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Joe Biden Sworn In As 46th President Of The United States

He called for national unity as Donald Trump’s rocky presidency came to an end.
Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President as his wife Dr. Jill Biden looks on during his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Alex Wong via Getty Images
Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President as his wife Dr. Jill Biden looks on during his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president on Wednesday, bringing to an end one of the most unorthodox, turbulent presidencies in US history.

Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts led Biden in the oath of office, using a Bible that has been in the president’s family since 1893.

His son Beau Biden used the same Bible when he was sworn in as Delaware attorney general in 2007.

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In his inaugural address, Biden vowed to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States”.

“Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested anew, and America has risen to the challenge.

“Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate but of a cause: the cause of democracy. [...] At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”

Biden also pledged to heal the rifts that have divided the US over the four years of Trump’s presidency.

He said: “We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts.”

APTOPIX Biden Inauguration

Biden Inauguration

Minutes earlier, Kamala Harris had been sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the court. Harris used a Bible that once belonged to Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court justice.

Harris’ vice presidency is historic in several regards: She’s the first female, Black and South Asian person to hold the position.

Donald Trump departed the White House shortly after 8am on Wednesday for Joint Andrews Base in Maryland, where he delivered brief unscripted remarks.

“Have a good life,” Trump said during the final moments of his farewell. “We will see you soon.”

Trump is the first president in 152 years to skip his successor’s inauguration. He still has not formally conceded the election, nor has he reached out to Biden to congratulate him on his victory.

Trump did, however, leave a letter for Biden in the White House, continuing a long-standing tradition between outgoing and incoming presidents.

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