Published 06:27 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden inauguration LIVE updates: POTUS says 'time to move forward', leaders congratulate
The 46th US President Joe Biden and first woman vice president Kamala Harris were inaugurated around 10:00-10:30 PM (IST) on January 20 amid concerns of potentially armed protests.
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06:27 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden's team producing inauguration special
Newly Elected President Joe Biden's team is producing a celebrity-filled primetime show tonight as the traditional celebrations have been tonned down due to the pandemic. The show will be hosted by Tom Hanks and will be aired on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and MSNBC from 8:30pm to 10pm ET. It will be featuring performances from Jon Bon Jovi, who campaigned with Biden in Pennsylvania, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons.
The show "Celebrating America" will also feature remarks from the President and the Vice President Kamala Harris.
06:23 IST, January 21st 2021
Avril Haines confirmed as Intelligence Director
Senate confirmed Biden’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines. The former CIA deputy director will become a core member of Biden’s security team, overseeing the 18 agencies. She was confirmed 84-10.
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06:20 IST, January 21st 2021
'We need to put in place policies', says White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki
United States continues to be one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases. We need to put in place policies and take steps here to address that as well: White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki pic.twitter.com/9Wib2wfVJE
— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2021
06:16 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden to call Justin Trudeau
During the press conference, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that Joe Biden's first call to a foreign leader will be to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She also said that the newly elected President has plans to call various US allies.
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05:59 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden administration conducts first White House press briefing
White House press secretary Jen Psaki is conducting the Biden administration's first ever press briefing.
05:07 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden swears in presidential appointees
In a virtual ceremony, President Joe Biden swore in presidential appointees from the White House.
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04:18 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden signs first executive actions, mandates masks on federal property
President Joe Biden signed three executive orders just few hours after being sworn in. The orders involve wearing masks on federal property, ensuring racial equality and rejoining the Paris climate accord. He termed these moves as "starting points" that will fulfill the promises that he made during the campaign.
04:14 IST, January 21st 2021
US to get back in the Paris climate accord
Just hours after swearing in, President Joe Biden has sent notice to the United Nations saying that the US will be reentering the Paris climate accord. As per experts, rejoining the accord is a significant step by the Biden administration.
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04:10 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden releases list of federal agencies leaders
President Joe Biden's White House released list of people who will lead federal agencies on an acting basis. This comes when he is awaiting confirmation of his Cabinet picks. As per a statement by the White House, most names that have been announced are career civil servant.
03:22 IST, January 21st 2021
Vice President Harris arrives at Capitol for swearing-in of new senators
Vice President Kamala Harris has returned to the Capitol to swear in three new senators- Georgia's Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock and Alex Padilla.
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02:58 IST, January 21st 2021
Queen Elizabeth sends congratulatory message to President Joe Biden
According to royal source, Queen Elizabeth sent a private congratulatory message to US President Joe Biden ahead of the inauguration. The letter's content has not been disclosed.
02:53 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden takes the helm as president
While taking oath at the US Capitol, which became the target of riots, just two weeks earlier, Joe Biden said, "democracy has prevailed", says AP.
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01:20 IST, January 21st 2021
Joe Biden participates in wreath-laying ceremony
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are joined by Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton at a wreath-laying ceremony, taking place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
01:17 IST, January 21st 2021
WHO chief congratulates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their inauguration
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulates 46th US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration. "Here’s to a healthier, fairer, safer, more sustainable world!", says Tedros.
Congratulations President @JoeBiden and Vice-President @KamalaHarris on your #Inauguration today. Here’s to a healthier, fairer, safer, more sustainable world! https://t.co/gIA9xiXemK
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 20, 2021
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01:03 IST, January 21st 2021
Pope tells Biden he prays God will guide reconciliation in US
In a message which was sent minutes after the second Catholic US president was sworn in, Pope Francis told Joe Biden that he was praying to bring reconciliation in the United States and all across the world. Francis said that he hopes that Biden will work towards a society marked by true justice, freedom and respect for the rights and dignity of every person, especially the poor and vulnerable people.
