BREAKING NEWS: Joe Biden is president: 46th president is sworn in on the steps of the Capitol 11 minutes early and ends the era of Donald Trump - after his predecessor defiantly snubs inauguration and says: 'We'll be back - in some form.'
Joe Biden raised his hand and took an oath to 'preserve, protect and defend' the Constitution on Wednesday – starting his tenure amid a pandemic and putting an end to a tumultuous four-year term by President Donald Trump.
Joseph Robinette Biden was sworn in as president at the site of the January 6 riot where Trump supporters ransacked the Capitol two weeks ago – although the building, decked out in red, white and blue bunting showed none of the damage they had inflicted during the counting of the electoral vote.
It was exactly four years ago when Trump took to the stage – with defeated rival Hillary Clinton in the audience – to describe 'American carnage' and begin his effort to transform the country.
Trump was not present for Wednesday's festivities – having flown to Mar-a-Lago after organizing his own pep rally sendoff, telling supporters and family members 'Have a good life, we will see you soon.
'We'll be back in some form,' Trump said as he departed – suggesting he may continue to serve as a powerful foil to the Biden agenda.
Biden organized his challenge around a bid to restore the 'soul of America' – with repeated references to the clash in Charlottesville.
On Wednesday, with history-making Vice President Kamala Harris on his team, the oldest person to become president is vowing to focus on the virus.
Joe Biden raised his hand and took an oath to 'preserve, protect and defend' the Constitution on Wednesday – starting his tenure amid a pandemic and putting an end to a tumultuous four-year term by President Donald Trump
Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden kiss after he was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet the crowd before boarding Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 - snubbing Biden's inauguration
TOPSHOT - US President Donald Trump boards Marine One as he departs the White House in Washington, DC
On Wednesday, with history-making Vice President Kamala Harris on his team, the oldest person to become president is vowing to focus on the virus
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during the inauguration of Joe Biden
Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem during the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S.
Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden arrive before the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States
Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen, arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration
Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration
Former US President Bill Clint (L) and former US First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration
General view of audience during the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States
The 'Field of Flags' and the U.S. Capitol building are seen ahead of inauguration ceremonies for Biden
He also had cued up a batch of executives for signing late Wednesday afternoon to begin the effort to roll back elements of the Trump agenda and demonstrate a restoration to the last Democratic administration.
Biden was planning to sign orders to stop construction of Trump's border wall, end the ban on immigration from majority Muslim nations, and reenter the Paris climate accord.
Others would get the U.S. back into the World Health Organization, require mask use in federal buildings, and end a 1776 commission conceived as a way to push back against 'woke' efforts to take down confederate statues and otherwise reexamine the nation's monuments and memory.
Biden, 78 and the oldest person sworn in as president, inherits a divided country, wracked by the virus, with millions on unemployment, and huge swaths of Republicans doubting the legitimacy of his election.
Biden was joined on the West Front of the Capitol by predecessors and lawmakers from both parties – including now-former Vice President Mike Pence, who had overseen the counting of Biden's 306 to 232 electoral vote win in a normally perfunctory count that was interrupted by the riot.
Biden made the coronavirus pandemic a central part of his campaign, and there were reminders all around him of the difficult circumstances the nation faces. Attendees had their chairs spaced out in an effort at social distancing. Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and other guests wore masks in an effort to limit the spread of the virus that has killed 400,000 Americans.
Just as evident was the constitutional crisis the nation faced, with figures from both parties present as a show of unity and continuity. Former President Barack Obama, who put Biden on the ticket, was there with former first lady Michelle Obama, who made impassioned pleas for Biden's election.
Trump's contempt for Obama and birther claims helped fuel the president's rise. Also there was former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush. Bush had been astonished by some of Trump's rhetoric at Trump's inaugural address four years ago, and his own dynasty fell victim to Trump's political attacks on his brother, Jeb.
During the day's events, a series of speakers pointed to the Capitol riot, praising the peaceful transition in a capitol locked down by 25,000 National Guard forces brought in to maintain security.
'This is the day when our democracy picks itself up, brushes off the dust, and does what it always does,' said Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), one of a bevy of Democrats Biden defeated in his road to the White House.
Republican Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri noted that there was 'one political party more pleased today' just as 'on every inaugural day' – than the other.
Biden had lined up other gestures to demonstrate unity of purpose – and his own firm control of the government after Trump spent months calling the election 'rigged' and claiming he had won.
After attending mass with Republican and Democratic leaders, Biden planned to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. He was to be accompanied by predecessors Obama, Bush, and Clinton.
