The inauguration of Joe Biden

Vice President Kamala Harris won’t be moving into the vice president’s residence at the Naval Observatory immediately, according to a Harris aide.

She won’t move in just yet to account for the need for some repairs to the home “that are more easily conducted with the home unoccupied.”

A move-in date is still to be determined. 

CBS News was first to report on the residence.

Young girls across the nation were watching as Kamala Harris took her oath of office on Wednesday, officially becoming the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president.

The groundbreaking moment was celebrated by many families who shared photos of their daughters witnessing history to social media.

“My daughters, watching history, and learning there should be NO LIMIT to what they can do. Thank you #KamalaHarris,” Lynell Miller tweeted, along with a photo of her girls sharing an embrace.

Three generations of women in Gary Williams Jr.’s family sat together to watch Harris take her oath. “This is what it’s about. Three generations. My mother, my wife, and my daughter watching history,” Williams tweeted. “A Black woman being sworn in as Vice President of the United States of America. Thank you @KamalaHarris and congratulations!”

Dr. Rachelle Winkle-Wagner held her daughters close as they watched with excited grins. “One of my top parenting moments was today — seeing Kamala Harris being sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor with my two daughters,” she tweeted.

“Madam Vice Present. We see you,” Adina Davidson wrote in an Instagram post, along with a photo of a young girl carefully watching the new vice president.

Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emoff congratulated her in his first tweet as second gentleman.

“Wife, mother, sister, auntie… and now, Madame Vice President. Today marks an amazing chapter for you, our family, and for our nation. We love you so much,” he tweeted.

Harris made history today as she was sworn in as the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president. Emhoff also made history, becoming America’s first second gentleman.

See the tweet:

President Joe Biden already began updating the decor that will surround him in the Oval Office. 

A bust of Mexican-American farm labor leader and civil rights activist César Chávez is now behind the Resolute desk.

Busts of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. have also been added to the office. 

CNN’s John King reports:

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President Joe Biden’s team is producing a celebrity-filled primetime special tonight in lieu of the traditional celebrations, which have been significantly pared down due to the pandemic.

The special, hosted by Tom Hanks, is set to air live on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and MSNBC from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET. It will feature performances from Jon Bon Jovi, who campaigned with Biden in Pennsylvania, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons.  

The 90-minute program, titled “Celebrating America,” will also feature remarks from the President and the Vice President Kamala Harris and will celebrate “American heroes” like frontline workers, teachers and health care workers, among others. 

“Our first priority is safety — so while many of us will be watching safely from our homes, we are creating real moments of connection that highlight a new inclusive American era of leadership that works for and represents all Americans,” said Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Tony Allen.

Yesterday, the Biden inaugural committee announced more participants including a duet by Tyler Hubbard and Tim McGraw, Black Pumas, DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic, featuring Ozuna and Luis Fonsi.

Later in the evening, Biden and Jill Biden will appear on the Blue Room balcony at the White House.

FBI Director Christopher Wray takes part during a virtual news conference at the Department of Justice on October 28, 2020 in Washington.

President Joe Biden’s press secretary couldn’t say Wednesday whether the President has confidence in FBI Director Christopher Wray, demurring on answering and leaving Wray’s fate an open question.

Wray was appointed by President Trump to a 10-year term in 2017. He faced criticism from the ex-president for a number of items.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki conducts her first news conference of the Biden Administration at the White House on Wednesday, January 20, in Washington.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that she expects President Joe Biden will be “quite involved” in Covid-19 relief stimulus negotiations with Congress.

Psaki told reporters, “I expect he will be picking up the phone in the coming days and having more of those conversations.”

She added that the package that the Biden administration is proposing is a pivotal part to getting the pandemic under control.

When asked about whether Biden would be able to get bipartisan support on his $1.9 trillion proposal, Psaki said, “We hope and frankly we expect Republicans in Congress, and Democrats, too, to support assistance that will bring relief to the people they represent.”

Psaki added that the $1.9 trillion price tag for the proposal was created by consulting health experts and economists, so those who would like to lower the cost would need to figure out what they would want to cut.

“It was designed with the components that were necessary to give people the relief they needed. So what’s challenging is, what are you going to cut? Are you going to cut funding for vaccinations? Are you going to cut funding for unemployment insurance?” Psaki explained.

She noted that Biden’s preference is to move forward with a bipartisan bill, but he will not rule out other tools to get the House and Senate to get the “urgent package done.”

“It’s a conversation. And he is no stranger to the process of bill making. So we’re at the beginning of the process and as we continue, there will be conversations with members of both parties what will be in the final package. And rarely does it look like the initial package that is proposed,” Psaki said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on January 20, i, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that the Biden administration plans to resume regular coronavirus briefings with health officials in addition to the daily White House press briefings.

Psaki said that the administration plans to combat misinformation with “accurate information.”

“There are a number of ways to combat misinformation,” Psaki said. “One of them is accurate information and truth and data and sharing information even when it’s hard to hear. And even when it is not meeting the expectations of people at home who are desperate for this crisis to be over.”

The newly sworn-in press secretary’s comments came as a response to a question about dealing with misinformation campaigns, like the false claim that President Trump won the 2020 election.

Some background: The Trump administration had briefings with health officials regularly last spring when the coronavirus pandemic initially took hold of the country and the world, however those briefings were often not entirely focused on the pandemic as former President Trump led them awry.

Those regular briefings ended in April after Trump suggested injecting disinfectant could be a cure for coronavirus. 

With reporting from CNN’s Kevin Liptak and Jason Hoffman 

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President Joe Biden’s first call to a foreign leader will be to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said this evening.

Psaki said Biden has plans to call a number of US allies starting with Trudeau on Friday.

The call, she said, will largely focus on the US relationship with Canada, as well as Biden’s executive order on the Keystone XL Pipeline. 

Earlier today, Trudeau said he was disappointed by Biden’s signing of an executive order revoking the Keystone XL oil pipeline’s permit.

No plans to call Trump: Psaki said there are no pending plans for the President to call either former President Trump or Russian President Vladimir Putin.

She said Biden’s decision not to immediately release the note Trump left for him in the Oval Office should not be seen as an indication that such a call was in the works. 

The decision not to release the letter now “was just a reflection of him not planning to release the letter unilaterally but I wouldn’t take it as an indication of a pending call with the former President,” Psaki told reporters during the Biden administration’s first White House briefing. 

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White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks during her first press briefing at the White House on Wednesday, January 20.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki held the first news briefing for the Biden administration and said that when she was asked to serve in her new role, President Joe Biden discussed the importance of bringing back “truth and transparency” to the briefing room.

This is the first White House press briefing since Dec. 15, with the exception of a statement from former press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Jan. 7, where she did not take any questions. McEnany appeared behind the briefing room podium approximately 40 times in her tenure, which began in April. 

Psaki later said she has “deep respect” for the role of a free and independent press. Psaki said Biden works for the American people, and therefore she does, as well.

She went on to outline the President’s activities and executive actions.

Watch the first news briefing of the Biden administration:

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White House chief usher Timothy Harleth has been fired by the Bidens, two sources with knowledge confirm to CNN.

Harleth was hired by Melania Trump in 2017 to fill the role of chief usher. Harleth came to the White House from Trump International Hotel DC, where he was rooms manager.

Harleth took the place of Angella Reid, who was hired during the Obama administration. 

Chief ushers can stay through multiple administrations, however Harleth’s firing did not come as a surprise to several sources inside the White House.

CNN has reached out to the first lady’s office for comment.

Avril Haines speaks during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee to be President-elect Joe Biden’s national intelligence director on January 19 in Washington.

The Senate confirmed President Joe Biden’s first Cabinet nominee Wednesday evening, voting to approve his pick for director of national intelligence on Biden’s first day in office. The vote was 84 to 10.

Haines’ day-one confirmation was in doubt for much of Wednesday, after Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas objected to her confirmation until he received a written response to clarify one of her answers during her Tuesday confirmation hearing. Once Cotton received the response, he went to the floor and lifted his hold. Haines will become the first woman to serve as director of national intelligence, taking over an intelligence community that has been repeatedly disparaged and sidelined by former President Trump throughout his four years in office. 

Haines’ confirmation continues a recent Senate precedent of confirming Cabinet nominees the day a new President is sworn in, though Biden is getting fewer nominees than his predecessors. The Senate confirmed two of Trump’s on his first day, and even more for former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush.

Biden may also struggle to get additional nominees confirmed quickly, as those confirmations could be stalled until Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer cut a deal on a resolution outlining how they’ll share power in the Senate, GOP and Democratic senators said Wednesday.

In addition to Haines, Janet Yellen to the Treasury Department is another nominee likely to get a quick vote in the Senate, but there still needs to be an agreement to hold votes on the nominations. It remains to be seen when other nominees might be considered.

Reporters wait for White House press secretary Jen Psaki to hold the Biden administration's first press briefing in Washington on Wednesday.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki is holding the Biden administration’s first press briefing.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have an all-female White House senior communications team.

Psaki, a former CNN political commentator, was also a State Department spokesperson during the Obama administration, and previously served as deputy White House communications director and deputy White House press secretary.

She has worked on three presidential campaigns, including as traveling press secretary for the 2008 Obama-Biden campaign and traveling press secretary and senior adviser for the 2012 campaign, and as deputy press secretary for John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign.

Kate Bedingfield, who served as deputy campaign manager and communications director for the campaign, will be White House communications director.

Here’s a look at the events that will come next:

While this may seem obvious by now, given that President Joe Biden is already at work inside several rooms of the White House, but the Bidens do plan to spend their first night in office in the White House residence, an official tells CNN.

