All eyes were on Washington, D.C. yesterday, as JOE BIDEN was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. Chances are, you caught at least some of it, but here’s a breakdown of the stand out moments:
- Kamala Harris was sworn in first. She officially became the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president. The oath was administered by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. (Here’s video.)
- When Biden was sworn in, some people noticed that his Bible was HUMONGOUS. It’s a family Bible that dates to the 19th century. His oath was administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. (Here’s video.)
- After being sworn in, Biden delivered an inaugural address . . . calling for unity and pledging to be a “president for all Americans.” He also said we should end this “uncivil war, that pits red against blue.” (Here’s video.)
- For what it’s worth, Fox News’ Chris Wallace proclaimed Biden’s inauguration speech as, quote, “the best . . . I ever heard.” (Here’s the clip.)
- Performances included a rendition of the National Anthem by Lady Gaga. Jennifer Lopez sang a medley that included “This Land is your Land” and “America the Beautiful” . . . and Garth Brooks performed “Amazing Grace”.
- In a surprise highlight, 22-year-old Amanda Gorman, who’s the nation’s first youth poet laureate, delivered an incredibly powerful poem where she challenged us to, quote, “leave behind a country better than the one we were left with.” (Here’s video.)
- When Biden got to the White House, he whipped out a pen and started signing executive orders. The first three were done in front of reporters, and they were . . . his 100 day mask challenge, his support for underserved communities, and rejoining the Paris Climate Accord. (Here’s video.)
- It wasn’t clear if Donald Trump would leave Biden a note in the desk, as has been tradition. Trump reportedly loved the note that Barack Obama left him, and would show it to guests.
Trump DID leave a note, which Biden described as “very generous.” He also said that since it was private, he wouldn’t talk about it publicly until talking with Trump.
The White House later said that Biden was being polite, but didn’t have immediate plans to call Trump. Which makes sense, if Trump wanted to talk to Biden, he had ample opportunity in the past few weeks . . . but obviously, he didn’t. (Here’s video.)
- Speaking of presidents, Biden and Harris also went to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony with three former presidents . . . Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton . . . at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
There are two other surviving presidents. 96-year-old Jimmy Carter, who was physically unable to attend. And of course Trump, who was emotionally unable to make it. (Here’s video.)
- Harris swore in the three new Democratic senators . . . Georgia’s Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, and California’s Alex Padilla, who’s taking Harris’ old seat. (Here’s video.)
- Biden warned new White House employees he won’t tolerate disrespect. He said, quote, “If you’re ever working with me and I hear you treating another colleague with disrespect, talking down to someone, I will fire you on the spot.”
- The U.S. Senate confirmed the first of Biden’s nominees. The Director of National Intelligence, which is a cabinet-level official, will be Avril Haines. (Not to be confused with Avril Lavigne, who isn’t being considered for a position.)