His return to the White House would also reestablish norms. After Trump has been out of sight for days, releasing canned video farewell remarks, Biden was to allow reporters into the Oval Office when he signed orders.
His new White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, was to hold an on-camera briefing Wednesday night.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris greets former U.S. President Barack Obama ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden
Former President George W. Bush, from left, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama arrive to the West Front of the U.S. Capitol for the Inauguration of Joe Biden in Washington on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
President-elect Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden arrive at the East Front of the US Capitol for his inauguration ceremony to be the 46th President of the United States
Doug Emhoff, U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Jill Biden and President-elect Joe Biden (L-R) wave as they arrive on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol for today's inauguration
Former President Barack Obama and former First lady Michele Obama, Former President Bill Clinton and his wife former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are seen arriving at the Capitol for Joe Biden's inauguration
Earlier that morning, Biden orchestrated a demonstration of faith and political power before he took the oath of office – attending mass with congressional leaders from both parties.
Biden and the powerbrokers who will help steer or stall his agenda joined for the service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, where funeral services were held for President John F. Kenned in 1963.
They met in a city under heavy military guard amid security threats following the MAGA riots January 6.
He was joined by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said Tuesday that President Trump 'provoked' the crowd that ransacked the Capitol and has not said how he will vote on impeachment. Also joining was House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who reportedly infuriated Trump with his remarks on the floor of the House where he blasted Trump's conduct but still voted not to impeach him.
McCarthy was one of the more than 100 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump. 'The president bears responsibility for Wednesday's attack by mob rioters,' Mr. McCarthy said on the House floor Wednesday. 'What we saw last week was not the American way. Neither is the continued rhetoric that Joe Biden is not the legitimate president.'
He was also joined by Harris, her husband Doug Emhoff and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said Trump may have been an accessory to murder through his actions connected to the MAGA riot at the Capitol, and soon-to-be Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, who will oversee Trump's impeachment after he leaves.
His visit came just minutes after President Donald Trump departed the White House and stepped aboard Marine One for the last time – without engaging in any of the brash 'chopper talk' with the press that had become his trademark. Instead, the president flew to a staged rally on a military base where Ivanka Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner other family members and other remaining supporters gathered. Laura Branigan's 'Gloria' was playing when Trump landed.
Trump gives his farewell speech at Andrews Air Force Base in the last hours of his Presidency. He said it had been an 'honor and a privilege'
The pair spoke briefly to the media before they boarded Marine One. Trump will give a lengthier speech at Joint Base Andrews
Biden will be the nation's second Catholic president. The cathedral is just blocks away from the White House – although getting there would require circumventing a massive security presence with fencing and members of the 25,000 strong National Guard force protecting the city.
The demonstration of unity – a prelude to what was set to occur at the West Front of the Capitol – separated the powerful lawmakers who remain from President Trump, who set up his own separate departure while skipping many of the traditional gestures of continuity. Trump didn't host Biden at the the White House; the first lady didn't host Dr. Jill Biden; Trump skipped the inauguration altogether and left Washington before Biden was to take office.
Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, departed Blair House across the street from the White House just after Trump wrapped up remarks to his family and supporters at Joint Base Andrews, telling them: 'Have a good life, we will see you soon.'
The Bidens traveled by motorcade to St. Matthews. He has regularly attended mass during the campaign and during the transition.
Biden wore a mask – as he seeks to mobilize Americans to mask-up for 100 days to try to stem the spread of infection.
Biden's act of ritual and supplication came after the Bidens and President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff on Tuesday attended a memorial to the 400,000 victims of the coronavirus at the Lincoln Memorial.
In the split-screen coverage of the transition brought on by Trump's failure to linger, while the Bidens were gathered inside the cathedral for mass, Air Force One took off with Trump's rally soundtrack playing Frank Sinatra's 'My Way.'
A general view as attendees arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday
Members of the National Guard gather near the U.S. Capitol before the inauguration at the Capitol
As seen from the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, preparations are made before the inauguration of Joe Biden
Just two weeks ago to the day, the Capitol was the target of violence and unrest. Today it will be the backdrop for a new president
A-Rod and Lady Gaga were seen arriving at the inauguration. Lady Gaga will be performing, as well as A-Rod's fiancee Jennifer Lopez
Donald Trump vowed 'we will be back - in some form' as he left Washington D.C. for the last time Wednesday, flying off on Air Force One to Mar-a-Lago to snub Joe Biden – then claiming credit in advance for the new administration's success.