00:59 IST, January 21st 2021
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on inauguration
According to WAFA, the Palestinian official news agency, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated President Biden and Vice President Harris. Abbas said, "We look forward to working together for peace and stability in the region and the world", reports news agency WAFA.
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00:43 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden and Harris review readiness of military troops
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff participate in a pass in review on the East front of the Capitol with members of the military.
00:43 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden travels to Arlington National Cemetery
US President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden along with Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff travel to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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00:32 IST, January 21st 2021
World leaders congratulate US President Biden
Chile President
Today @JoeBiden takes office as the 46th U.S. President. His Administration will have the mission of healing the soul of the country and strengthening civic friendship.
— Sebastian Piñera (@sebastianpinera) January 20, 2021
The commitment to democracy, freedom and human rights recognizes no borders.
I wish President Biden the best.
Colombian President
Pakistan PM
I congratulate President @JoeBiden on his inauguration. Look forward to working with @POTUS in building a stronger Pak-US partnership through trade & economic engagement, countering climate change, improving public health, combating corruption & promoting peace in region & beyond
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 20, 2021
French President
To @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 20, 2021
Best wishes on this most significant day for the American people!
We are together.
We will be stronger to face the challenges of our time. Stronger to build our future. Stronger to protect our planet. Welcome back to the Paris Agreement!
00:32 IST, January 21st 2021
French president welcomes Biden back to the Paris Agreement
French President Emmanuel Macron said, "I welcome the return of the United States to the Paris Climate Agreement: Welcome back!"
"It is together that we can succeed in meeting the challenges of our time. It is all together that we can change the climate situation by taking action for our planet," he added.
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00:32 IST, January 21st 2021
Celebrations at Harris' mother's village in Tamil Nadu
#WATCH I Tamil Nadu: Locals in Thulasendrapuram, the native village of US Vice President Kamala Harris' mother celebrated as she took oath of office. pic.twitter.com/xgL7NESyC8
— ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2021
00:20 IST, January 21st 2021
Trump extended Secret Service protection to all his children
As per reports, before leaving office, former US President Donald Trump signed a memorandum to extend US Secret Service protection by six months for all his children, according to a senior US official.
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00:04 IST, January 21st 2021
Biden: The time to move forward is now
The time to move forward is now. pic.twitter.com/IrUUu0bxGO
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 20, 2021
23:56 IST, January 20th 2021
Whitehouse.gov relaunches for Biden's presidency
The whitehouse.gov website has been updated to reflect Joe Biden is the new President.
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23:56 IST, January 20th 2021
GOP lawmakers praise Biden speech
Several Republican lawmakers praised Joe Biden's inaugural speech. While Senator Romney reportedly said that Biden’s speech was “very powerful,” Senator Pat Toomey hailed Biden’s call for unity. Meanwhile, Senator Lisa Murkowski said Biden’s remarks were well done and “what we needed.”
23:56 IST, January 20th 2021
Biden participates in signing ceremony at Capitol
Biden participates in the signing ceremony at the US Capitol. He's signing Inauguration Day Proclamation, Nominations to Cabinet Positions, Nominations to sub-Cabinet Positions. after this, he will be will review the readiness of military troops on the East Front of the Capitol with every branch of military represented at the event.
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23:56 IST, January 20th 2021
Vice President Harris escorts former Vice President Pence down Capitol steps
The US Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff are escorting former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence down the steps of the US Capitol after the inauguration ceremony.
23:34 IST, January 20th 2021
Biden's first tweet as POTUS
There is no time to waste when it comes to tackling the crises we face. That's why today, I am heading to the Oval Office to get right to work delivering bold action and immediate relief for American families.
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 20, 2021
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23:06 IST, January 20th 2021
White House Twitter accounts have been transitioned to Biden administration
23:06 IST, January 20th 2021
Nation's first youth poet laureate delivers message of America's resilience and strength
Amanda Gorman, the nation's first-ever youth poet laureate, delivered a message of the country's resilience through her poem 'The Hill We Climb' at US President Biden's inauguration ceremony.