There had been some questions about how long it might take to clean the residence, given the vastly different protocols surrounding how the Trump and Biden administrations deal with coronavirus and the apparent hotspot the White House had become over the last several months.

But an official says tonight, the White House professional staff – and outside crews – cleaned the building thoroughly and the Bidens will spend tonight in the residence.

A group of eight Democrats and eight Republicans will meet with Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese in upcoming days as a way to foster a conversation about working across the aisle on some of President Joe Biden’s legislative and economic goals, a source familiar with the meeting told CNN.

The exact day of this conversation is not yet finalized. 

The group of members includes Republican Sens. Mitt Romney and Lisa Murkowski and Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin and Mark Warner.

Manchin, from West Virginia, hinted earlier today that a bipartisan group of lawmakers would likely meet with White House officials over the weekend. 

The specific number of members was first reported by punchbowl.

President Joe Biden says he has no concerns that top officials in his Cabinet have yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

“No I’m not concerned,” Biden said when asked about the situation at the end of an event in the State Dining Room.

“I’m confident we can move quickly,” he said.

Biden entered office with no Cabinet officials confirmed by the Senate, forcing his administration to name acting agency heads.

Five of Biden’s Cabinet nominees participated in Senate confirmation hearings on Tuesday. They are…

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens during a news conference at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Ontario, on Tuesday, January 5.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is “disappointed” to see President Joe Biden sign an executive order revoking the Keystone XL oil pipeline’s permit. 

Trudeau added: “Workers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and across Canada will always have our support. Canada is the single-largest supplier of energy to the United States, contributing to U.S. energy security and economic competitiveness, and supporting thousands of jobs on both sides of the border.”

Some context: Keystone XL has been a political football between climate activists and the oil industry. The planned pipeline would carry oil from the tar sands of Canada into the United States.

President Joe Biden just swore in presidential appointees from the White House in a virtual ceremony.

Biden told the administration staffers they shouldn’t be working for him unless they were serious about forcing change.

“We have a chance to change things. That’s the reason I got involved in politics,” he said. “I really mean it. So you shouldn’t be doing this unless you feel it.”

Biden also told his team they were “engaged in and working with the most decent government in the world” and that he was counting on them to help “restore the soul of this country.”

“People don’t work for us, we work for the people. I work for the people. They pay my salary. They pay your salary. They put their faith in you. I put my faith in you. And so we have an obligation,” Biden continued.

Biden ticked through some of his upcoming challenges, calling efforts to distribute the coronavirus vaccine the most “consequential” logistical challenge in US history.

He said Americans’ “blinders” had been lowered when it came to systemic racism, and cited specifically the death of George Floyd in saying racial justice needed to come to America.

Biden said the US “can meet this existential threat” of climate change, and cited a past conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping by saying his definition for the country was the single word: “possibility.”

The President signed his first round of executive actions a bit ago, including an order requiring masks on federal property, one meant to ensure racial equality and another rejoining the Paris climate accord.

Here’s a look at the events that will come next:

Watch the moment:

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President Joe Biden warned new staff members he would terminate them if he found them trashing one another.

Making explicit he wanted to break with the toxic environment that pervaded the West Wing during the previous administration, Biden said he wanted his staff governed by collegiality and respect.

He said he wanted his staff to treat each other with decency, something he said had “been missing a big way the past four years.”

Earlier in the ceremony, Biden said he wanted his staff to treat everyone with “dignity.”

“History measures us and our fellow Americans…by how decent, honorable and smart we have been in looking out for their interests,” he said.

Just moments after President Joe Biden signed an executive order, beginning the process of re-engaging with the World Health Organization, CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta said it was “an important step” in “the global vaccination effort.”

“One thing we keep getting reminded of is that an infection anywhere in the world is an infection everywhere in the world,” Gupta told CNN’s Erin Burnett. “So the idea of being a part of a program that helps support vaccination efforts especially in low-income countries is really important. The goal is to get 2 billion vaccines to low-income countries by the end of next year.”

More context: The Trump administration’s notice of withdrawal from WHO was supposed to go in effect July 6, 2021.

President Joe Biden just completed signing the 15 executive actions and two agency actions, an administration official tells CNN.

What we know: Biden signed an order requiring masks on federal property, one meant to ensure racial equality and another rejoining the Paris climate accord.

Biden signed these three executive orders meant as early signs of his priorities and the start of an effort to erase his predecessor’s agenda.

Avril Haines speaks during her confirmation hearing as Nominee for Director of National Intelligence on Capitol Hill on January 19, in Washington, DC.

Sen. Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, dropped his hold on Avril Haines to be director of national intelligence, announcing on the floor that she had answered his outstanding questions.

Democratic and GOP senators expect she will be confirmed tonight with a big bipartisan vote.

President Joe Biden will then have one of his nominees on Inauguration Day; former President Trump had two, while former President’s Barack Obama and George W. Bush had even more.

Hours after he was sworn in, President Joe Biden sent notice to the United Nations that the US will reenter the Paris climate accord, the landmark international agreement signed in 2015 to limit global warming, a sign of Biden’s urgency to address the climate crisis.

The US abandoned the agreement late last year on former President Trump’s orders. Trump spent much of his time in office weakening many of the country’s bedrock climate and environmental guardrails.

Experts say that rejoining Paris is a significant step by the Biden administration to reverse the climate policies of the last four years.

Now comes the hard work: As he takes the reins of the executive branch, the challenges that Biden faces rival any confronted by his 45 predecessors — an out-of-control pandemic, a sputtering economy and the threat of right-wing extremist violence stoked by viral misinformation.

Biden’s action on Paris sends a strong message that the US is prepared to cooperate in the fight against climate change and seek to reclaim the leadership role it once held, experts say. Under the agreement, countries are expected to enhance their commitments to curb greenhouse gas emissions every five years.

In 30 days, the US will be back in the agreement. From there, experts expect the pressure on the Biden administration to ratchet up.

President Joe Biden, on camera, signed three executive orders Wednesday meant as early signs of his priorities and the start of an effort to erase his predecessor’s agenda.

Biden signed an order requiring masks on federal property, one meant to ensure racial equality and another rejoining the Paris climate accord.

Biden said they would be the first of many during his first days in office.

“As we indicated earlier we’re going to be signing a number of executive orders over the next several days to week,” he said.

“Some of the executive actions that I’m going to be signing today are going to help change the course of the Covid crisis and combat climate change in ways we haven’t done so far,” he went on.

He called the moves “starting points” that fulfilled his promises during the campaign.

“There’s a long way to go. These are just executive actions,” he went on. “But we’re going to need legislation for a lot of these we’re going to do.”

CNN reported that Biden plans to take 17 executive actions during his first hours in office, moving faster and more aggressively to dismantle his predecessor’s legacy than any other modern president.

Sen. Mitch McConnell spoke on the Senate floor for the first time as Senate minority leader of the 117th Congress.

McConnell praised President Joe Biden for his speech today, specifically for emphasizing his call for unity and finding common ground.

He also congratulated Harris for her historic role.

“This groundbreaking achievement elicits national pride, it transcends politics. All citizens can applaud the fact that this new three-word phrase ‘Madam vice president’ is now a part of our American lexicon,” McConnell said.

As she was leaving the Capitol after presiding in the Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris was asked how it felt to take the chair as the now-president of the Senate. 

Earlier today, Harris swore in three senators: Georgia’s Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, as well as Harris’ replacement in California, Alex Padilla.

With the swearing-in of three Democratic senators, the party breakdown of the Senate will be 50-50. Harris wields power as the Senate’s crucial tie-breaking vote.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in his speech on the Senate floor he is “full of hope” with the Democratic majority and President Joe Biden in the White House.

He said the Senate plans to be busy and he wants to work with his Democratic colleagues. 

“And to my Republican colleagues, when and where we can a Democratic majority will strive to make this important work bipartisan. The Senate works best when we work together. We have no choice. The challenges we face are great. The divisions in the country are real. We have no choice but to try to work together every day to reward the faith the American people have placed in us. So let us begin,” Schumer said.

President Joe Biden said his predecessor left him a “very generous letter” before departing office.

Speaking from behind the Resolute Desk, Biden said he would not reveal the contents of the letter out of respect for former President Donald Trump.

“The President wrote a very generous letter,” Biden said. “Because it was private I will not talk about it until I talk to him.”

President Joe Biden told reporters he is signing “bold” executive actions during his first appearance in the Oval Office.

“There’s no time to start like today,” Biden told reporters.

He said these actions are meant to keep his promises to the American people.

“We’re going to need legislation for a lot of the things,” Biden said.

Biden plans to take 17 executive actions during his first hours in office, moving faster and more aggressively to dismantle his predecessor’s legacy than any other modern president.

Biden will sign a flurry of executive orders, memoranda and directives to agencies, making his first moves to address the coronavirus pandemic and undo some of Donald Trump’s signature policies.

Watch the moment:

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Rep. Linda Sánchez speaks during a news conference on July 29, 2020.

As President Joe Biden begins his first day in office, a group of House Democrats announced that they will lead the effort to pass Biden’s immigration bill on Capitol Hill. 

In a narrowly-held Senate, the climb on immigration is steep especially given how far to the right Republicans have moved in the issue since the 2013 bipartisan bill. Still, this is yet another sign of the coordinated approach the Biden administration is taking with Democratic allies on the hill to push their agenda forward. 

Reps. Joaquin Castro, Raul Ruiz, and Linda Sánchez spoke with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Tuesday about the legislation, according to a source familiar with the meeting.

