On Jan. 20, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. He was sworn in with Vice President Kamala Harris in front of a small audience in-person but a worldwide audience online. Performers like Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga made an appearance at the ceremony to perform American classics like “This Land is Your Land” and the “Star-Spangled Banner.” The inauguration upheld its traditional value with most of the ceremony to honor this American presidential tradition.
In his inaugural address, President Biden acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead for him as president, and how he wants to take action.
“We’ll press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibility,” Biden said.
Biden also brought back the tradition of having an inaugural poet at his ceremony, and 22-year-old Amanda Gorman had recited her poem titled “The Hill We Climb.” The poem highlights the struggle of Americans and their perseverance through it. “There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.” Gorman said.
After the ceremony, Biden did not waste any time implementing new policies the day he was inaugurated. “We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again,” Biden said, while also making strong claims for immediate action in office. Some of the actions that Biden has taken already, after being in office for only one day, include halting the border wall construction, ending the travel ban to seven Middle Eastern countries, rejoining the Paris Climate Accord, and requiring masks on federal property.
“We’ll press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibility,” Biden said.