Being American is more than a pride we inherit. It's the past we step into and how we repair it," Gorman said.
"We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be, a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free. We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will become the future," she continued.
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22:56 IST, January 20th 2021
Country music star Garth Brooks performs 'Amazing Grace'
Country music star Garth Brooks performed "Amazing Grace" following President Joe Biden's inaugural address and said, "I'm gonna ask you to sing this last burst with me, the people at home, the people at work, as one united,"
22:46 IST, January 20th 2021
Kamala Harris' first tweet as US VP
Ready to serve.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) January 20, 2021
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22:44 IST, January 20th 2021
US President delivers inaugural address
Joe Biden, who has officially become the 46th president of the United States, said in the inaugural address that "This is democracy's day, a day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve."
He said, "Today we celebrate the triumph, not of a candidate, but of a cause — the cause of democracy. The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We've learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed."
United States: Joe Biden sworn-in 46th President of the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/FHlqyzZpG3
— ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2021
22:33 IST, January 20th 2021
US national anthem by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga performs US national anthem.
#WATCH | US: Lady Gaga sang the national anthem of the United States at the inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol. pic.twitter.com/p6FvD2PUgS
— ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2021
Singing our National Anthem for the American People is my honor. I will sing during a ceremony, a transition, a moment of change—between POTUS 45 and 46. For me, this has great meaning.
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 20, 2021
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22:33 IST, January 20th 2021
Kamala Harris takes oath
US: Kamala Harris sworn-in as the first female Vice President of the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/fYEcCd5oD4
— ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2021
22:29 IST, January 20th 2021
PM Modi congratulates Joe Biden
My warmest congratulations to @JoeBiden on his assumption of office as President of the United States of America. I look forward to working with him to strengthen India-US strategic partnership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2021
My best wishes for a successful term in leading USA as we stand united and resilient in addressing common challenges and advancing global peace and security.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2021
The India-US partnership is based on shared values. We have a substantial and multifaceted bilateral agenda, growing economic engagement and vibrant people to people linkages. Committed to working with President @JoeBiden to take the India-US partnership to even greater heights.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2021
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22:26 IST, January 20th 2021
Trump arrives at Mar-a-Lago
As per reports, Donald Trump has arrived at Mar-a-Lago estate on an island off the coast of Palm Beach in Florida which will be his permanent home as his tumultuous presidency comes to an end.
22:23 IST, January 20th 2021
Biden takes oath
Joe Biden inaugurated as 46th US President and was sworn in by Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.
Today, we begin anew. Tune in for #Inauguration2021. https://t.co/HxfU8q5riA
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 20, 2021
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22:09 IST, January 20th 2021
Trump issues one more last-minute pardon
Meanwhile, deputy press secretary Judd Deere reportedly said in a statement to pool that "President Donald J. Trump granted a full pardon to Albert J. Pirro, Jr." who was convicted on conspiracy and tax evasion charges after improperly deducting $1.2 million of his personal expenses in business write-offs.
22:02 IST, January 20th 2021
Harris will use two Bibles when taking her oath
US media reports that Kamala Harris is expected to take her oath of office today using two Bibles. One of them previously belonged to a former neighbour and her family friend, Regina Shelton, and another belonged to Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court.
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22:00 IST, January 20th 2021
Harris tweets 'for the people, always'
For the people—always. pic.twitter.com/KW0TS1cnUq
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 20, 2021
21:45 IST, January 20th 2021
US Secretary of States bids farewell
Today is my 1000th day as America’s 70th Secretary of State. Each one has been a privilege to serve the American people. So many kind words from all across our nation – thank you all for your support and kindness. The Lord is watching over America and always will be. pic.twitter.com/H7PSgcLcpE
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 20, 2021
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21:45 IST, January 20th 2021
UK Prime Minister congratulates Joe Biden
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on inauguration day.