Biden’s bill, titled US Citizenship Act of 2021, addresses the millions of undocumented immigrants living in the US, boosts border technology, and targets the root causes of migration, according to incoming White House officials.

More details: The bill provides an immediate pathway to citizenship for farmworkers, recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, and Temporary Protected Status holders. It also sketches out a plan for undocumented immigrants that would allow them to eventually apply for green cards if they pass background checks and pay taxes.

Gregg Alexander of the New Radicals performs during the Virtual Parade Across America on January 20.

The band “New Radicals” reunited for the first time in 22 years to perform a song with a personal connection to President-elect Joe Biden’s family during the virtual inaugural parade.

The group performed their 1998 hit “You Get What You Give” as the part of the virtual “Parade Across America,” a song that was a favorite of Biden’s late son, Beau Biden.

“When we heard that our song ‘You Get What You Give’ was a Biden family anthem, we pledged that if Joe won we would get together and play our little song both in memory and honor of our new President’s patriot son Beau and also with the prayer that Joe will be able to bring our country together again,” said Gregg Alexander, frontman of the New Radicals.

In her eulogy of Beau Biden in 2015, Ashley Biden, the President-elect’s daughter, described the tune as a “theme song” for Beau, who often played it for her while he was battling brain cancer.

“In retrospect, I think Beau played that song during our mornings together – not for him, but for me,” she said. “To remember to not give up or let sadness consume me, consume us.”

Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman, also used the song as his walk-up song during the presidential campaign.

There’s much work to be done as the White House prepares for new tenants.

In the small window of time between Donald Trump’s 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue departure, and ahead of President Joe Biden’s arrival, staffers are feverishly preparing for a new first family.

“They [the Bidens] will spend the night there after a thorough deep clean worthy of a pandemic,” reported CNN’s Kate Bennett from on the ground in Washington, DC.

Meanwhile, with so much political work to be done, Biden need not worry about the clothes on his back nor the food in his stomach, as those details are being handled as well.

“The fridge has been stocked with their favorite foods,” noted Bennett, adding “their closets have been filled with their clothes … this is now their home.”

Jon Ossoff, age 33, just became the youngest senator in the chamber, and the youngest Democrat to serve in the Senate since President Joe Biden, who was sworn into the chamber at the age of 30 in 1973.

Ossoff also made history as the first Jewish senator representing Georgia.

The senator was sworn in moments ago by Vice President Kamala Harris alongside his Georgia counterpart, Raphael Warnock, as well as Harris’ replacement in California, Alex Padilla.

With the swearing-in of three Democratic senators, the party breakdown of the Senate will be 50-50. Harris wields power as the Senate’s crucial tie-breaking vote.

Kamala Harris is on the Senate floor for the first time since becoming vice president and is swearing in three senators: Georgia’s Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, as well as Harris’ replacement in California, Alex Padilla.

The swearing-in of the three new senators will be groundbreaking. Warnock and Ossoff will be the first Black and first Jewish senators, respectively, representing Georgia, while Padilla will be California’s first Latino senator.

Ossoff, 33, will also be the youngest senator in the chamber, and the youngest Democrat to serve in the Senate since President Joe Biden, who was sworn into the chamber at the age of 30 in 1973.

Remember: After Warnock, Ossoff and Padilla are sworn in, the party breakdown of the Senate will be 50-50. Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer will become the first New Yorker and first Jewish lawmaker to become Senate majority leader.

Harris will wield power as the Senate’s crucial tie-breaking vote, helping the Biden administration confirm its appointments and giving Democrats the gavels of committees in charge of holding oversight hearings and crafting far-reaching legislation.

See the moment:

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Vice President Kamala Harris returned to the Capitol to swear in three new senators on Wednesday: Georgia’s Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, and California’s Alex Padilla. 

President Joe Biden is in the Oval Office for the first time since being sworn in, a White House officials tells CNN. 

A former White House official told CNN that former President Trump left his departure note for Biden on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, given that’s the same place Barack Obama had left his. 

Vice President Kamala Harris has left the White House grounds and is headed to the Capitol, where she is expected to swear in three new Democratic senators.

Those three senators are Georgia’s Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, as well as Harris’ replacement in California, Alex Padilla. The Senate convened at 4:30 p.m. ET today.

The swearing-in of the three new senators will be groundbreaking. Warnock and Ossoff will be the first Black and first Jewish senators, respectively, representing Georgia, while Padilla will be California’s first Latino senator.

Remember: After Warnock, Ossoff and Padilla are sworn in, the party breakdown of the Senate will be 50-50. Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer will become the first New Yorker and first Jewish lawmaker to become Senate majority leader.

Harris will wield power as the Senate’s crucial tie-breaking vote, helping the Biden administration confirm its appointments and giving Democrats the gavels of committees in charge of holding oversight hearings and crafting far-reaching legislation.

One of the first things President Biden will see when he sits down in the Oval Office for the first time today is a letter left there by his predecessor.

A former White House official tells CNN that former President Trump left his departure note for Biden on the Resolute Desk, given that’s the same place Barack Obama had left his. 

President Joe Biden's Cabinet nominees Janet Yellen, Alejandro Mayorkas, Avril Haines, Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken.

Many of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet nominees could be stalled until Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer cut a deal on a resolution outlining how they’ll share power in the Senate, GOP and Democratic senators said Wednesday.

That’s because the power-sharing agreement will specify how many Democratic and Republican senators will sit on the various committees and will formally allow Democrats to assume the chairmanships of the key committees.

Without an agreement, the committee ratios from the last Congress, when Republicans maintained control of the Senate, will continue. And that means that Biden will need cooperation from Republicans to begin committee consideration, or he’ll have to wait until McConnell and Schumer reach an agreement on the resolution.

Some context: That raises the stakes for the talks between McConnell and Schumer, which hit a snag on Tuesday when the GOP leader demanded that Schumer take off the table the possibility that Democrats may try to gut the filibuster, which is the potent stall tactic that could derail legislation absent 60 votes.

Many Democrats have called for changes to filibuster rules to reduce the threshold to 51 votes, but Schumer lacks enough support within his caucus to invoke the so-called nuclear option to change the rules.

Nevertheless, McConnell has asked Schumer for assurances that the filibuster will be spared, something that Schumer has yet to do. Schumer has called on the Senate rules to mirror the 2001 agreement when the chamber was also initially split 50-50, with both sides holding an equal number of seats on committees and tied votes on legislation and nominations would go straight to the floor.

The two most likely nominees who might get confirmed quickly are Janet Yellen to the Treasury Department and Avril Haines to be director of national intelligence, but there still needs to be an agreement to hold votes on the nominations. It remains to be seen when other nominees might be considered.

Watching Kamala Harris enter the White House grounds as the nation’s first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president will resonate across the globe, said CNN’s Bakari Sellers this afternoon. 

“For little Black girls around the world, today means so much to watch her walk in with the swag, watch her walk in with the dignity, to hear [reporters] say ‘Madam vice president,’ it just means so much,” he said, as Harris made her way from Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House grounds with her family. 

“Today she stands on the shoulders of Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Baker, …Shirley Chisholm … and she stands on the shoulders of Hillary Clinton and she has shattered so many glass ceilings that and even if you didn’t vote for her or support her, this is her story that we’re watching,” continued Sellers. 

“Today is just an awesome day,” he added. “I hope and I know my wife is sitting at home watching with our two girls balling at the history that’s being made with Kamala Devi Harris.” 

Watch the moment:

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President Joe Biden is now at the White House and Vice President Kamala Harris is at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building after being sworn in earlier today at the US Capitol.

They also visited Arlington National Cemetery and were joined by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

A virtual “Parade Across America” is happening now. According to a Presidential Inaugural Committee news release, the parade will include “diverse, dynamic performances in communities in all 56 states and territories, celebrate America’s heroes, and highlight the diversity, heritage, and resilience of the country.”

Here’s a look at the events that will come next:

Read more about today’s events here.

Queen Elizabeth sent a private congratulatory message ahead of the inauguration to President Biden, a royal source said Wednesday. 

The letter’s content was not disclosed. It is normal for the Queen to congratulate a fellow head of state at their inauguration.

US stocks ended at all-time highs Wednesday. The inauguration of President Joe Biden and expectations for more government stimulus, in addition to a so far successful earnings season, pushed the market higher.

Here’s how stocks closed:

Remember: As stocks settle after the trading day, levels might still change slightly.

Kamala Harris just entered the Eisenhower Executive Office Building for the first time as vice president after walking a parade route to the White House grounds with her family.

Harris made history today, becoming the first female, first Black and first South Asian US vice president.

As she walked to the White House grounds alongside her family, she told CNN’s Jim Sciutto that she was “walking to work.”

What’s next: Harris is expected to swear in three new Democratic senators tomorrow afternoon after she herself is sworn in as the new Vice President, aides familiar with the matter tell CNN. 

Those three are Georgia’s Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, as well as Harris’ replacement in California, Alex Padilla. The Senate will convene at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Watch the moment:

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President Joe Biden called today a “national day of unity,” using a White House proclamation outlining similar themes of his inaugural address. 

The President added: “We do so at a moment of great peril and promise for our nation. A once-in-a-century deadly pandemic. A historic and deepening economic crisis. Calls for racial justice some 400 years in the making. A climate crisis with force and fury. We also feel the rise in political extremism and domestic terrorism — unleashed just days ago on our Capitol, the citadel of freedom, but brewing long before — that we must confront and defeat.”

