Inauguration 2021

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By: Tayhana Taylor, World News Editor

A new President is in residence of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Despite all propaganda, lawsuits, impeachment cases, and the attack on the nation’s capital, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been sworn in to serve the United States for the next 4 years. Here are the details of the 59^th inauguration.

*President Biden was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Vice President Harris was sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.*

The inauguration was held under the theme “Our Determined Democracy: Forging a More Perfect Union.” The pandemic caused this inauguration to be different from those of previous years: there were no large crowds, all the guests wore masks, no parade was held as the focus of the inauguration planning committee was to have a “safe and inclusive ceremony.” The traditional post-inauguration lunch was also canceled because of public health concerns. The number of guests was reduced due to COVID-19 safety protocols, and people were encouraged by authorities to stay home instead of attending events related to the swearing-in ceremony.

Members of U.S government standing — *There has been an approved budget of $1.5 million for the inauguration in 2021. Source: Tom Williams (CQ Roll Call)*

Unfortunately, the spread of COVID-19 was not the only concern during this monumental event. The riot on Capitol Hill two weeks ago called for security to be heightened during the inauguration. Washington D.C was patrolled by approximately 25,000 armed National Guard Troops during the inauguration while the capital was barred using seven-foot razor wire ring fences. The entire city was under mandatory lockdown, including several blocks surrounding the White House. Security forces were screening those who may have needed access to these areas. The tightened security was also due to the FBI being warned about armed groups protesting at the inauguration. CNN Politics reported that Washington DC remains under strict and intensified security over fears of new threats.

U.S soldiers near U.S Capitol — *There were rumors of a bomb threat on the Supreme Court before the inauguration ceremony. This was only a rumor. Source: Erin Scott*

Amid the heightened security, concerns for safety, and the absence of former President Donald Trump, the ceremony commenced with grace. President Biden pledged to be a president for all Americans. “Give you my word: I will always level with you. I will defend the constitution. I will defend our democracy. I will defend America,” said President Biden during his inaugural address to the nation. The new leader of the free world signed the inaugural proclamation and officially formalized his cabinet nominations.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris fist bump. — As a result of the pandemic, the organizers of the inauguration reduced the from 200,000 tickets for Congress members and guests down to approximately 1,000 people. Each member of Congress was given a ticket for themselves as well as one for a guest. Source: Carolyn Kaster

The Cabinet generally consists of the Vice President and 15 heads of executive departments: Treasury, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Agriculture, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, Labor, State, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs. Members of President’s Biden Cabinet are as followed:

Vice President Kamala Harris
Secretary of Treasury- Janet Yellen, PhD
Secretary of State- Antony Blinken
Secretary of Homeland Security- Alejandro Mayorkas
Secretary of Defense- Lloyd Austin
Secretary of Education- Miguel Cardona, PhD
Secretary of Energy- Jennifer Granholm
Secretary of Health and Human Services- Xavier Becerra
Secretary of Agriculture- Tom Vilsack
Secretary of Commerce- Gina Raimondo
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development- Marcia Fudge
Secretary of Interior- Deb Haaland
Secretary of Justice- U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen
Secretary of Labor- Marty Walsh
Secretary of Transportation- Pete Buttigieg
Secretary of Veteran Affairs- Denis McDonough

Joe Biden being sworn in as President of the United States — *President Joe Biden is the first President to have a female Vice-President on his team. (Source: Andrew Harnik/Pool via Reuters)*

The President mentioned that his aim is to create a cabinet that “looks like America”. CBS News has stated that Joe Biden’s incoming cabinet will be much more diverse and experienced than former President Donald Trump’s, whose cabinet was mainly male-dominated and white. Antony Blinken was the former Deputy Secretary of State under the Obama administration. Avril Hanes, Director of National Intelligence, previously held the role of the Deputy Director of the CIA and then Deputy National Security Adviser under the Obama administration. Alejandro Mayorkas will be the first Latino to serve as Homeland Security Secretary. There are also a handful of women serving at key posts.

Joe Biden signing documents with Kamala Harris in the background. — *Vice President Harris becomes the first female and the first Vice President of color. Source: Getty Images*

As the Biden administration takes charge of national affairs, all eyes focus on how this new administration will tackle the pandemic, climate change, the economy, racial injustices, and all other issues pertaining to the betterment of the American people.

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