

China sanctions Pompeo, Trump officials for violating 'sovereignty' China is sanctioning more than two dozen officials and members of former US president Donald Trump's cabinet, including his secretary of state Mike Pompeo, for violating the country's "sovereignty". The foreign ministry said Wednesday, "China has decided to sanction 28 persons who have seriously violated China's sovereignty." This came close on the heels of the inauguration of Trump's successor President Joe Biden in Washington. Beyond Pompeo, those sanctioned include Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro, national security advisor Robert O'Brien, assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs David Stilwell, health secretary Alex Azar and UN envoy Kelly Craft. Beijing also sanctioned former Trump national security advisor John Bolton and former advisor Stephen Bannon.

China sanctions Pompeo, Trump officials for violating 'sovereignty'

Seventeen Republican Party members of US House of Representatives on Wednesday committed to work with US President-elect Joe Biden just before his swearing-in ceremony. Republican House Representative &nbsp;Beth Van Duyne representing Texas sent a letter to Joe Biden to this effect. The letter is jointly signed by 16 other Republican representatives. All of them said that they looked forward to working with Biden administration.

Some of the representatives who signed the letter include Madison Cawthorn, Barry Moore, Burgess Owens, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Peter Meijer, Ashley Hinson and Carlos A. Gimenez, reported CNN."We firmly believe that what unites us as Americans is far greater than anything that may ever divide us," they wrote.&nbsp;

"In that spirit, we hope that we can rise above the partisan fray to negotiate meaningful change for Americans across the nation and maintain the United States` standing as the best country in the world," read the letter."The constituencies we represent showcase the variety of thought across our great nation... Americans are tired of the partisan gridlock and simply want to see leaders from both sides of the aisle work on issues important to American families, workers, and businesses," CNN quoted the letter.

The letter is sure sign of growing support Biden is getting support across parties.

2020 US Presidential Election was a tumultuous one. Joe Biden defeated incumbent Donald Trump but Trump continued to level allegations of election fraud without presenting any evidence.

On Wednesday, Trump made his last speech as US President at Joint Air Force Base Andrews. In his speech, Trump made no concession but said that he wished "great luck and great success." to next administration. He did not take Biden's name.

Although sections of the Republican Party appeared to rally behind Trump and his claims of election fraud. But as Trump campaign suffered defeat after defeat in courts across US, including US Supreme Court, the support began to waver.

And with the attack on the Capitol Building on January 6, the domestic, as well as the global opinion, turned critical of Trump. In days leading up to the inauguration, influential Republicans like Mitch McConnel denounced Trump and unequivocally said that it was his incitement that led to Capitol Building attack.

Seventeen Republican Party members of US House of Representatives on Wednesday committed to work with US President-elect Joe Biden just before his swearing-in ceremony.

Seventeen Republican Party members of US House of Representatives on Wednesday committed to work with US President-elect Joe Biden just before his swearing-in ceremony. Republican House Representative Beth Van Duyne representing Texas sent a letter to Joe Biden to this effect. The letter is jointly signed by 16 other Republican representatives. All of them said that they looked forward to working with Biden administration. Some of the representatives who signed the letter include Madison Cawthorn, Barry Moore, Burgess Owens, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Peter Meijer, Ashley Hinson and Carlos A. Gimenez, reported CNN."We firmly believe that what unites us as Americans is far greater than anything that may ever divide us," they wrote. "In that spirit, we hope that we can rise above the partisan fray to negotiate meaningful change for Americans across the nation and maintain the United States` standing as the best country in the world," read the letter."The constituencies we represent showcase the variety of thought across our great nation... Americans are tired of the partisan gridlock and simply want to see leaders from both sides of the aisle work on issues important to American families, workers, and businesses," CNN quoted the letter. The letter is sure sign of growing support Biden is getting support across parties. 2020 US Presidential Election was a tumultuous one. Joe Biden defeated incumbent Donald Trump but Trump continued to level allegations of election fraud without presenting any evidence. On Wednesday, Trump made his last speech as US President at Joint Air Force Base Andrews. In his speech, Trump made no concession but said that he wished "great luck and great success." to next administration. He did not take Biden's name. Although sections of the Republican Party appeared to rally behind Trump and his claims of election fraud. But as Trump campaign suffered defeat after defeat in courts across US, including US Supreme Court, the support began to waver. And with the attack on the Capitol Building on January 6, the domestic, as well as the global opinion, turned critical of Trump. In days leading up to the inauguration, influential Republicans like Mitch McConnel denounced Trump and unequivocally said that it was his incitement that led to Capitol Building attack.