One little nugget that might get lost in Joe Biden becoming the oldest person to ever assume the office of the presidency is the year in which he was born (1942). That allows Biden to claim another historical achievement:

Biden is the first and likely to be the only Silent Generation president. 

Although generations are an inexact science, Biden is the first president to be born between 1928 and 1945. In other words, old enough to be born before the end of World War II and young enough to not have been drafted into the army before the war came to an end.  

Indeed, Biden is the first president to be born before the end of World War II in almost 30 years. Every president starting with Bill Clinton is a member of the Baby Boomer generation. 

Every president from John F. Kennedy to George H.W. Bush was born between 1901 and 1927 (i.e. the Greatest Generation).  

Biden succeeded where other members of the Silent Generation (e.g. Michael Dukakis, Walter Mondale and John McCain) had failed before him. 

Vice President Kamala Harris emerged from her vehicle, just minutes behind President Joe Biden, and is walking with her family to the White House grounds, for her first time as vice president.

“This is a rite of passage the vice president is continuing as she historically greets her first afternoon and evening as vice president of the United States,” said White House correspondent Kate Bennett.

Watch the moment:

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Former host of the “Daily Show” and comedian Jon Stewart kicked off President Joe Biden’s inaugural committee’s “virtual parade across America.”

“This year we’ve had to create a new style of parade allowing Americans from our states and US Territories the ability to participate safely from their hometowns,” Stewart said.

Stewart introduced Dr. Jason Campbell, from Oregon, representing one of the many frontline workers who have been battling the Covid-19 pandemic. Campbell is known as “the dancing TikTok doc.”

The inaugural committee’s “virtual parade across America,” will feature performances in communities from across the country.

According to a Presidential Inaugural Committee news release, the parade will include “diverse, dynamic performances in communities in all 56 states and territories, celebrate America’s heroes, and highlight the diversity, heritage, and resilience of the country.”

Watch Jon Stewart kick off “virtual parade across America”:

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Joe Biden walked onto the White House grounds for the first time as President.

He was greeted by military members and a band with first lady Jill Biden by his side.

The band played “Hail to the Chief” and “God Bless America” as the couple looked out.

See the moment:

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President Joe Biden took a moment to jog over to a press area, while he was walking to the White House, and fist bumped a member of the press, according to CNN’s Brianna Keilar, who was standing nearby.

“Keep doing what you’re doing,” Biden said, she reported.

Watch the moment:

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President Joe Biden exited the Beast, the presidential vehicle, and walked to the White House, alongside first lady Jill Biden and their family.

Biden briefly stopped to greet DC Mayor Muriel Bowser on the sidelines.

Watch the moment:

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The inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to honor President Joe Biden’s incoming administration is largely a virtual one. 

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to receive a presidential escort from 15th Street to the White House including the US Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard and the commander in chief’s Guard and Fife Drum Corps.

Every branch of the military will be represented in the presidential escort, according to the inaugural committee.

The drumlines from the University of Delaware and Howard University will join that event to honor the alma maters of the new president and vice president.

The inaugural committee is also hosting a “virtual parade across America,” which will feature performances in communities across the country — much like the virtual program at the Democratic National Convention, which was forced to go online over the summer in efforts to keep the virus from spreading.

According to a Presidential Inaugural Committee news release, the parade will feature “diverse, dynamic performances in communities in all 56 states and territories, celebrate America’s heroes, and highlight the diversity, heritage, and resilience of the country.”

Here’s what comes next after the parade:

President-elect Joe Biden, flanked by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, delivers remarks in Wilmington, Delaware, on January 15.

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ alma maters, University of Delaware and Howard University, will be represented at the inauguration with both schools’ drumlines scheduled to perform live from Washington.

They will escort Biden and Harris from 15th Street to the White House and help kick off the “Parade Across America” with live performances.

According to a Presidential Inaugural Committee news release, the parade will feature “diverse, dynamic performances in communities in all 56 states and territories, celebrate America’s heroes, and highlight the diversity, heritage, and resilience of the country.”

Joe Biden was sworn in today in DC and became the 46th president of the United States.

He was sworn in on a 19th century family Bible that has been in the Biden family since 1893.

In his address today, Biden spoke about unity following the Jan. 6 US Capitol attack and called on Americans to come together.

“Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path,” Biden said. “We have to be different than this. America has to be better than this.”

“I will be a president for all Americans,” Biden said. “I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as those who did.”

You can read his full address here.

A lot of analysis will note that President Joe Biden has wanted this job for a long time. After all, his first run for the White House ended in 1987. 

But it’s important to realize that Biden’s bid for the presidency looked destined to fail a year ago. 

Biden came in fourth place in the Iowa caucuses and a distant fifth place in the New Hampshire primary. You won’t find another president who did as poorly in both contests in the modern era. Then he came in second in the Nevada caucuses.

Numerous models had Biden’s shot of winning the Democratic nomination down to 10% to 15% during this time period.

Biden, however, persevered. He won the South Carolina primary and rolled on Super Tuesday. 

Soon after, the coronavirus pandemic came into full focus. It remains the No. 1 problem for the Biden administration to tackle.  

Presidential historian Timothy Naftali reminded viewers of the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Arlington Cemetery, as President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were joined by three former presidents — Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — in a wreath-laying ceremony.

Naftali said the moment also served as a reminder that the might of America’s military belongs to the people that it had withstood any attempts to corrupt its purpose in the previous four years. 

“When the history of the last four years is written, the story of our military and how it generally lived up to the highest principles of its tradition, despite the pressure to be corrupted will be a powerful story,” he said. “I think it’s also appropriate that this laying on of hands of the former presidents with President Biden is occurring at a national sacred spot also at the beating heart of our military.”

Watch:

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Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, said that Joe Biden is made for this moment.

“I think that the moment and the man are made for each other,” Clinton said.

Clinton said she was “relieved and grateful” to be able to attend inauguration. 

“I was so relieved and grateful that we were able to celebrate the transfer of power in a peaceful way, which has been a hallmark of our country,” Clinton said. “It meant a great deal to so many Americans to see the ceremony conducted on the platform where just a few weeks ago marauders and terrorists had been attempting to stop democracy, so it really lifted my heart.”

Talking further about why Biden is the right leader for the moment, Clinton said “he brings a deep sense of empathy, rising out of his own personal experiences. But it’s a clear part of his character to listen to people, to people, try to lift people up. And I think our country right now needs a caring, compassionate, empathetic leader. And Joe Biden is all of that.”

On Kamala Harris becoming a historic vice president, Clinton said she was “thrilled.” 

“But I was also delighted because she’s a friend of mine. I am convinced she’s going to be a terrific partner to Joe Biden and, you know, really put all of her experience and the expertise to work on behalf of the American people. I don’t think we could ask for anything more,” she said. 

Following their inauguration ceremony earlier today, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited Arlington National Cemetery where they were joined by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Here’s a look at what events come next:

Read more about today’s events here.

It’s no secret President Joe Biden is a creature of the Senate, but given the significant policy pushes they plan to make, it is notable that his team has already started laying the groundwork for the bipartisan cooperation he has said he wants.

Sources say his economic team has briefed lawmakers in both chambers, some on an individual basis, over the course of the last several days, as they attempt to lay the groundwork for their stimulus proposal. 

Biden’s legislative affairs team is packed with respected Hill vets – Shuwanza Goff on the House side and Reema Dodin on the Senate side – who will play a huge role in what, if anything, gets accomplished in the coming weeks and months on legislation. 

What to watch: Pay attention to the executive actions today and over the next several days. But make no mistake – Biden’s team is laying the groundwork for a major legislative push, and they’ve staffed up in a way they think will give them a real opportunity to get something done.

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are joined by three former presidents — Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton are also at the event.

Watch the moment:

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Before President Joe Biden even reaches the White House, some members of his staff have already arrived in the West Wing and are beginning to unpack.

Aides tell CNN they arrived moments after Biden was sworn in.

A hallway in the West Wing filled with framed photographs of the Trump administration was swiftly replaced with gold-framed images of Biden’s last speech in Delaware and Tuesday night’s Covid-19 memorial on the National Mall, including photos of the President and the first lady.  

Aides from the information technology department were seen removing keyboards from every desk and replacing them with a fresh, new keyboard, along with monitors and docking stations. A cart full of new keyboards was in the hallway between lower and upper press offices.  

In addition to the new tech gear, each desk had a “personal desk starter kit” with basic office supplies, as well as a sheet with emergency procedure protocols, and the names and phone numbers of different offices.  

Plexiglass barricades were installed at the desk of a US Secret Service agent stationed in the West Wing.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, wishing them success in facing the big challenges ahead, according to WAFA, the Palestinian official news agency.

“We look forward to working together for peace and stability in the region and the world,” Abbas said in his letter to Biden, WAFA reported.

Abbas affirmed his readiness for “a comprehensive and just peace process that would achieve the aspirations of the Palestinian people in freedom and independence.” WAFA added.

The secure car President Joe Biden is traveling in today has a double-digit plate: 46, in honor of Biden becoming the US’s 46th president.

Biden took the oath of office at the Capitol earlier today. He’s now traveling to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are traveling to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Bidens will be joined by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

Biden participated in a pass in review on the East front of the Capitol with members of the military after his inauguration ceremony to review the readiness of military troops.

Pass in reviews are a military tradition that reflects the peaceful transfer of power to a new commander-in-chief.

President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff are participating in a pass in review on the East front of the Capitol with members of the military.

Pass in reviews are a military tradition that reflects the peaceful transfer of power to a new commander-in-chief. Biden, hosted by the Commander of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, will review the readiness of military troops.

