Joe Biden declared that “democracy has prevailed” at his inauguration today as the 46th president of the United States.
In his first address as president, Biden carried a message of unity and peace, just two weeks after a violent insurrection rocked Capitol Hill.
He called upon Americans to overcome their division—challenging the conflict that has pit those of differing beliefs against one another. He remarked that today’s inauguration is a day of “history and hope.”
Biden acknowledged the fear and trepidation felt by many Americans worried about their jobs and the pandemic and told them, “I get it.” He urged them not to turn inward and instead join together to fight this “uncivil war.” He stressed the need for “hope, not fear,” “decency and dignity,” and “healing.”
He declared that he has been elected as President “for all Americans” and paused for a silent prayer for those whose lives were lost due to COVID-19.
In taking her own oath of office, Kamala Harris made history becoming the first woman to hold the rank of vice-president in the United States.
Previously a US senator from California, Harris is also the first Black person and first person of South Asian descent elected to the role.
Among his first acts as president, Biden indicates that he will roll back many changes from the previous administration—including issuing new orders on pandemic response, climate policy, and immigration.