Seventeen Republican House representatives commit to work with Biden

U.S.: President-elect Joe Biden became emotional during a brief farewell ceremony in Delaware on Tuesday before heading to Washington D.C. for his inauguration

Joe Biden gives emotional farewell in Delaware en route to Washington D.C.

National Guardsmen began arriving at the Capitol last week and eventually around 25,000 are expected to be involved in security efforts.

Why has U.S. become a divided and angry nation?

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris attended a memorial service honoring the 400,000 Americans who have died of COVID-19 at the Lincoln Memorial

President-elect Joe Biden grieves America's COVID-19 victims on the eve of inauguration

Will Joe Biden lift the restrictions on visas? Will he be tough on China? Will he call out Pakistan for its state sponsorship of terrorism? WION's Palki Sharma tells you what India can expect from Joe Biden.

Gravitas: Here is what India can expect from Joe Biden

In less than 24 hours, Donald Trump will leave the White House. The preparations for Joe Biden's inauguration are underway in full swing. But Trump supporters are 'determined' to overturn election results. WION's Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: Donald Trump's last day in Office

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States took place amid the challenge of COVID-19. The organisers took into account precautions to wade off potential infections.

In mid-December, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that "vigorous health and safety protocols" were planned for the ceremony. This included the "reimagination" of traditional events, including a virtual inaugural parade.

The Capitol Hill luncheon was also cancelled. In addition, the committee urged people to stay at home and to not travel to DC.

But some unprecedented changes were enforced keeping in mind the pandemic.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/joe-bidens-presidential-inauguration-whats-changed-whats-new-and-whats-missing-358033" hreflang="en">Joe Biden's presidential inauguration: What's changed, what's new, and what's missing!</a>

These included limited attendance. In mid-December, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) announced that the ceremony would be tremendously scaled back. In usual circumstances, 200,000 tickets are distributed for the ceremony. The National Mall remained closed to the public, and members of the US Congress were allowed to bring only one guest.

In terms of safety protocols, all provisions put forward by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control were followed at the ceremony.

The committee had announced earlier that the official swearing-in ceremony would include "vigorous health and safety protocols to protect public health, including face-coverings, social distancing, and more". 
 
Keeping in mind the risk of infection, many events were cancelled or reimagined to create a pandemic experience.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-president-elect-joe-biden-will-take-these-decisions-on-very-first-day-in-office-358003" hreflang="en">In Pics | President-elect Joe Biden will take these decisions on very first day in office</a>

As part of this, over 191,500 US flags were installed at the National Mall in an art display called "Field of Flags". In addition, 56 pillars of light were put in place, to represent Americans who could not attend the ceremony in person. 
 
The virtual "reimagined parade" is set to feature televised performances from all states and territories of the United States. This will include celebrity and guest appearances from Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, among many.

To make up for the in-person celebrations, team Biden is set to air a 90-minute special programme titled "Celebrating America" on the evening of the inauguration. 
 
Both Biden and Harris will speak during the programme, which will also pay homage to frontline workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, including teachers, and healthcare workers. 
 
The Capitol Hill luncheon was cancelled to prevent further spread of COVID-19. In regular times, the luncheon would have included guests like congressional leaders, and it also highlighted the cuisine of the new president and the vice president.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-joe-biden-oath-today-kamala-harris-news-us-inauguration-day-2021-live-updates-joe-biden-oath-ceremony-today-donald-trump-leave-white-house-vice-president-elect-kamala-harris-us-president-joe-biden-swearing-in-ceremony-oath-day-357872">Live updates here</a>

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States took place amid the challenge of COVID-19. The organisers took into account precautions to wade off potential infections.

