Joseph R. Biden Jr. took the oath of office as the 46th President of the United States at 11:49 a.m., administered by Chief Justice John Roberts on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Kamala D. Harris was sworn in moments earlier by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, becoming the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to hold the vice presidency.
Biden’s inaugural address emphasized unity and truth, declaring, “Democracy has prevailed.” He acknowledged the nation’s divisions and called for an end to the “uncivil war” of political polarization. The ceremony took place under unprecedented security, with the National Mall closed to the public and filled instead with 200,000 flags representing absent citizens.
Former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton attended in person. Former Vice President Mike Pence represented the outgoing administration; Donald Trump departed Washington hours earlier, bypassing the ceremony and holding a separate farewell at Joint Base Andrews before flying to Florida.
Poet Amanda Gorman delivered “The Hill We Climb,” earning widespread acclaim. Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez performed national and patriotic songs. The day concluded with a virtual “Celebrating America” broadcast featuring messages of resilience and restoration.