Daily US Times: After vowing to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, Joe Biden has officially been sworn in as the 46th US president.
Mr Biden’s oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.
In his first speech after being the president of the United States, Biden said: “We learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile and at this moment, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”
“Now, on this hallowed ground, where just a few days ago violence sought to shake the Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.”
He spoke from the spot that two weeks ago was overrun by a pro-Trump mob as the Capitol was stormed.
President Joe Biden said: “I thank my predecessors from both parties who are here today.”
Former Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton are attending the ceremony.
The new president says he spoke to President Jimmy Carter – who is 96 – by phone, and salutes him for his lifetime of service.
His immediate predecessor, Donald Trump, chose not to attend the inauguration.
Speaking of the challenges that his administration will face, including the rise of “white supremacy” and the pandemic, Biden says he will “confront and we will defeat” each obstacle.
He repeats his campaign vow to “restore the soul of the future of America,” but says doing so “requires so much more than words”.
“It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: Unity.”
Few moments ago form Biden’s oath, Vice-president Kamala Harris has taken her oath too – becoming the first woman to hold that position.
President Biden is calling for more mutual respect in society, saying that unity is necessary for American greatness.
“Stop the shouting and lower the temperatures,” says the new president, adding that “without unity there is no peace”.
“Unity is the path forward,” he continues, adding “And we must meet this moment as the United States of America,” he says, emphasising the word “united”.
The new US president takes a moment to acknowledge the inauguration of Kamala Harris.
“Here we stand 108 years ago, thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote.
“Today we mark the swearing in of the first woman in American history elected vice-president – Kamala Harris.
“Don’t tell me things can’t change,” he said.
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