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States took place amid the challenge of COVID-19. The organisers took into account precautions to wade off potential infections. In mid-December, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that "vigorous health and safety protocols" were planned for the ceremony. This included the "reimagination" of traditional events, including a virtual inaugural parade. The Capitol Hill luncheon was also cancelled. In addition, the committee urged people to stay at home and to not travel to DC. But some unprecedented changes were enforced keeping in mind the pandemic. In pics: Joe Biden's presidential inauguration: What's changed, what's new, and what's missing! These included limited attendance. In mid-December, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) announced that the ceremony would be tremendously scaled back. In usual circumstances, 200,000 tickets are distributed for the ceremony. The National Mall remained closed to the public, and members of the US Congress were allowed to bring only one guest. In terms of safety protocols, all provisions put forward by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control were followed at the ceremony. The committee had announced earlier that the official swearing-in ceremony would include "vigorous health and safety protocols to protect public health, including face-coverings, social distancing, and more". Keeping in mind the risk of infection, many events were cancelled or reimagined to create a pandemic experience. In Pics | President-elect Joe Biden will take these decisions on very first day in office As part of this, over 191,500 US flags were installed at the National Mall in an art display called "Field of Flags". In addition, 56 pillars of light were put in place, to represent Americans who could not attend the ceremony in person. The virtual "reimagined parade" is set to feature televised performances from all states and territories of the United States. This will include celebrity and guest appearances from Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, among many. To make up for the in-person celebrations, team Biden is set to air a 90-minute special programme titled "Celebrating America" on the evening of the inauguration. Both Biden and Harris will speak during the programme, which will also pay homage to frontline workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, including teachers, and healthcare workers. The Capitol Hill luncheon was cancelled to prevent further spread of COVID-19. In regular times, the luncheon would have included guests like congressional leaders, and it also highlighted the cuisine of the new president and the vice president. Live updates here

How COVID-19 precuations changed the route of Biden's inaugural ceremony

Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States, taking over presidential duties from Donald Trump on January 20, 2021.

Biden was sworn in as the President by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Kamala Harris' oath was administered by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

The inauguration ceremony took place at Capitol Hill with over a thousand people in attendance. The ceremony was low-key owing to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2009, over 1.8 million people attended Obama's first inauguration.

Biden took oath as President with a 127-year-old family Bible in one hand. With this inauguration, Kamala Harris became the first female, first Black, and the first South Asian Vice President.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/joe-bidens-presidential-inauguration-whats-changed-whats-new-and-whats-missing-358033" hreflang="en">Joe Biden's presidential inauguration: What's changed, what's new, and what's missing!</a>

Owing to the violence which took place at US Capitol on January 6, security has been ramped up in the capital.

The ceremony saw performances from big pop hitmakers like Lady Gaga, who sang the national anthem, as well as Jennifer Lopez.

Most of the celebrations were virtual, with a "parade" featuring diverse and dynamic performances from an array from people across the country - including Jon Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Ant Clemons, among many.

The Biden inauguration was largely a crowd-free affair, with over 200,000 state and territory flags installed across the National Mall, to compensate for the people who will not be able to see the inauguration in person.

Former President Donald Trump held a short ceremony at Joint Base Andrews earlier today. In his remarks, he promised to "always fight", while wishing the Biden administration ''great luck''.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-president-elect-joe-biden-will-take-these-decisions-on-very-first-day-in-office-358003" hreflang="en">In Pics | President-elect Joe Biden will take these decisions on very first day in office</a>

Breaking from tradition, Trump skipped the inaugural ceremony of the new administration.&nbsp;

Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were also present in the audience.

Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States, taking over presidential duties from Donald Trump on January 20, 2021. Biden was sworn in as the President by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States, taking over presidential duties from Donald Trump on January 20, 2021. Biden was sworn in as the President by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Kamala Harris' oath was administered by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The inauguration ceremony took place at Capitol Hill with over a thousand people in attendance. The ceremony was low-key owing to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2009, over 1.8 million people attended Obama's first inauguration. Biden took oath as President with a 127-year-old family Bible in one hand. With this inauguration, Kamala Harris became the first female, first Black, and the first South Asian Vice President. In pics: Joe Biden's presidential inauguration: What's changed, what's new, and what's missing! Owing to the violence which took place at US Capitol on January 6, security has been ramped up in the capital. The ceremony saw performances from big pop hitmakers like Lady Gaga, who sang the national anthem, as well as Jennifer Lopez. Most of the celebrations were virtual, with a "parade" featuring diverse and dynamic performances from an array from people across the country - including Jon Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Ant Clemons, among many. The Biden inauguration was largely a crowd-free affair, with over 200,000 state and territory flags installed across the National Mall, to compensate for the people who will not be able to see the inauguration in person. Former President Donald Trump held a short ceremony at Joint Base Andrews earlier today. In his remarks, he promised to "always fight", while wishing the Biden administration ''great luck''. In Pics | President-elect Joe Biden will take these decisions on very first day in office Breaking from tradition, Trump skipped the inaugural ceremony of the new administration. Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were also present in the audience.

Joe Biden sworn in as 46th President of United States

Joe Biden will continue the tradition of having pets inside the White House. The arrival of the Bidens and their dogs Major and Champ at the White House this week will mark the return of a longstanding tradition - four-legged furry friends have always been a part of the 18-acre estate that is home to the US president. 
 
Outgoing President Donald Trump was the first president since Andrew Johnson in the 1860s not to share the presidential digs with a dog or a cat - or even a raccoon, like the one kept by Calvin Coolidge in the 1920s. 
 
Major, a German Shepherd, is the first rescue dog to move in at the White House. The Bidens adopted him in November 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association. Champ, also a German Shepherd, joined the family in 2008. 
 
"From shelter pup at the Delaware Humane Association to First Dog at the White House, Major Biden is barking proof that every dog can live the American dream," said the group, which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indoguration-for-major-biden-as-joe-biden-prepares-white-house-move-355817">hosted an online 'indoguration'&nbsp;fundraiser </a>on January 17 to celebrate Major`s move into the White House on January 20. 
 
Former President Barack Obama was dog-less while campaigning, but promised his daughters Sasha and Malia a puppy during his acceptance speech after winning the 2008 election. The Obamas eventually had a portugues Water Dog called Bo who was gifted to the family by the late Senator Ted Kennedy.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-inauguration-day-2021-live-updates-trump-pardons-73-people-including-ex-aide-steve-bannon-357872">US Inauguration Day 2021 Live updates</a> 
 
The Obamas adopted a second dog of the same breed, Sunny, in 2013, according to the Presidential Pet Museum. 
 
The 'first pets' of America enjoy perks as well. Like George W Bush`s Scottish Terrier, Barney, flew on Air Force One and starred in `Barney Cam` videos to celebrate the holiday season. "He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend," Bush said when Barney died in 2013. 
 
The Clintons` Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Buddy, joined cat Socks at the White House; while George HW Bush and family had several dogs in the White House, including Millie, the star of a children`s book written by Bush`s wife Barbara. 
About 67% of all U.S. homes had a pet in 2019, up from 56% three decades ago, the American Pet Products Association reported last year. 
 
And the pandemic has given pet ownership a further boost. Animal shelter adoptions jumped about 15% as people turned to furry friends to help them cope with the isolation from lockdown orders.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-religious-services-to-a-musical-night-a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-joe-bidens-inauguration-day-357933" hreflang="en">From religious services to a musical night: A comprehensive guide to the Joe Biden's inauguration day</a> 
 
Biden`s wife Jill has hinted that maybe they will also host a cat in the near future.&nbsp; 
 
Interestingly, the Naval Observatory, which is the home of the vice president, will be saying goodbye to four pets.&nbsp;

Vice President Mike Pence and his family had a cat named Hazel, a dog named Harley, a snake named Sapphira, and a bunny named Marlon Bundo. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband don`t own pets.

<h5><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lady-gaga-tom-hanks-justin-timberlake-the-complete-celebrity-line-up-at-joe-bidens-inaugural-ceremony-357942" hreflang="en">Lady Gaga, Tom Hanks, Justin Timberlake: The complete celebrity line up at Joe Biden's inaugural ceremony&nbsp;</a></h5>

(With inputs from Reuters)

Joe Biden will continue the tradition of having pets inside the White House. The arrival of the Bidens and their dogs Major and Champ at the White House this week will mark the return of a longstanding tradition - four-legged furry friends have always been a part of the 18-acre estate that is home to the US president.

