Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday. His swearing-in in the US saw the end of the tumultuous four-year term of Republican Donald Trump in the White House.
78-year-old Biden took the oath of office at the US Capitol from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. The US Capitol recently witnessed ‘a deadly assault rally’ by Trump supporters.
The event also marked the swearing-in of Kamala Harris, who made history by becoming the first female, first black, and first South Asian vice president in the history of the United Sates.
Soon after taking the oath, Biden led a moment of silence to mourn 400,000 COVID-19 American victims.
“We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. We’re entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus,” Biden said in his inaugural address.
In his direct comment against the attack on US Capitol, he said, “A rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront, and we will defeat.”
“America has been tested, and we’ve come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again,” he said and added the isolationist policies of his predecessor would change.
“We’ll lead, not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example. We’ll be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security,” he added.
Biden closed his address by assuring that his administration would commit to being transparent to the American people.
“My fellow Americans, I close today where I began, with the sacred oath before God and all of you, I give you my word. I will always level with you,” he said.