Politics

New Year, New Executive Leaders

It is the year of a new presidential term. On Wednesday, January 20th, Joe Biden was sworn into office as the 46th President of the United States of America. Alongside him, Kamala Harris was sworn in as being the 49th Vice President of the United States. The 2021 Inauguration was definitely one to remember. It was a celebration for America that included speeches, special performances and multiple historical events. 

The Inauguration ceremony began at 11:15 am, on January 20th, 2021. It started with Kamala Harris being sworn in as the United States of America’s newest Vice President. This was a monumental moment in American history. Kamala Harris has officially become the first female Vice President, in addition to also being the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to hold a position in office. “Here we stand looking out to the great Mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream. Here we stand, where 108 years ago at another inaugural, thousands of protestors tried to block brave women from marching for the right to vote. Today, we mark the swearing-in of the first woman in American history elected to national office — Vice President Kamala Harris. “Don’t tell me things can’t change,” Biden stated during his inaugural speech. Following her swearing, Lady Gaga sang the National Anthem, followed by performances from Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks.  

     At noon, President Trump’s four year term in office officially ended, no longer making him the current president of the United States. At this time, Joe Biden was sworn into office. Following his oath, he then gave his Inaugural Address: “Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together. Uniting our people. And uniting our nation. I ask every American to join me in this cause. Uniting to fight the common foes we face: Anger, resentment, hatred. Extremism, lawlessness, violence. Disease, joblessness, hopelessness. With unity we can do great things. Important things”, Biden proclaimed in his speech. Talking about his pride for America and his plans for the future, Biden is  ready for his four year term. 

     President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, in addition to Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff met up with former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton and their spouses (President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not included in this as they were in Florida at the time, absent from the occasion), as they made their way to Arlington National Park. Together, they were present at the wreath-laying ceremony located at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

After this serious and somber event, the celebrations began at 3:15 pm. There were live drumline performances from Biden’s alma mater, The University of Delaware and Harris’s alma mater, Howard University. To add to this special event, many more dances, songs and speeches were performed remotely to carry out the parade safely in the midst of the global pandemic.

     Sadly, the inaugural balls and galas were not able to be held this year because of the health guidelines, but that did not stop the celebration from continuing. At 8:30pm eastern times, the “Celebrating America” event, hosted by Tom Hanks began. Consisting of live performances from Justin Timberlake, Demi Lavato and others, this was definitely a night to remember. Many traditions were unable to take place this year, but that did not stop America from creating new ones. 

46th president, Joe Biden is set and ready to start his four year term in office. In addition to his 100 day plan, Mr. Biden already has his intentions set on how he wants to spend his first 10 days in office. According to Biden and the results of a poll taken by the American people, the four most important topics that need to be addressed during these ten days are climate, racial inequality, the economy, and Covid 19. The following 90 days will declamate immigration, taxes and LGBTQ+ community rights and policies, all in addition to the main four categories previously stated.

Biden wasted no time with getting his presidency rolling. On the day of his inauguration, a few hours after he was sworn into office, Biden signed 17 executive orders. These orders had to do with the pandemic, immigration and visas, climate change, racial and LGBTQ+ equality, the economy, and lastly government accountability. “Think of all the people” Biden stated in an NBC exclusive interview with Lester Holt, “All the people”.