Joe Biden will continue the tradition of having pets inside the White House. The arrival of the Bidens and their dogs Major and Champ at the White House this week will mark the return of a longstanding tradition - four-legged furry friends have always been a part of the 18-acre estate that is home to the US president. Outgoing President Donald Trump was the first president since Andrew Johnson in the 1860s not to share the presidential digs with a dog or a cat - or even a raccoon, like the one kept by Calvin Coolidge in the 1920s. Major, a German Shepherd, is the first rescue dog to move in at the White House. The Bidens adopted him in November 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association. Champ, also a German Shepherd, joined the family in 2008. "From shelter pup at the Delaware Humane Association to First Dog at the White House, Major Biden is barking proof that every dog can live the American dream," said the group, which hosted an online 'indoguration' fundraiser on January 17 to celebrate Major`s move into the White House on January 20. Former President Barack Obama was dog-less while campaigning, but promised his daughters Sasha and Malia a puppy during his acceptance speech after winning the 2008 election. The Obamas eventually had a portugues Water Dog called Bo who was gifted to the family by the late Senator Ted Kennedy. US Inauguration Day 2021 Live updates The Obamas adopted a second dog of the same breed, Sunny, in 2013, according to the Presidential Pet Museum. The 'first pets' of America enjoy perks as well. Like George W Bush`s Scottish Terrier, Barney, flew on Air Force One and starred in `Barney Cam` videos to celebrate the holiday season. "He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend," Bush said when Barney died in 2013. The Clintons` Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Buddy, joined cat Socks at the White House; while George HW Bush and family had several dogs in the White House, including Millie, the star of a children`s book written by Bush`s wife Barbara. About 67% of all U.S. homes had a pet in 2019, up from 56% three decades ago, the American Pet Products Association reported last year. And the pandemic has given pet ownership a further boost. Animal shelter adoptions jumped about 15% as people turned to furry friends to help them cope with the isolation from lockdown orders. From religious services to a musical night: A comprehensive guide to the Joe Biden's inauguration day Biden`s wife Jill has hinted that maybe they will also host a cat in the near future. Interestingly, the Naval Observatory, which is the home of the vice president, will be saying goodbye to four pets. Vice President Mike Pence and his family had a cat named Hazel, a dog named Harley, a snake named Sapphira, and a bunny named Marlon Bundo. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband don`t own pets. Lady Gaga, Tom Hanks, Justin Timberlake: The complete celebrity line up at Joe Biden's inaugural ceremony (With inputs from Reuters)

White House to be home for Joe Biden's pets Major and Champ: A brief history on 'first pets' of America 

World leaders, former US presidents welcome transfer of power to Joe Biden

President-elect Joe Biden is due to be inaugurated as 46th President of United States of America. Incumbent US President Donald Trump will give the ceremony a miss but it will be a grand affair nonetheless. Donald Trump's term was marred with controversies. He became the only US President in history to be impeached twice. With Joe Biden, the Oval Office in the White House will see a veteran statesman take on the top job in the US. In the run-up to inauguration day, USA witnessed unprecedented scenes as Trump supporters laid siege to US Capitol Building. Trump hasn't yet budged from his claims that US Presidential Election 2020 was rigged. But he suffered defeat after defeat in US courts including US Supreme Court. As Joe Biden becomes President, Kamala Harris will become first woman to become US Vice-President

All eyes are on the ceremony that will see Joe Biden take reins of the most powerful nation on the planet.

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Joe Biden will be 46th President of United States of America. He has served as a vice-president under former US President Barack Obama. Joe Biden has ambitious plans and he will get to work on the very first day he takes office. On his first day, he will take some decisions that will overturn those taken by Donald Trump. These include halting construction of a wall on US-Mexico border, revoking ban on US travel for citizens of six Muslim-majority countries and more.

President-elect Joe Biden is due to be inaugurated as 46th President of United States of America. Incumbent US President Donald Trump will give the ceremony a miss but it will be a grand affair nonetheless.