Every branch of the military will be represented in this event.

“Pass in Reviews are a long-standing military tradition that reflect the peaceful transfer of power to a new Commander-in-Chief, during which the President-elect, hosted by the Commander of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, will review the readiness of military troops. Every branch of the military will be represented in this event,” the inaugural committee said.

Participants will practice social distancing and there will be “vigorous health and safety protocols in place,” according to the committee.

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Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy said that he listened to President Joe Biden’s inaugural address about tension and division in the country and that he looked forward to “go forth from here together.”

McCarthy presented President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris with a photo from the inauguration ceremony.

“Our task as leaders is to bind this nation’s wounds and dedicate ourselves to the values of all Americans shared together. With modern technology just a few minutes ago, it captured in these pictures, history in the making for all the world to see. This picture should serve as a reminder of that task that we have before us,” he said.

Some background: Republican representatives said that McCarthy was supportive of their plans to oppose the electoral college count and object to certifying President Biden’s win earlier this month.

This was a stark contrast from the position of many prominent Republicans — including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and the former House speaker, Paul Ryan – who publicly and privately raised major concerns about an effort that is doomed to fail but is bound to sow distrust over the sanctity of US elections.

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Congressional leaders presented newly inaugurated President Biden and Vice President Harris with gifts, a long standing tradition.

Sen. Roy Blunt presented Biden with a painting by an African American painter from the Civil War, Robert S. Duncanson, “Landscape by Rainbow.” Blunt noted that first lady Jill Biden helped pick out the piece.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar presented Biden and Harris with Lenox crystal vases. The company is based in Pennsylvania, Biden’s home state.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and presented the President and Vice President with American flags.

McConnell took a moment to also offer a few encouraging remarks to both Biden and Harris, noting how both are not only a son and daughter of the Senate, but that they both managed to skip serving the House altogether. A humorous remark that garnered laugh and applause from those in attendance.

“It’s my honor and privilege to help present these flags of our nation that were flown over today’s event here at the Capitol,” McConnell said.

“The Star Spangled Banner is our greatest symbol of endurance of the American idea. It flies over this building on triumphant days and tragic ones. For all factions and all parties. And today, this flag flew over our former colleagues inauguration as the very first female Vice President of the United States to our very distinguished colleague, Madam Vice President, please accept this flag with the highest compliments and congratulations of the United States Senate,” he said.

Pelosi presented Biden with the same flag that was flown when he was sworn in. “It’s my privilege to extend the flag flown the moment, the early moment that you were sworn in as President of the United States.”

GOP Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who had supported efforts to challenge the election outcome, and Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer welcomed Biden and Harris and presented them with framed photographs of their swearing-in ceremonies.

“Today, Vice President Harris made history and all America should celebrate that. But, we should also remember that this is not the end but just the beginning. As leaders, we’re judged not by our words but by our actions. So, let’s go forth from here together, accomplish great things for the American people and every time you look at this photo, remember the beginning of the job we have to do. Congratulations,” McCarthy said.

WATCH: Congressional leaders present 32-pound gifts to Biden and Harris

French President Emmanuel Macron has tweeted President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcoming the United States back into the Paris climate agreement, a landmark agreement aimed at protecting the planet from the impacts of the climate crisis.

“Best wishes on this most significant day for the American people,” his message also said.

President Biden will sign a slate of executive actions in the Oval Office later on Wednesday, including rejoining the Paris Agreement. He will sign a notice that will be sent to the United Nations later today.

The United States will officially become party to the agreement in 30 days.  

Before leaving office, former President Trump signed a memorandum extending US Secret Service protection by six months for all his children, according to a senior US official. 

Typically the protection applies to children up to age 16 but by signing the memorandum, the US Secret Service will be able to provide protection to all his children. 

President Biden will sign three documents while in the President’s Room at the Capitol.

These are the documents he’s singing:

Following this signing ceremony, Biden, hosted by the Commander of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, will review the readiness of military troops on the East front of the Capitol. Every branch of the military will be represented in this event.

Biden will then travel to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Bidens will be joined by former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

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Many Republican lawmakers are praising President Biden’s speech and his handling of the transition – including the GOP senators whom Biden will need to advance his agenda.

Mitt Romney told reporters that Biden’s speech was “very powerful,” while Sen. Pat Toomey hailed Biden’s call for unity.

Sen. Lisa Murkowksi said Biden’s remarks were well done and “what we needed.”

Sen. Susan Collins said Biden “struck the right themes of unity, a call for us to come together to stop viewing one another as adversaries but rather as fellow Americans,” and she stands “ready to work with him (Biden) to advance common goals.”

Collins says the Republican party “remains united around certain principles that transcend certain personalities.”

The whitehouse.gov website has been updated to reflect Joe Biden is the new President. It now also includes a Spanish language version of the White House’s communications.

La Casa Blanca’s Spanish language communications went dark in 2017 when Trump took office.

Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush both maintained a Spanish version of the White House website.

You can view the archived White House website for now former US President Trump here.

There are obvious differences between President Biden and Vice President Harris (race and gender), but it’s really worth thinking how different they are in terms of their political background. 

Biden has waited forever for this moment. He first ran for president more than 30 years ago. He was first elected to the Senate nearly 50 years ago. 

Harris’ trek to the vice presidency was much shorter in political life. She was elected attorney general of California only 10 years ago. Harris came to the Senate just four years ago. 

It’s one of the most lopsided differences in favor of the president in terms of electoral experience for any president and vice president. 

Usually, presidents choose vice presidents who have more experience than they do (e.g. Trump and Pence or Obama and Biden).

You probably have to go all the way back to the Nixon/Agnew administration to see an instance of a president having so much more elected experience than the vice resident. 

It’ll be interesting to see how this dynamic plays out this time around. 

President Joe Biden tweeted from the @POTUS account for the first time following the inauguration ceremony, writing: “There is no time to waste when it comes to tackling the crises we face.”

He continued: “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.”

Vice President Kamala Harris has also taken control of @VP account.

Vice President 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.

The group spoke for a bit and could be seen laughing together.

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World leaders, politicians and religious leaders congratulated the newly inaugurated President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in a series of messages today.

Here’s what they said:

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga

“Congratulations to President @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris on your inauguration. Japan and the United States are allies tied firmly by bonds and shared universal values.”

Chile’s President Sebastian Piñera

“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. The commitment to democracy, freedom and human rights recognizes no borders. I wish President Biden the best.”

Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

He wished President-elect Joe Biden well ahead of his inauguration on Wednesday. During his daily briefing, Lopez Obrador also said the coronavirus pandemic, economic recovery and migration will be key areas of the bilateral relationship with the United States. “Those three themes are verry important: pandemic, economic recovery and migration,” he said. Lopez Obrador also said Biden should take steps to settle the immigration status of Mexicans working in the US. 

Pakistan Prime Minster Imran Khan

“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.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

In a series of tweets, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his “warmest congratulations” to Biden and Harris.

Pope Francis

The Vatican has published Pope Francis’ message to President Joe Biden following his inauguration, extending “cordial good wishes and the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high office.”

“Under your leadership, may the American people continue to draw strength from the lofty political, ethical and religious values that have inspired the nation since its founding. At a time when the grave crises facing our human family call for farsighted and united responses, I pray that your decisions will be guided by a concern for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom, together with unfailing respect for the rights and dignity of every person, especially the poor, the vulnerable and those who have no voice,” it continues.

The message concludes: “I likewise ask God, the source of all wisdom and truth, to guide your efforts to foster understanding, reconciliation and peace within the United States and among the nations of the world in order to advance the universal common good. With these sentiments, I willingly invoke upon you and your family and the beloved American people an abundance of blessings.”

Amanda Gorman, the nation’s first-ever youth poet laureate, delivered a poem at President Biden’s inauguration on the country’s strength.

Gorman was about halfway through writing the poem when she watched in horror the deadly siege on the US Capitol. Typically, it takes Gorman days to craft a new poem. She said she finished this one immediately.

Watch the full poem here:

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The Jesuit priest who presided over the private mass on Wednesday ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration told CNN that the President-elect wanted to attend the service “to ground everything that will follow.” 

Father Kevin O’Brien is a friend of the Bidens and has acted as a spiritual adviser to them over the years. He presided over the two private masses ahead of Biden’s first and second inaugurations as vice president in 2009 and 2013. 

O’Brien said he spoke to Biden before and after the mass. He said Biden is “really looking forward to this day,” and said, “I think he just deeply wanted the comfort of the rituals of the mass that he’s so familiar with on a day like this. To ground everything that will follow.” 

O’Brien is the president of Santa Clara University in California, and previously ran the campus ministry at Georgetown University. 

He noted that both Republican and Democratic congressional leadership were in attendance Wednesday morning, and said he felt there was a “sense of commonality” at the mass because “we’re all people faith.” 

O’Brien said there were about 100 people in attendance, and described the mass as “intimate.” He said the music at the service was some of Biden’s favorites, including music by Irish violinist Patricia Treacy, opera singer Renee Fleming and a gospel choir from a church in Washington, DC. 

He said an important part of the service was remembering the victims of the coronavirus pandemic. He also closed the mass with a special blessing for Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, “asking for God’s protection and for their health, and for their deep joy in their service.” 

O’Brien said the Bidens “wanted to begin the day in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving,” and noted they have “grounded different parts of their lives in their faith.” 

“Joe and Jill are friends, and I was happy to offer them the support of our of our faith on a day like this. It’s my small way of offering them support, and by offering the encouragement of our faith, which we have in common,” O’Brien said.  

