A momentous day for the US.
Joe Biden has officially been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
Biden was sworn in at Capitol Hill in Washington DC this afternoon, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady Dr Jill Biden, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.
Today’s inauguration was attended by approximately 1,000 people, with just 200 guests present on the main balcony to watch Biden begin his first term as US President.
Among them were former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W Bush, as well as former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, the latter who conceded to Donald Trump at Capitol Hill four years ago.
Biden and Harris took their solemn oaths just after 6.40pm Irish time.
“This is America’s day, this is democracy’s day,” said Biden during his first speech as President.
“We celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.
“This is a great nation, we are good people […] we’ve come so far, but we still have far to go. We have much to do in this winter of peril, there are significant possibilities.”
“My whole soul is in this, bringing our people together, united our people and uniting our nation,” he went on.
“With unity we can do great things, we can right wrongs, we can teach our children in safe schools, we can overcome the deadly virus, we can deliver racial justice and make America once again a leading force for good in the world.”
The first woman to ever become Vice President of the US, Harris said: “I may be the first woman to hold this office. But I won’t be the last.”
Former President Donald officially exited the White House earlier this morning. Failing to concede the election last year, Trump and his family decided not to attend Biden’s inauguration and instead travelled to his Florida Mar-a-Lago estate.
Prior to his departure, Trump gave a nine minute speech in which he detailed his “incredible four years” in office. He also told his supporters that he would see them “soon.”
“It has been my greatest honour and privilege to have been your President,” he said. “The future of this country has never been better, I wish the new administration great luck and great success. We put it in a position that it’s never been in before.”
He also hinted at a potential return to The White House at some point, saying: “We will be back in some form.”