President-elect Joe Biden is due to be inaugurated as 46th President of United States of America. Incumbent US President Donald Trump will give the ceremony a miss but it will be a grand affair nonetheless. Donald Trump's term was marred with controversies. He became the only US President in history to be impeached twice. With Joe Biden, the Oval Office in the White House will see a veteran statesman take on the top job in the US. In the run-up to inauguration day, USA witnessed unprecedented scenes as Trump supporters laid siege to US Capitol Building. Trump hasn't yet budged from his claims that US Presidential Election 2020 was rigged. But he suffered defeat after defeat in US courts including US Supreme Court. As Joe Biden becomes President, Kamala Harris will become first woman to become US Vice-President All eyes are on the ceremony that will see Joe Biden take reins of the most powerful nation on the planet. WION brings you second by second update of Joe Biden's oath-taking ceremony. Here is the LIVE telecast on Twitter #LIVE | Watch WION's non-stop coverage of the #InaugurationDay event as US President-elect @JoeBiden and VP-elect @KamalaHarris take oath as the new leaders of the world's oldest democracy#Inauguration2021 #UnitedStates #BidenHarrisInauguration https://t.co/CjCIdZ9PVq — WION (@WIONews) January 20, 2021 × If you want to watch the LIVE Telecast on WION website, here is the link If you want watch Joe Biden inauguration on Youtube follow this link You can catch Joe Biden inauguration LIVE on Facebook here Joe Biden will be 46th President of United States of America. He has served as a vice-president under former US President Barack Obama. Joe Biden has ambitious plans and he will get to work on the very first day he takes office. On his first day, he will take some decisions that will overturn those taken by Donald Trump. These include halting construction of a wall on US-Mexico border, revoking ban on US travel for citizens of six Muslim-majority countries and more.

Joe Biden Inauguration 2021: How to watch US oath-taking ceremony LIVE online

US President Donald Trump is likely to grant clemency to rapper Lil Wayne on Tuesday in a final wave of pardons and commutations that is not expected to include lawyer Rudy Giuliani or ex-aide Steve Bannon, sources said on Monday. 
 
Trump is expected to issue more than 100 pardons and commutations on his last full day in office. Two sources familiar with the discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Trump appeared to have been dissuaded from pardoning himself or members of his family. 
 
Lil Wayne pleaded guilty last month to possessing a loaded, gold-plated handgun when his chartered jet landed in Miami in December 2019. He faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison at a Jan. 28 hearing in Miami. 
 
Lil Wayne appeared to support Trump during last year`s presidential campaign when he tweeted a photo of himself with the president and said he backed Trump`s criminal justice reform program and economic plan for African Americans. 
 
The sources confirmed a New York Times report that the list of pardons and commutations is expected to include former New York Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver, 76, who was convicted of corruption charges in 2015. 
 
Trump`s list is not expected to include Giuliani, the Trump private lawyer who has been a vocal proponent of the president`s claims of voter fraud in the Nov. 3 presidential election won by Democrat Joe Biden. 
 
The sources also said not expected to get a pardon is Steve Bannon, who helped Trump win election in 2016 and was a senior White House adviser. Bannon, 66, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he defrauded donors to "We Build the Wall," an online fundraising campaign that raised $25 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pamela-anderson-pleads-to-donald-trump-to-pardon-wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-before-he-leaves-office-357715">Also read |&nbsp;Pamela Anderson pleads to Donald Trump to pardon WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange before he leaves office</a>

Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder, was also not expected to get a pardon, the sources said. 
 
The US&nbsp;Justice Department in 2019 asked Britain to extradite Assange to the United States to face charges that he conspired to hack US government computers and violated an espionage law. 
 
