Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president on Wednesday, bringing to an end one of the most unorthodox, turbulent presidencies in U.S. history.
“Today, we celebrate triumph not of a candidate but of a cause: the cause of democracy,” Biden said moments after taking the oath of office. “The people, the will of the people has been heard.”
“We’ve learned again that democracy is precious,” he added. “At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts led Biden in the oath of office, using a Bible that has been in the president’s family since 1893. His son Beau Biden used the same Bible when he was sworn in as Delaware attorney general in 2007.
Minutes earlier, Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the court. Harris used a Bible that once belonged to Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court justice.
Harris’ vice presidency is historic in several regards: She’s the first female, Black and South Asian person to hold the position.
Lady Gaga continued to show her support for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the duo’s inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Jennifer Lopez kicked off Joe Biden’s presidency with a show-stopping performance, taking the stage after Vice President Kamala Harris’s swearing-in ceremony in an all-white Chanel outfit to do renditions of “This Land Is Your Land” and “America The Beautiful,” transitioning into a few lines from “Let’s Get Loud.”
Launch the gallery above for more photos from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ inauguration!
