The 59th Presidential Inauguration was unusual, considering the heavy security presence that has marked the capitol since the insurrection on January 6th, lack of crowds due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and overall tensions in the country. In his inaugural speech, President Biden recognized the division that has characterized the United States in the past four years, and called for an end to “ this uncivil war that pits red against blue. Rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal,” a notion that even received praise from several Republican officials.
As a day of historic firsts, Vice President Kamala Harris made history by becoming the first woman to assume the vice presidency, as well as the first person of Indian or Black heritage to hold the position. Sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to serve on the Court, Madam Harris’ appointment will pave the way for an executive office that is more diverse and representative of its people than ever before.
Audience members included Michelle and Barack Obama, Hillary and Bill Clinton, Laura and George Bush, and Mike and Karen Pence. In a joint video from Arlington National Cemetery, the three former presidents addressed the importance of a peaceful transition of power, with Obama emphasizing the need to respect and listen to both people we agree with and do not. Another highlight of the event was Amanda Gorman’s performance; at 22 years old Gorman is the youngest poet to read at a presidential inauguration in US history, and touched on themes of unity and healing in light of injustice and inaction, ending with “For there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it – if only we are brave enough to be it..”
On his first day in the Oval Office, President Biden moved quickly to dismantle many Trump era policies, taking executive action to reverse the “Muslim Ban,” the travel ban which gained its name due to targeting Muslim-majority nations, rejoin the Paris climate accord, cancel the Keystone KL pipeline, and halt the country’s departure from the World Health Organization. In the coming weeks, Biden is expected to take further action on themes regarding the economy, racial injustice, private prisons, and the environment.
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