An Unconventional Inauguration

On January 20th 2021, the 46th President of the United States was officially sworn into office at the Nation’s Capital, the same place where an attempted insurrection by domestic terrorists occurred exactly two weeks before. Many were concerned about the safety of government officials due to the past events and because of this DC was filled with over 25,000 National Guard troops blocking roads to prevent anything similar to the past event from happening on this day. 

The inauguration day of our 46th President was completely different from any inauguration day in American History. Many traditions were broken, for example, there was no inauguration ball, citizens were not permitted to attend due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. In addition to this the now Former President, Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not in attendance, leaving for Mar-a-lago early Wednesday Morning. However, he did not leave without saying goodbye to the public by highlighting the actions that the administration took: for example creating a space force and lowering unemployment rates prior to the pandemic. His final words before departing from his role as president were “So, just a goodbye. We love you. We will be back in some form.” 

Hours later, the swearing in of America’s New President took place but not before the national anthem performed by Lady Gaga and a rendition of “This Land is Your Land” by Jenifer Lopez as well as Amanda Gorman reciting her poem “The Hill We Climb”. At about 1145 EST America had sworn in the first ever woman who is also of Jamaican and South Asian descent, Kamala Devi Harris into office. Following this, former Vice President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. President Biden gave a speech calling for unity in this time saying “We have much to heal, much to build and much to gain”. He also acknowledged the attack on the capital and stated that  “Democracy has prevailed.”. Finally he promised to be a president for all, promising to defend our country, “I give you my word, I will always level with you. I will defend the Constitution. I’ll defend our democracy. I’ll defend America.” The Biden Administration wasted no time in getting down to business by signing 15 executive actions which included making masks mandatory on federal property, rejoining the Paris climate accord, halting construction of the border wall, revoking the decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization, and removing Trump’s travel ban. In addition to this, Vice President Kamala Haris swore in Georgia Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. 

  Although this Inauguration day was unconventional with many traditions broken and restrictions in place due to the pandemic as well as for security purposes, regardless of political affiliation it was definitely one that will be remembered forever. We will definitely see what will take place during the Biden Harris Presidency, seeing how he deals with the pandemic as well as many other issues that America as a whole is facing today.  

Article by Hallie Rozario of Springbrook High School

Photo by Sgt. Charlotte Carulli via Wikimedia Commons