"I warmly congratulate Joe Biden on his historic inauguration as 46th president of the United States and look forward to working closely with his new administration as we defeat Covid and build back better from the pandemic," Johnson said in a statement.
Only through international cooperation can we truly overcome the shared challenges which we face," he added.
21:40 IST, January 20th 2021
Kamala Harris posts message for mother
I’m here today because of the women who came before me. pic.twitter.com/ctB9qGJqqp
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 20, 2021
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21:40 IST, January 20th 2021
Greta Thunberg's witty message for Donald Trump
He seems like a very happy old man looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see! pic.twitter.com/G8gObLhsz9
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) January 20, 2021
21:26 IST, January 20th 2021
Biden tweets a message to his wife, says 'I love you, Jilly'
I love you, Jilly, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have you with me on the journey ahead. pic.twitter.com/V4GUXAKSKg
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 20, 2021
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21:17 IST, January 20th 2021
Hillary Clinton on Harris inauguration: 'It delights me'
It delights me to think that what feels historical and amazing to us today—a woman sworn in to the vice presidency—will seem normal, obvious, "of course" to Kamala's grand-nieces as they grow up. And they will be right. pic.twitter.com/1gQOvmNipB
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 20, 2021
21:12 IST, January 20th 2021
Joe Biden, Kamala Harris arrive at US Capitol
President-elect Joe Biden's motorcade has arrived at the US Capitol ahead of his inauguration and Congress members are expected to greet him upon his entrance to the Capitol building.
Meanwhile, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be escorted to inauguration ceremony by Eugene Goodman, the Capitol Police officer.
Today, we begin anew. Tune in for #Inauguration2021. https://t.co/HxfU8q5riA
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 20, 2021
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21:09 IST, January 20th 2021
US Supreme Court is being evacuated due to a bomb threat
US Supreme Court is being evacuated due to a bomb threat, reports CNN
— ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2021
20:57 IST, January 20th 2021
Mike Pence, Mitch McConnel arrive at US Capitol
Even though Donald Trump left the Washington DC area hours before the inauguration was scheduled to begin, outgoing vice president Mike Pence and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his wife, the former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao have arrived at the US Capitol.
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20:52 IST, January 20th 2021
Obamas and Clintons arrive for Biden's inauguration
Former Presidents and First Ladies, Barack and Michelle Obama & Bill and Hillary Clinton have also arrived at the US Capitol for Biden-Harris inauguration for the 46th US administration.
United States: Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama arrive at the US Capitol for Joe Biden's inauguration. pic.twitter.com/xKaeGClKAo
— ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2021
20:47 IST, January 20th 2021
George W Bush and Laura Bush have arrived at the Capitol to attend Joe Biden’s inauguration.
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20:30 IST, January 20th 2021
Barack Obama to Joe Biden: This is your time
Congratulations to my friend, President @JoeBiden! This is your time. pic.twitter.com/LXzxGnBAfz
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 20, 2021
20:07 IST, January 20th 2021
Joe Biden tweets
It’s a new day in America.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 20, 2021
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20:07 IST, January 20th 2021
Biden attends mass in Washington with Republican, Democratic Congress leaders
Joe Biden and US First Lady-elect Jill Biden, Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman-elect Douglas Emhoff attend church service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.
19:56 IST, January 20th 2021
Trump left a note for Biden, departs from DC area
CNN reports citing a person familiar with the matter that outgoing US President Donald Trump has left a note for President-elect Joe Biden. However, the contents of the note were not immediately clear. Earlier, in his last address as the president of the United States, Trump refrained from congratulating Biden and vice president-elect Harris but said: "I wish the administration great success" before adding that he is sure they will be successful owing to the "great foundation" laid by the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, Trump’s era in Washington is over as he has left the White House for the last time as the President. According to CNN, Trump and his wife Melania are being flown in Marin One to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland where he will be holding of a “sending off” ceremony, which was due to start at 8:00am (local time). During his departure, the outgoing President spoke to reporters and said that it was “great honour” for him to serve the country.
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20:07 IST, January 20th 2021