'Have a good life,' he told a crowd of a few hundred supporters at Joint Base Andrews, after listing his 'achievements' in a speech which began after a 21-gun salute.
In the front row, Ivanka Trump cried, while behind the maskless crowd chanted 'thank you Trump,' before the first family climbed the stairs to Air Force One for the final time.
The military ceremony had the atmosphere of a Trump rally: Gloria was played as Air Force One taxied, and then the YMCA as Trump hugged and kissed his children.
'We love you. We will be back in some form,' he told the crowd of cheering supporters before signing off: 'Have a good life, we will see you soon.'
The farewell resembled one of Trump's infamous campaign rallies, ending with 'YMCA' – the song Trump would depart to – as supporters cheered 'USA, USA, USA.'
The president paused at times in his remarks. While he did not show tears, he appeared to feel the weight of the occasion while taking time to enjoy the final moments of his time in office. He notably did not mention the name of incoming President Joe Biden.
'Hail to Chief' played as Trump and Melania - who was wearing a Chanel jacket, sunglasses and carrying a $60,000 black crocodile Hermes Birkin bag - walked from Marine One to the platform where the president addressed the crowd.
'We love you,' the supporters yelled as Trump took the stage after arriving while his children watched on proudly.
'We accomplished a lot,' Trump said. 'We worked hard. We left it all - as the athletes would say - we left it in the field.'
Donald Trump vowed 'we will be back - in some form' as he left Washington D.C. for the last time Wednesday, flying off on Air Force One to Mar-a-Lago to snub Joe Biden – then claiming credit in advance for the new administration's success
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden arrive for the inauguration of Joe Biden
President-elect Joe Biden his greeted by former President Barrack Obama
Jill Biden, wife of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden arrives for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S
Harris and Douglas Emhoff arrive at the United States Capitol for the inauguration of Joe Biden as US President
Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris, incoming US First Lady Jill Biden, US President-elect Joe Biden arrive for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th US President
Donald Trump left the White House on Marine One for the final time Wednesday, pumping his fist and giving a thumbs-up as he walked with Melania to the start of a new life.
The only people gathered outside to wish him goodbye were the press, to whom he briefly spoke to them before getting on board.
In a glaring split-screen moment defining the end of the Trump years, Joe Biden was about to leave Blair House, the White House's official guest house, to go to mass with his wife Jill and Congressional leaders.
Trump was flying to Joint Base Andrews to speak in front of Air Force One to a small crowd of supporters.
The pair stopped briefly to speak to the media before they boarded the helicopter with a stream of staffers hurrying behind them. Melania was dressed in all black and wore sunglasses.
Trump's early departure for Florida has caused a logistical and security nightmare since he is taking with him the nuclear codes. They will then be flown back to DC to be handed over to Biden this afternoon.
On Tuesday night, Trump made one of his final acts in office granting pardons to dozens of rappers, millionaires and strategists, including his old friend Steve Bannon.
As he makes his way to Florida on Wednesday morning, Biden will begin his day by attending mass with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. He will then watch stars including Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga serenade him on the Captiol before delivering his address to the nation and being sworn in.
This year, due to the ongoing pandemic and fears of a security threat, the mall - where thousands normally line up to greet the new President and First Lady - will be closed to the public.
A smaller-than-usual crowd of guests including former Presidents and lawmakers will attend the inauguration ceremony in a socially-distanced manner instead.
Donald and Melania Trump leave the White House on Wednesday morning for the last time to be taken to Air Force One
Marine One lands at the White House to collect President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for the last time to take them to Joint Base Andrews where they will board Air Force Once to fly to Mar-a-Lago ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration
Marine One flies by the Washington Monument on its way to the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2021, for the departure of US President Donald Trump
A moving truck drives away from the West Wing of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington, on Wednesday January 20
Aids carry boxes to Marine One before President Donald Trump leaves the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
White House staff members carry boxes to Marine One before President Donald Trump leaves the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
The White House was plunged mostly in darkness on Wednesday morning as the Trumps moved out ahead of Biden's inauguration
The only lights on were in the Residence and parts of the West Wing, where movers were seen loading up trucks
Some staffers were seen working at the White House before the sun rose on Wednesday morning
The empty office of the White House press secretary is empty in the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington
In the Lower Press Office, staffers left behind magazines with Trump on the cover
A keyboard and mouse are wrapped in plastic waiting for the new Press Secretary on Wednesday morning
A newspaper addressed to White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany lies on a table in an empty Upper Press Office area prior to U.S. President Donald Trump's departure ahead of the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden
The office of the White House press secretary sits empty prior to U.S. President Donald Trump's departure ahead of the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden, in Washington, U.S. January 20, 2021
Trump is expected to speak for a final time before he boards Air Force One at Andrews. Joe Biden is shown, right, on Tuesday
The inaugural theme for this year's ceremony, 'America United', aims to restore the 'soul of America', bring the nation together and create a 'path to a brighter future', according to the incoming administration.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) has announced a series of events to be broadcast throughout Inauguration Day that Americans can watch live from home as people have been ordered to refrain from attending in person.