He stressed the significance of Biden becoming only the second Catholic to ever hold the office. 

“Sixty years ago today, John Kennedy went to mass at Holy Trinity Church on the morning of his inauguration,” O’Brien said. “And it’s been 60 years since a President-elect has gone to mass to begin the day. And so, 60 years later, here we are.” 

Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Stephen Breyer did not attend today’s inauguration for President Biden because of public health risks posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the public information officer. 

Justices Alito, Thomas and Breyer are also the oldest members of the court, respectively, at 70, 72 and 82.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sonia Sotomayor administered the swearing ins of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Sotomayor, who suffers from diabetes, has been extremely careful. When she appeared publicly for Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s memorial, she wore a mask and a face shield.

Some of the justices have been working in chambers during the pandemic, although others have been participating from their homes. Justice Breyer, for example, has done some speaking appearances via zoom from his home In Boston. 

At the time of Ginsburg’s memorial and a closed-door welcome for Barrett, the court was extremely strict about masks, according to two sources. This departs from the other branches of government.

The justices have continued to conduct oral arguments and regular conferences by phone. 

The inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris just wrapped up.

Now, there will be an inaugural parade — although it will be largely a virtual one. Biden and Harris will have a presidential escort from 15th Street to the White House including the US Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard and the commander in chief’s Guard and Fife Drum Corps. The drumlines from the University of Delaware and Howard University will join that event to honor the alma maters of the incoming president and vice president.

The parade will be hosted by “Scandal” actor Tony Goldwyn and will feature comedian Jon Stewart, New Radicals and DJ Cassidy’s “Pass the Mic” with performances by Earth Wind & Fire, Nile Rodgers, Kathy Sledge, The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, The Washington Chorus and The Triumph Baptist Church Choir.

Amanda Gorman, the nation’s first-ever youth poet laureate, delivered a message of the country’s resilience through her poem at 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.

Typically, Gorman, who is 22 years old, said it takes her days to craft a new poem. She finished this one immediately.

“We will rebuild, reconcile and recover,” Gorman said in the poem.

Some background: Gorman is no stranger to grand stages. She’s recited her poetry at the Library of Congress, Boston’s Symphony Hall, the Empire State Building’s observation deck and all across the country, performing for such luminaries as Hillary Clinton, Al Gore and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Gorman started writing poems when she was a child, but found it terrifying to perform due to a speech impediment. Biden has struggled with a stutter, Gorman said, and another inauguration poet Maya Angelou – who delivered the poetry reading for Bill Clinton’s first inauguration – was mute for several years when she was a child.

White House Twitter accounts have been transitioned from the Trump administration to the Biden administration, according to Twitter spokesperson Nick Pacilio. 

The Trump administration Twitter accounts are now publicly archived, Pacilio said. Those include @POTUS45, @WhiteHouse45, @VP45, @PressSec45, @FLOTUS45 and @SecondLady45.

Joe Biden vowed that as president, he will commit to being transparent to the American people in his closing remarks.

“My fellow Americans, I close today where I began, with the sacred oath before God and all of you, I give you my word. I will always level with you,” he said during his inauguration address.

Biden promised to defend America for the “public good.”

“I will defend the Constitution. I’ll defend our democracy. I’ll defend America. And I’ll give all, all of you, keep everything I do in your service, thinking not of power, but of possibilities. Not of personal interest, but the public good. And together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear, of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness,” he said.

He ended on a message for Americans, saying that they met the moment.

“May this be the story that guides us, the story that inspires and the stories that tell ages yet to come that we answered the call of history. We met the moment, democracy and hope, truth and justice did not die on our watch but thrived, that America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forebearers, one another and generations to follow. With purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time, sustain by faith, driven by conviction and devoted to one another and the country we love with all hearts,” Biden said.

Kamala Harris has just made history becoming the first first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president in the nation’s history. By her side, her husband Doug Emhoff has also made history, becoming America’s first second gentleman.

Emoff will use the official @SecondGentleman account starting today. 

Earlier this week, he tweeted about his new role:

“I have a growing sense of responsibility. But I know we wouldn’t be here without the support of so many — family, friends, and beyond. Thank you for being in our corner as we take on this next chapter.” 

Emhoff, a successful entertainment lawyer, married Harris in 2014 when she was serving as the attorney general of California. Harris is the stepmother to Emhoff’s two adult children, Cole and Ella,  who affectionately call her “Momala.”

Emoff’s support of Harris throughout her career has been notable, especially during Harris’ run for president. 

And while Emoff has stayed out of the spotlight for the most part, he told GQ Magazine this about his new role: “I might be the first Second Gentleman, but I don’t want to be the last.” 

Country music star Garth Brooks performed “Amazing Grace” following President Joe Biden’s inaugural address.

Brooks called on people in attendance and those watching to sing along with him.

“I’m gonna ask you to sing this last burst with me, the people at home, the people at work, as one united,” Brooks said.

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President Joe Biden used his inaugural speech to send a message to the rest of the world about the US.

“Here’s my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested, and we’ve come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again,” he said, vowing a change from the isolationist policies of his predecessor.

“We’ll lead, not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example. We’ll be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress and security,” he added.

Many European leaders have tweeted their congratulations to the new administration and expressed their optimism at working together.

Newly minted President Joe Biden referenced the current plight of America during his inaugural address, noting that the country has “much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build, and much to gain.”

As the coronavirus American death toll surpassed 400,000 this week, Biden noted that “few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now.”

Speaking specifically of the Covid-19 pandemic, Biden referenced a “once-in-a-century virus, that silently stalks the country. It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II.”

But amid tones of pain and strife, as “millions of jobs have been lost,” and there exists a “cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making,” Biden offered signs of hope.

“To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America, requires so much more than words. It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity.”

Joe Biden just became became the 46th President of the United States. He is the 15th vice president who later became president. 

He is only the second, along with Richard Nixon, to have a gap between serving as vice president and being elected president.

Here’s a breakdown of how vice presidents first became president:

In his inaugural speech as the President of United States of America, Joe Biden called for a fresh start as the country experiences “historic moment of crisis and challenge.”

“For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury. No progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only a state of chaos. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward,” he said. “Hear one another. See one another. Show respect to one another.”

He discouraged against the culture of “total war” in policy-making and the manipulation of facts.

“My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this. America has to be better than this. And I believe America is so much better than this,” he said. .

Evoking Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his famous speech, “I have a dream” and the women protesting for a right to vote, Biden sounded an optimistic note about change.

“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.”

During his inaugural address, President Joe Biden asked Americans to hold their own moment of silence for the more than 400,000 people who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.

“In my first act as President, I’d like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer to remember all of those who we lost this past year to the pandemic,” Biden said.

“Those 400,000 fellow Americans — moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends, neighbors and coworkers. We’ll honor them and become the people and nation we know we can and should be,” Biden continued.

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Vice President Kamala Harris sent her first tweet from the @VP account moments ago, writing, “Ready to serve.”

Twitter has also transferred @POTUS to President Joe Biden.

Joe Biden pledged to be a “president for all Americans,” including those who did not support his campaign at his inauguration address.

“I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did,” Biden said.

Biden continued: “For all those who supported our campaign, I’m humbled by the faith you placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this. Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart. If you still disagree, so be it. That’s democracy. That’s America. The right to dissent peaceably within the guardrails of our republic is perhaps this nation’s greatest strength. Yet hear me clearly. Disagreement must not lead to disunion. And I pledge this to you. I will be a president for all Americans. All Americans. And I promise you, I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did.”

In his inauguration speech, President Joe Biden recognized divisive times in US history but assured that unity has always won out.

“I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal, and the harsh ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonization have long torn us apart,” Biden said. 

He said that through tough times in US history — the Civil War, the Great Depression, both world wars and the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks — “our better angels have always prevailed.”

Biden said that in every instance, Americans have been able to come together for the greater good.

“History, faith and reason show the way, the way of unity,” Biden said.

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President Biden, after taking the oath of office, talked about the importance of unifying the country, saying “my whole soul is in this.”

“Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation,” he said.

The President called on Americans to come together to overcome the extraordinary challenges that face the nation – an idea that he often mentioned on the campaign trail

“To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words and requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy, unity,” Biden said.

“Uniting to fight the foes we face. Anger, resentment and hatred, extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness and hopelessness. With unity we can do great things, important things,” he added.

President Joe Biden offered a forewarning during his inaugural address Wednesday, describing the nation as weathering a “winter of peril” amid a generational pandemic and other ailments.

“We’ll press forward with speed and urgency,” he said. “We have much to do in this winter of peril and significant opportunities.”

Biden said the predicaments currently facing the nation were historic, and said few Americans “have found a time more challenging than the time we are in now.”

He said coronavirus “silently stalks the country” and noted more lives have been lost to the disease than were lost in World War I.

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President Joe Biden thanked his predecessors from “both parties” in his inauguration remarks to the nation, including those who couldn’t be present.

“I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart… And I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength, the strength of our nation, as does President Carter, who I spoke with last night, who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime in service,” Biden said.

He acknowledged the power that comes with taking the “sacred oath” that was taken by former presidents.

“I have just taken a sacred oath each of those patriots taken. The oath first sworn by Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On we, the people, who seek a more perfect union. This is a great nation. We are good people,” Biden said.

After taking the oath of office, Joe Biden said that the Inauguration Day was a celebration of democracy and that the “the will of the people has been heard.”

“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.”

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As Joe Biden is set to officially become President at noon ET, he called today “America’s day” in his speech at the US Capitol.

