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Joe Biden's inauguration as the 46th president was different than any seen before in U.S. history. When he addressed the nation for the first time on Wednesday, he spoke of hope and of healing. Biden called on a divided America to come together and end an “uncivil war,” and move past the many crises facing the nation. But even Biden knows it won't be so easy, says NPR's Domenico Montanaro.
The Dow, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq all hit new record highs as markets closed on Wednesday afternoon. Former President Trump frequently cited stock market gains as a personal accomplishment, and often warned that a Biden win would cause markets to crash.
World leaders, citizens and former officials offered congratulations and expressed hope that the new Biden administration will lead to better relations than with his predecessor. Most messages were hopeful and positive, though not all. China's state news agency tweeted: "Good Riddance, Donald Trump!"
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Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president of the United States today, becoming the first woman, first Black person and first Asian American to hold the office. She is also the first graduate of a historically Black college and the first member of a Black sorority to do so. You can watch her take the oath of office by clicking here. |
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Drawing on his campaign promise to take action from Day 1 in office, President Biden signed a slew of executive orders Wednesday — including several to reverse Trump administration policies. The signed mandates included a mandate for masks on federal property, a second about underserved communities and a third to have the country rejoin the Paris climate deal, which is the largest international effort to curb global warming.
Democrats officially took control of the Senate as Georgia's two new Democratic senators-elect were sworn in Wednesday afternoon. Vice President Harris administered the oath of office to Georgia senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff hours after her own swearing-in. |
Highlights From A Historic Day |
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When Amanda Gorman, a 22-year-old poet from Los Angeles, took to the stage on Wednesday, it was immediately clear why the new president had chosen her as his inaugural poet. Her poem , "The Hill We Climb,"echoed the same themes that Biden has returned to again and again: unity, healing, grief, hope and the painful history of the American experience. Click here to watch Gordon's recital.
Two weeks ago, U.S. Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman bravely directed participants in the pro-Trump mob that stormed the Capitol away from the Senate chamber. Today, officer Goodman is a hero and escorted Vice President-elect Harris through that same building to the inaugural ceremony.
Andrea Hall, a career firefighter and union leader from Fulton County, Ga., led the Pledge of Allegiance during the inauguration.
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The nation's capital was quiet amid unprecedented security on Inauguration Day — but there were also celebrations and an undeniable feeling of hope. Click here to see photos from today's events.
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Brendan Smialowski /AFP via Getty Images |
Inauguration Day wouldn't be complete without a meme or two to mark the occasion. Today's event had several goodies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama's stunning burgundy Sergio Hudson ensemble nearly set the internet on fire. Lady Gaga's fans comparing her outfit with that of the character Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. But it was Sen. Bernie Sanders whose expression and cozy coat stole the show. Enjoy!
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Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images |
Unwilling to admit defeat but with his time in office at its end, President Trump left the White House early Wednesday, skipping the Inauguration Day ceremony that generations of outgoing presidents have attended. It was an ignominious end to Trump's four years in Washington. On his way out of the White House, Trump left a note behind for his successor — continuing a tradition started by President Ronald Reagan in 1989. There was no word on the contents of the message. |
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