Yesterday the world witnessed the swearing in of the new leader of the world’s superpower and the new Vice President.
It was an inauguration of firsts.
One of a Kind Inauguration Ceremony
Kamala Harris is the first person of color to be America’s Vice President. She is also the first woman to hold the seat.
The celebrations were also held amid tight security, a first of its kind. Over 25,000 National Guard troops were deployed to the nation’s capital following intelligence of possible violence. This is after the attack on the Capitol building 2 weeks ago by armed Trump supporters.
Speaking of Trump, he chose not to attend the inauguration, skipping an American tradition that symbolized good faith between predecessor and successor. This was the first time in almost 200 years of the nation’s existence. He instead flew to his Mar-a-Lago Club resort in Florida.
Amid the tight security and with Covid-19 restrictions, only a few selected individuals were allowed to grace the occasion.
Dignitaries started arriving a few hours earlier, including former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The event was also star-studded with Lady Gaga singing the national anthem. There were also performances by Jennifer Lopez, Foo Fighters, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato and Katy Perry.
Call For Unity: A Major Theme During the Inauguration Ceremony
The theme of the event was unity and this was evident from the speeches and performances. It is evident that America is polarized, following the contested election. Some supporters of Trump still believe his unsubstantiated claims that the election was stolen.
In his speech, President Biden emphasized the need for unity, urging Americans to end the “uncivil war.” He also hinted at repairing relations with other countries, adding “We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also emphasized on unity, calling on Americans to “Believe in what we can do together.” The US is one of the countries most affected by the corona virus pandemic. The Vice President added “We are undaunted in our belief that we shall overcome, that we will rise up.”
Soon after the inauguration, President Biden signed 17 executive orders. One of the most significant ones was pausing the payment of student loans. He also repealed the order banning immigration into the US from majority-Muslim countries. This is seen as an effort to reverse Trump administration policies.
Congratulatory Messages To President Biden from World Leaders
The world reacted positively to Biden and Harris’ inauguration, with various leaders sending their congratulatory messages.
I offer my profound congratulations to Joe Biden on becoming President of the United States of America. I am so pleased that he is giving high priority to the urgent issue of climate change. I pray for his success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead. https://t.co/6NPbf8f0mQ
— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) January 21, 2021
Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris on your inauguration as the 46th President and 49th Vice President of the United States.
Let us continue to strengthen our strategic partnership, not only for the benefit of our two nations, but for a better world for all ???? pic.twitter.com/en37Pf9e9Q
— Joko Widodo (@jokowi) January 21, 2021
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
My congratulations to President @JoeBiden & Vice President @KamalaHarris on today's inauguration.
The U.S. is a key development partner for the @WorldBank Group, & we look forward to working with the Biden Administration toward a green, inclusive, & resilient #COVID19 recovery.
— David Malpass (@DavidMalpassWBG) January 20, 2021
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
Do you feel this is the beginning of a new era both for the US and the world? Let us know in the comments section and keep it C.O.K.
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