“This is democracy’s day, a day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve,” Biden said. 

“America has been tested anew, and America has risen to the challenge,” he added.

He said the “cause of democracy” is celebrated today.

“The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded,” Biden said.

Joe Biden just took the oath of office. He was sworn in by Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.

At noon ET, Biden will officially become the 46th president of the United States.

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Jennifer Lopez performed “America the Beautiful” after Kamala Harris took the oath of office.

Lopez quoted a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish during her performance, saying,”Una nación bajo Dios, indivisible, con libertad y justicia para todos.”

Which in English translates to, “One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Watch her performance:

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Kamala Harris has just taken the oath of office.

At noon ET, Harris will officially become the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president.

She was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

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Lady Gaga performed the US National Anthem with the US marine band, using a golden mic. She had a golden dove-shaped broach pinned to her coat.

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In remarks at President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony, Republican Sen. Roy Blunt referenced the Jan. 6 attack at the US Capitol, saying that it “reminds us that a government to balance and check itself, is both fragile and resilient.”

Blunt called the ceremony a moment to unify the United States after the attack. 

“This is not a moment of division. It’s a moment of unification. A new administration begins and brings with it a new beginning. And with that, our great national debate goes forward and a determined democracy will continue to be more essential in pursuit of a more perfect union and a better future for all Americans,” he added.

Democratic Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar welcomed attendees and global viewers to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

“This ceremony is the culmination of 244 years of a democracy,” Klobuchar said, adding, “It is a moment when leaders brought to the stage by the will of the people promise to be faithful to our Constitution, to cherish it and defend it.”

As snow flurries fell on Capitol Hill, Klobuchar referenced the stark contrast to the scene just 14 days prior.

“Two weeks ago, when an angry violent mob staged an insurrection and desecrated this temple of our democracy, it awakened us to our responsibilities as Americans,” she stated, adding that today “is the day when our democracy picks itself up, brushes off the dust and does what America always does: goes forward as a nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

See Klobuchar’s tweet:

Sen. Amy Klobuchar reflects on the significance of today’s inauguration at the US Capitol in the wake of a riot in the same place two weeks ago.

“This is the day when our democracy picks itself up, brushes off the dust and does what America always does, goes forward as a nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” she said at the start of the ceremony.

She said now, as the country turns the page, it is up to everyone to “take up the torch of our democracy” to be an instrument of good.

“We pledge today never to take our democracy for granted as we celebrate its remarkable strength. We celebrate its resilience, its grit,” Klobuchar said.

Watch moment:

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US Vice President Joe Biden is sworn in on January 20, 2009.

When Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president, it’s expected he’ll have his hand where it has been every time he’s taken an oath of office before – on the Biden family Bible. 

The Bible is five inches thick, features a Celtic cross on the cover, and has been in the Biden family since 1893.

Biden used the Bible each time he took the oath as vice president and for each of his seven Senate swearings-in, starting in 1973. The Bible was used during his swearing-in as Vice President in 2009 and 2013.

In 2009, Biden’s final oath in the Senate was delayed when the Bible couldn’t be located, the Wilmington News Journal reported. Beau Biden, Biden’s son who died in 2015, also used the Bible when he was sworn in as attorney general of Delaware in 2007.

“Every important date is in there. For example, every time I’ve been sworn in for anything, the date has been on that, and it’s inscribed on the Bible,” Biden told Stephen Colbert in December 2020. “Our son, when he was sworn in as attorney general, all the important dates in our family, going way back. And it’s just been a family heirloom.”

President Donald Trump granted one additional pardon in the final hours of his presidency.

“Today, President Donald J. Trump granted a full pardon to Albert J. Pirro, Jr.,” deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement to pool. 

Pirro is the ex-husband of Trump ally and Fox News personality Judge Jeanine Pirro. He was convicted on conspiracy and tax evasion charges after improperly deducting $1.2 million of his personal expenses in business write-offs.

Kamala Harris is set to make history as the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president, and she will take her oath in the color purple as a nod to Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman to run for president.

“Kamala Harris is wearing purple, something pretty significant to her. When she ran for president, one of her colors of her campaign was purple and yellow. That is a nod to Shirley Chisholm who ran for president as a black woman decades ago and has inspired her political career,” CNN’s Abby Phillip reports.

Chisholm campaigned for the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1972.

Phillip added:

“You see Kamala Harris nodding to this major moment in American history for so many women, people of color, for her sorority sisters in Alpha Kappa Alpha, incorporated.”

Kamala Harris is expected to take her oath of office today using two Bibles; one that previously belonged to a former neighbor and family friend of Harris’, Regina Shelton, and another that belonged to Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court, according to a Harris aide.

She will be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Harris has described Shelton as a second mother to her. She and her sister Maya often visited Shelton’s house after school while their mother, the late Shyamala Gopalan, was still at work as a breast cancer researcher. Harris used Shelton’s Bible to take the oath of office to be attorney general of California and later to become a United States senator.

“In office and into the fight, I carry Mrs. Shelton with me always,” Harris wrote in an op-ed for Bustle about Shelton titled, “Without This Woman, I Wouldn’t Be The Senator I Am Today.”

Harris has often said that Marshall was one of the inspirations for her legal career and has described him as a “childhood hero of mine.”

The vice president-elect said in a video posted to Twitter in July, “Thurgood Marshall and the work that he did is … really one of the main reasons I wanted to be a lawyer. Thurgood was a fighter, he was a boxer in the courtroom.”

Harris will make history as the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president, and she will be sworn in by the first Hispanic and third female justice in US Supreme Court history, Sonia Sotomayor.

President-elect Joe Biden was just introduced for his inauguration at the US Capitol and is set to be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.

He followed Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as Vice President Mike Pence and Supreme Court justices at the event.

Chief Justice John Roberts will swear-in Biden.

Biden fist-bumped with Obama as he passed the former president.

Watch the moment:

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Commercial flights at Washington Reagan National Airport are halted until after President-Elect Joe Biden takes the oath of office, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.  

The FAA instituted a ground stop from 10:30 a.m. ET to 12:15 p.m. ET for the inauguration, according to FAA data. The agency also issued a bulletin to pilots. 

Flights bound for Washington are being held at the origin airport, the FAA said.  

Aviation security has been a particular concern leading up Inauguration Day, and the already-secure airspace around Washington, DC, is more secure today. Flights that aren’t commercial, police, or military are being kept outside a 30-mile ring around the district.

In the days before and after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, videos on social media showed passengers harassing flight crews and fellow travelers. The FAA said it would enact a zero-tolerance policy against unruly in-flight behavior by passengers and issue fines of as much as $35,000. 

President Trump kept an eye on the inauguration proceedings on his way to Palm Beach, a person on board the flight tells CNN. 

The Trumps walked off Air Force One shortly after Vice President Mike Pence walked in to the ceremony at the US Capitol, where Joe Biden is about to be sworn in. 

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was just introduced at the inauguration ceremony. She’s being escorted by Capitol Police office Eugene Goodman, who has been hailed as a hero after video emerged of him guiding the violent mob away from the Senate chamber during the Capitol riot.

Harris is taking her seat alongside her husband, Doug Emhoff.

Harris will soon take the oath of office, becoming the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president.

Watch moment:

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Kamala Harris will make history as the first woman, the first woman of color, the first Black person and the first South Asian to be Vice President.

In addition, Harris will be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic Justice in the court’s history.

Sotomayor was nominated to the Supreme Court by former President Barack Obama in 2009. Like Harris, Sotomayor broke barriers throughout her career. She is the third female justice in US Supreme Court history, and she was the first Hispanic person to be appointed to the federal bench in New York.

Harris honored Sotomayor in 2019 during Hispanic Heritage Month with the following tweet:

Vice President Mike Pence arrives at the inauguration ceremony.

President Trump is not there. He is the first outgoing president to skip his replacement’s inauguration in more than 150 years.

Watch moment:

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President Trump and the first lady have just landed in Florida. 

Trump had a short farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews earlier this morning. In brief, unscripted remarks, he promised to “always fight” and wished the incoming Biden administration “great luck.”

“You are amazing people. This is a great, great country. It is my greatest honor and privilege to have been your President,” Trump said to a crowd of his family and staff.  

Trump will be in Florida when President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are sworn in at noon, at which point he will no longer be president.

Vice President Mike Pence left a note for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. This was expected to happen.

Harris and Pence spoke on the phone last week.

President Trump also wrote a note for President-elect Joe Biden. A source described it as a “personal note” that continues the theme he had in his farewell address, praying for the success of the country and the new administration to care for the country.

The Supreme Court justices were just introduced at the inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol.

Chief Justice John Roberts will swear in Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. Justice Sonia Sotomayor will swear in Kamala Harris as Vice President.

Watch moment:

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Former President Bill Clinton and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton were just introduced at the inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol.

Moments later, Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush were also announced.

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are also at the Capitol for the event.

Former President Jimmy Carter, the oldest living former President, is not expected to attend today’s ceremony.

President Trump left the White House earlier this morning and will also not attend Biden’s inauguration.

Watch moment:

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Moments after arriving at the US Capitol for the inauguration, Joe Biden’s account sent a tweet with a message to his wife, soon-to-be first lady Jill Biden.

The tweet said: “I love you, Jilly, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have you with me on the journey ahead.” It included a short video of the Bidens holding hands as they arrived for the ceremony.

Senate leaders were just announced at the US Capitol, and senators then took their seats ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden.

A band is playing as other lawmakers and VIPs make their way to their seats at the Capitol. Usually, crowds of supporters would be gathered on the National Mall, but today — due to coronavirus and security concerns — the Mall is filled with American flags instead.