A British judge ruled two weeks ago Assange should not be extradited to the United States, saying his mental health problems meant he would be at risk of suicide.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is likely to grant clemency to rapper Lil Wayne on Tuesday in a final wave of pardons and commutations that is not expected to include lawyer Rudy Giuliani or ex-aide Steve Bannon, sources said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump is likely to grant clemency to rapper Lil Wayne on Tuesday in a final wave of pardons and commutations that is not expected to include lawyer Rudy Giuliani or ex-aide Steve Bannon, sources said on Monday. Trump is expected to issue more than 100 pardons and commutations on his last full day in office. Two sources familiar with the discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Trump appeared to have been dissuaded from pardoning himself or members of his family. Lil Wayne pleaded guilty last month to possessing a loaded, gold-plated handgun when his chartered jet landed in Miami in December 2019. He faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison at a Jan. 28 hearing in Miami. Lil Wayne appeared to support Trump during last year`s presidential campaign when he tweeted a photo of himself with the president and said he backed Trump`s criminal justice reform program and economic plan for African Americans. The sources confirmed a New York Times report that the list of pardons and commutations is expected to include former New York Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver, 76, who was convicted of corruption charges in 2015. Trump`s list is not expected to include Giuliani, the Trump private lawyer who has been a vocal proponent of the president`s claims of voter fraud in the Nov. 3 presidential election won by Democrat Joe Biden. The sources also said not expected to get a pardon is Steve Bannon, who helped Trump win election in 2016 and was a senior White House adviser. Bannon, 66, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he defrauded donors to "We Build the Wall," an online fundraising campaign that raised $25 million. Also read | Pamela Anderson pleads to Donald Trump to pardon WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange before he leaves office Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder, was also not expected to get a pardon, the sources said. The US Justice Department in 2019 asked Britain to extradite Assange to the United States to face charges that he conspired to hack US government computers and violated an espionage law. A British judge ruled two weeks ago Assange should not be extradited to the United States, saying his mental health problems meant he would be at risk of suicide.

Donald Trump clemency likely for Lil Wayne, no pardons for Giuliani or Bannon - sources

Donald Trump left the White House for the last time as US President on Wednesday hours before President-elect Joe Biden was inaugurated. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania left White House in Marine One helicopter at 1300 GMT (6.30 pm IST). They went to Joint Air Force Base Andrews for a send-off ceremony. It was a quiet exit for a Trump who was very vocal in person as well as on his now-suspended Twitter account. Top Republican leaders like Vice-President Mike Pence were not there to see Trump off. Donald Trump has still not conceded defeat to President-elect Joe Biden

At Joint Air Force Base Andrews, Donald Trump made his last address as President of the USA in a campaign-style speech with several hundred supporters present.

"This has been an incredible four years," he said during his address.

"We've accomplished so much together," he said. "I will always fight for you.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-inauguration-day-2021-live-updates-joe-biden-oath-ceremony-today-donald-trump-leave-white-house-vice-president-elect-kamala-harris-us-president-joe-biden-swearing-in-ceremony-oath-day-357872">Catch LIVE updates here</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-inauguration-2021-how-to-watch-us-oath-taking-ceremony-live-online-358052">Want to watch Inauguration ceremony LIVE? Click Here</a>

Significantly, Trump said that he "will be back"

"We will be back in some form," said Trump during his address. There are speculations that he will try to win the Oval Office back from Joe Biden in US Presidential Election 2024

Trump did not address Joe Biden by name but said he wishes the new administration "great luck and great success."

After his short address, Donald and Melania Trump boarded the Air Force One and left for his resort in Florida. Although Trump left a letter for Joe Biden, he became the first sitting US President since 1869 to skip inauguration ceremony of his successor. Trump also carries the tag of being the only US President in history to be impeached twice.

Donald Trump left the White House for the last time as US President on Wednesday hours before President-elect Joe Biden was inaugurated. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania left White House in Marine One helicopter at 1300 GMT (6.

Donald Trump left the White House for the last time as US President on Wednesday hours before President-elect Joe Biden was inaugurated. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania left White House in Marine One helicopter at 1300 GMT (6.30 pm IST). They went to Joint Air Force Base Andrews for a send-off ceremony. It was a quiet exit for a Trump who was very vocal in person as well as on his now-suspended Twitter account. Top Republican leaders like Vice-President Mike Pence were not there to see Trump off. Donald Trump has still not conceded defeat to President-elect Joe Biden At Joint Air Force Base Andrews, Donald Trump made his last address as President of the USA in a campaign-style speech with several hundred supporters present. "This has been an incredible four years," he said during his address. "We've accomplished so much together," he said. "I will always fight for you. Catch LIVE updates here Want to watch Inauguration ceremony LIVE? Click Here Significantly, Trump said that he "will be back" "We will be back in some form," said Trump during his address. There are speculations that he will try to win the Oval Office back from Joe Biden in US Presidential Election 2024 Trump did not address Joe Biden by name but said he wishes the new administration "great luck and great success." After his short address, Donald and Melania Trump boarded the Air Force One and left for his resort in Florida. Although Trump left a letter for Joe Biden, he became the first sitting US President since 1869 to skip inauguration ceremony of his successor. Trump also carries the tag of being the only US President in history to be impeached twice.