In lieu of the usual crowds, approximately 191,500 flags will cover the National Mall in honor of those unable to travel to Washington due to the pandemic.
Three hours before Biden will be sworn in as the 46th U.S. President, he will be attending mass at St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral with members of the House and Senate at 8:45am.
Guests will then begin arriving on the steps of the Capitol at around 11am.
Because of the ongoing pandemic, organizers have slashed attendance from 200,000 down to just 1,000 people.
Most members of Congress are expected to be in attendance (and have all been permitted plus-ones), as are three of the four living former presidents: Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton, will also be present.
Roll out the red carpet one more time: Air Force members get ready for the last time the president will walk up the steps of Air Force One
Last flight: Donald Trump can never again fly on Air Force One - the call sign is only used when the president is on board
In place: The red carpet is laid down at the steps to Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews for the flight to Mar-a-Lago
Honor guard ready: A military escort including soldiers and sailors waits beside the red carpet at Joint Base Andrews
All this will be Joe's: The next time Air Force One flies it will have the new president on board. The Air Force 747 will fly back from Mar-a-Lago after Biden is sworn in and be ready for him at Joint Base Andrews
A Trump aide with a suitcase walks past the red carpet at Air Force One to head for the back steps
President Trump will not be attending.
He confirmed his absence in a tweet earlier this month shortly before he was permanently suspended from the social media platform.
Instead, Trump will leave DC on Air Force One at around 8am, with his destination set for his Mar-A-Lago resort in Florida.
He is set to become the first president in more than a century to not attend his successor's inauguration. Only three presidents have previously abstained, with the last, Andrew Johnson, coming in 1869.
Vice President Mike Pence, meanwhile, has confirmed he will be attending, along with his wife, Karen.
President Trump will not be attending. He confirmed his absence in a tweet earlier this month shortly before he was permanently suspended from the social media platform.
Instead, Trump will leave DC on Air Force One at around 8am, with his destination set for his Mar-A-Lago resort in Florida.
He is set to become the first president in more than a century to not attend his successor's inauguration. Only three presidents have previously abstained, with the last, Andrew Johnson, coming in 1869.
Vice President Mike Pence, meanwhile, has confirmed he will be attending, along with his wife, Karen.
The inauguration ceremony will commence with remarks from Father Leo J. O'Donovan, a longtime friend of the Biden family and former president of Georgetown University.
Andrea Hall, the first African American female firefighter to become captain of the Fire Rescue Department in South Fulton, Georgia, will then recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
A number of live performances are also scheduled to take place throughout the ceremony.
The first on the bill is Lady Gaga, who will sing the national anthem. The singer previously teamed with Biden on domestic violence issues during his two terms as Vice President and also campaigned for him in the 2020 election.
Amanda Gorman, who became the U.S.'s first Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, will then recite a poem she has written for the occasion, titled: 'The Hill We Climb.'
Much like the incoming president, Gorman also once had a speech impediment that she has worked hard to overcome.
She has also recently announced plans to run for president in 2036 – the first year in which she will be eligible.
Jennifer Lopez will then follow Gorman's reading with a song, as will singer-songwriter Garth Brooks.
The performances with then conclude with a benediction from longtime Biden family friend, Rev. Silvester Beaman, of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington, Delaware.
Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office to Biden shortly after the clock strikes noon.
Biden will take the oath with his hand on top of his 127-year-old, five-inch-thick family Bible, which will be held by his wife, Dr. Jill Biden.
Kamala Harris, the first woman, the first black and the first South Asian American vice president, will then take the oath immediately after.
Harris is due to be sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to serve on the bench of the Supreme Court.
Like Harris, Sotomayor is a former prosecutor. She previously administered the oath to Biden when he was sworn in for his second term as Vice President in 2013.
Harris will be sworn in on two Bibles — one that belonged to a close family friend named Regina Shelton and another that belonged to Thurgood Marshall, the country's first African American Supreme Court Justice.
Trump on Tuesday night granted sweeping pardons to his friends, rapper and millionaires, who have been charged for an array of crimes.
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