Democrat Joe Biden was sworn in as president of the United States on Wednesday, vowing to end the 'uncivil war' in a deeply divided country reeling from a battered economy and a raging coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 400,000 Americans.
With the US Capitol encircled by thousands of armed troops two weeks after a mob laid siege to it, Biden took the oath of office administered by US Chief Justice John Roberts and became the oldest US president in history at age 78.
He was sworn in moments after Kamala Harris, who became America's first woman vice president, turning the page on Donald Trump's tumultuous four years.
With the general public essentially barred from attending due to the pandemic, Biden's audience at the National Mall instead was 200,000 flags planted to represent the absent crowds.
Biden nonetheless brought in star power — absent four years ago with Trump. Lady Gaga sang the national anthem and Tom Hanks prepared for a televised evening appearance with the new president.
US President-elect Joe Biden flanked by wife Dr Jill Biden arriving for his inauguration as the 46th US President on January 20 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. — AFP
US President Joe Biden greets former US president George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush, and former president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton at his inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington. — Reuters
Kamala Harris is sworn is as US Vice President as her husband Doug Emhoff looks at the US Capitol on January 20 in Washington, DC. — AFP
Lady Gaga talks with US President-elect Joe Biden during his inauguration on the West Front of the US Capitol on January 20 in Washington, DC. — AFP
President Joe Biden delivers his inaugural address during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington, Wednesday. — AP
Incoming US First Lady Jill Biden (L) places her hands on US President-elect Joe Biden during his inauguration in Washington, DC on January 20. — AFP
Jennifer Lopez arrives to perform during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington, Wednesday. — AP
Joe Biden is sworn in as US President as his wife Dr Jill Biden looks on during his inauguration on the West Front of the US Capitol on January 20 in Washington, DC. — AFP
Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem at the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC. — AFP
US President Joe Biden with former US president Barack Obama during the inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol in Washington. — Reuters
US President Joe Biden listens as Amanda Gorman recites a poem during his inauguration on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington. — Reuters
President Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff prepare to depart the East Front of the Capitol at the conclusion of the inauguration ceremonies, in Washington, Wednesday. — AP
Header image: President-elect Joe Biden congratulates Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff after taking her oath of office during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington. — AFP
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