Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Sworn Into Office

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Sworn Into Office

Yesterday the world witnessed the swearing in of the new leader of the world’s superpower and the new Vice President.

Joe Biden Being Sworn In
Courtesy: Andrew Harnik / AP

 

Kamala Harris Being Sworn In
Courtesy: Alex Wong / Getty Images

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.

National Guard Troops at US Capitol
Photo by Matt Hecht / National Guard / Pool / Latin America News Agency

 

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.

Trump with Melania arriving in Florida
Image: Noam Galai / Contributor / Getty Images

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.

U.S. President Joe Biden signs three documents including an Inauguration declaration, cabinet nominations and sub-cabinet nominations, as U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris watches in the Presidents Room at the U.S. Capitol after the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2021. Jim Lo Scalzo / Pool via REUTERS

Congratulatory Messages To President Biden from World Leaders

The world reacted positively to Biden and Harris’ inauguration, with various leaders sending their congratulatory messages.

 

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.

C.O.K Correspondent

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