'Will be back', says Donald Trump in his last speech as US President

US President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday gave a tearful goodbye to his constituency Delaware while honouring late son Beau and thanking the people for their unwavering support.

"When I die, Delaware will be written on my heart. I only have one regret, that he's (late son Beau) not here" said&nbsp;Biden, his voice shaking with emotion.

Tears rolled down Biden's cheeks at a farewell ceremony in his hometown of Wilmington,&nbsp;Delaware, where he paid tribute to his late son Beau, a rising politician who died of brain cancer in 2015 aged 46.

Biden&nbsp;thanked friends and family who had gathered to see him off at a National Guard centre named after his son Beau - whose death from cancer in 2015 contributed to then-Vice President&nbsp;Biden's decision not to seek the White House in 2016.

"It's deeply personal that our next journey to Washington starts here, a place that defines the very best of who we are as Americans," he said. National Guard troops assist law enforcement and deal with domestic emergencies.

"I know these are dark times, but there is always light. That's what this state has taught me the most," said&nbsp;Biden.

Biden, who served Delaware as a senator for more than three decades and had run for president unsuccessfully two times before winning in November, said his one regret was that Beau, who served as attorney general in Delaware, was not there.

"We should be introducing him as president,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said, tears streaming down his face.

"Don't tell me things can't change. They can, and they do,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said. "I'm truly honoured to be your next president and commander in chief."

After the ceremony,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;flew to Washington to appear at a Lincoln Memorial remembrance for COVID-19 victims.&nbsp;

Biden, a veteran Democratic senator who also served as vice president to Barack Obama, is staying overnight with his wife Jill in Blair House, a residence for heads of state and other important visitors across the street from the White House.

His inaugural speech will last between 20-30 minutes, according to a source familiar with preparations, and "he will reach out to all Americans, and call on every citizen to be part of meeting the extraordinary challenges facing all of us."

US President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday gave a tearful goodbye to his constituency Delaware while honouring late son Beau and thanking the people for their unwavering support.

US President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday gave a tearful goodbye to his constituency Delaware while honouring late son Beau and thanking the people for their unwavering support. "When I die, Delaware will be written on my heart. I only have one regret, that he's (late son Beau) not here" said Biden, his voice shaking with emotion. Tears rolled down Biden's cheeks at a farewell ceremony in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, where he paid tribute to his late son Beau, a rising politician who died of brain cancer in 2015 aged 46. Biden thanked friends and family who had gathered to see him off at a National Guard centre named after his son Beau - whose death from cancer in 2015 contributed to then-Vice President Biden's decision not to seek the White House in 2016. "It's deeply personal that our next journey to Washington starts here, a place that defines the very best of who we are as Americans," he said. National Guard troops assist law enforcement and deal with domestic emergencies. "I know these are dark times, but there is always light. That's what this state has taught me the most," said Biden. Biden, who served Delaware as a senator for more than three decades and had run for president unsuccessfully two times before winning in November, said his one regret was that Beau, who served as attorney general in Delaware, was not there. "We should be introducing him as president," Biden said, tears streaming down his face. "Don't tell me things can't change. They can, and they do," Biden said. "I'm truly honoured to be your next president and commander in chief." After the ceremony, Biden flew to Washington to appear at a Lincoln Memorial remembrance for COVID-19 victims. Biden, a veteran Democratic senator who also served as vice president to Barack Obama, is staying overnight with his wife Jill in Blair House, a residence for heads of state and other important visitors across the street from the White House. His inaugural speech will last between 20-30 minutes, according to a source familiar with preparations, and "he will reach out to all Americans, and call on every citizen to be part of meeting the extraordinary challenges facing all of us."

Joe Biden gives tearful goodbye to Delaware while honouring late son Beau

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