Biden is set to take the oath of office at noon ET, officially becoming the 46th president of the US.

One of the biggest challenges facing organizers of this year’s inauguration was how to conduct the ceremony safely amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced in mid-December that “vigorous health and safety protocols” will be implemented to prevent the spread of the virus. Traditional events will be “reimagined,” like the virtual inaugural parade, or canceled altogether, like the Capitol Hill luncheon. The inaugural committee also urged the public to refrain from traveling to Washington, DC for the ceremony and instead participate in inaugural activities from home

Here are some additional ways the inauguration changed due to the coronavirus pandemic:

Limited attendance: 

Health and safety protocols: 

“Reimagined” or canceled events: 

President-elect Joe Biden just arrived at the US Capitol with his wife, Jill Biden.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff were also seem climbing the steps of the US Capitol alongside Biden.

Harris and Biden are scheduled to take their oaths of office shortly.

Watch the moment:

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President Trump departing to speakers blaring Frank Sinatra as President-elect Biden sat quietly in church is a pretty decent metaphor for the outgoing and incoming presidents. 

I’m not sure it has quite has sunk in yet in how loud Trump was and how much quieter it is likely to be in the next four years. 

Trump dominated the media like few before him. It helped propel him to the 2016 GOP nomination. And ultimately, it led to his downfall. 

Even until this late hour in Trump’s presidency, more people are searching for Trump than Biden on Google. 

Biden won’t be on Twitter every waking moment. (I guess Trump isn’t anymore, either.) 

It’s not that there won’t be action from Biden: In fact, he has a clear agenda. Rather, there will be set moments of action with a lot less talking in-between from Biden. 

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be escorted to inauguration ceremony by Eugene Goodman, the Capitol Police officer who became face of the resistance to rioters who stormed the Capitol two weeks ago today.

A Biden aide confirms to CNN that Goodman will escort Harris in his new role as acting deputy House sergeant at arms.

President-elect Joe Biden’s motorcade has arrived at the US Capitol ahead of his inauguration.

Congressional leaders are expected to greet him upon his entrance to the Capitol building.

Biden is expected to take the oath of office outside the building at noon ET.

See President-Elect Biden arrive at Capitol ahead of his inauguration:

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Vice President Mike Pence just arrived at the US Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

President Trump is not attending. He gave a farewell address earlier in the day before boarding Air Force One and heading to Florida.

See moment Pence arrives at Capitol for inauguration:

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The uncle of Kamala Harris says his sister, Shyamala Gopalan, would have been “immensely proud” of her daughter, hours ahead of her inauguration as Vice President.

Speaking to CNN in New Delhi, Gopalan Balachandran said his sister had warned Kamala Harris:

“You’re not a white WASP, that you’ll face discrimination in the States. Be strong, be yourself and fight back.”

Balachandran said the more he reflected on Kamala Harris’ achievements, the more he realized what a remarkable achievement it was for his sister to raise someone to be vice president and attorney general, despite all of the discrimination she faced as a single woman from India living in the US in the 60s.

Balachandran said he is in frequent family communication with Harris on family zoom calls but they don’t normally talk about her job. “She asks us how we’re doing,” he said.

Hear more from his interview with CNN:

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell arrived with the former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, his wife, at the Capitol for Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Chao resigned from her position in Trump’s cabinet after the Capitol riot.

Other congressional members, including Sens. Chuck Schumer, Amy Klobuchar, Ted Cruz, were also seen.

See Mitch McConnell arrive at Capitol for inauguration:

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A Supreme Court public information officer tells CNN that a bomb threat was called into the court, but the building has not been evacuated.

The Supreme Court building sits across the street from the US Capitol, where President-elect Joe Biden will take the oath of office at noon ET.

Correction: This post has been updated to reflect that a bomb threat was called into the court, but it was not evacuated.

A senior adviser to Biden says the President-elect will likely make small tweaks to the inaugural address until the very end.

Biden has been working on this speech for weeks with his team, including with his speech writer Vinay Reddy and senior adviser Mike Donilon, who has played a major role in crafting so much of Bidens messaging over the years. 

Biden is known to be a meticulous preparer for speeches big and small and has been known to make changes up until the last minute. We’ve also heard the President-elect talk about how he marks up his speeches to help with pacing. 

Sen. Chris Coons, one of Bidens closest allies on Capitol Hill, told CNN he expects the speech to be one of optimism that notes the challenges the country has overcome together and also challenges “Congress to come together in partnership with him and meet the real needs of the American people.”

Members of Congress have started to arrive at the Capitol for Inauguration.

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell told reporters “it is disappointing that for the first time in our country’s history we will not have a peaceful transfer of power,” but added that today is a day of “renewal.”

Democratic Rep. Karen Bass said that for her, today is about getting control of the Covid-19 pandemic and that “for me personally is, is that an end of the divisiveness an end of the racism, of the narcissism, I mean it’s been a terrible four years, it really has. Our country has been ripped apart. I was here on January 6. And so today what it means for me personally is that maybe our nation can heal now.”

Bass, who did not attend Trump’s inauguration, said that today was a historic day to be able to watch Kamala Harris be sworn in as the first woman and also the first Black and South Asian woman to be sworn into office.

“It’s a new day in America” Rep. Juan Vargas, a Democrat from California, said. 

Asked about the enhanced security around the event, Vargas shared that he has had conversations with many members of the National Guard and that they are excited to be at the event.

“We have met so many Guardsmen and it has been fantastic,” Vargas said. “They’re all excited about being here.”

“It has been uplifting in a way that I did not expect.”

Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and Mitch McConnell were also seen arriving at the Capitol ahead of the event.

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have arrived at the US Capitol for Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Their arrival was followed by former President Bill Clinton and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton shortly after.

See the Obamas and Clintons arrive for the inauguration:

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Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Monetary Policy at Treasury, Andy Baukol, will be the acting treasury secretary until President-elect Biden’s designated nominee, Janet Yellen, is confirmed, according to a Biden transition official.

Baukol is a long-time career civil servant and has been running point on the Treasury transition process. 

Senate Democrats are pressing to have Yellen confirmed as soon as tomorrow, though that will require all 100 senators to consent to the expedited timeline. 

American flags are seen in the early morning as preparations continue for the inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20.

A traditional highlight of any inauguration is the sea of supporters of the incoming president that flood the national mall from all over the country. 

In keeping with the trend of this transition of power being like none other, that tradition will also be massively different. 

Because of concerns related to coronavirus and increased security after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the public has been barred from watching the inauguration from the mall. 

There is an intense security perimeter that wraps around the entire mall with only one entrance and only credentialed journalists and staff are allowed in. 

In place of the people, the inauguration committee has placed 200,000 flags representing all 56 American states and territories. 

The flags have been lit brilliantly and give the impression that the mall is packed, when in reality there are very few people down here. 

The goal is to make the optics event look impressive for the millions of people watching from home who can’t be here. 

One added wrinkle to the presentation: Forecasters are calling for 40 mph+ winds during the ceremony — which means those flags will be flapping.

CNN’s Ryan Nobles reports from the National Mall:

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Former US President Barack Obama campaigns for then-presidential nominee Joe Biden in Atlanta on November 2, 2020.

Former President Barack Obama tweeted at President-elect Joe Biden hours before he is set to take the oath of office, offering congratulations.

“This is your time,” Obama wrote.

Read the tweet:

CNN’s Arlette Saenz reports:

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02:18 - Source: cnn

Then-Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen speaks at a press conference in Washington, DC, on September 22, 2020.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen is resigning today, ending a tenure marked by the things that didn’t happen, including no special counsels appointed despite pressure from the White House.

The Justice Department said Rosen is leaving office at noon today, making way for an unusual arrangement to start the Joe Biden administration. 

In his nearly monthlong tenure as acting attorney general, Rosen withstood pressure from Trump, who personally and through White House officials had pushed repeatedly for the DOJ to appoint a special counsels to investigate matters the President wanted, a person briefed on the matter said. 

Later today, Monty Wilkinson, a career DOJ lawyer and former Eric Holder deputy chief of staff, is expected to be acting attorney general until Biden’s pick, Merrick Garland, is confirmed, people briefed in the matter said.

Wilkinson is deputy assistant attorney general for human resources and administration. For a few hours, until Biden signs an executive order appointing Wilkinson, John Demers, assistant attorney general for the national security division, will serve as acting attorney general. 

With Rosen leaving, Demers would normally be the acting attorney general. But Biden is relying on a Trump-era legal opinion that installed Matt Whitaker as acting attorney general after Trump fired Jeff Sessions. Democrats questioned the legality of that appointment, but now Biden is using that precedent to appoint Wilkinson as acting attorney general. 

Demers will stay on for a time under Biden. Under US law, a Senate-confirmed official must serve as attorney general at all times to handle sensitive national security matters.

US stocks opened higher on Wednesday as the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden is getting underway in Washington. 

President Trump leaves office with a stock market near record highs. That said, the market performance under the Trump administration fell short of that under previous presidents.

Here’s where things opened:

Members of the honor guard practice at sunrise for a presentation at Joe Biden’s inauguration in Washington, DC, on January 20.

This could be the first sunny Inauguration Day since President Bill Clinton was sworn in for his first term – nearly three decades ago.

It will be a chilly, blustery day in Washington today, with one of the windiest inaugurations on record expected.

Forecast at Noon calls for a temperature around 45 degrees, partly to mostly sunny skies, with the possibility of a passing flurries. Gusty winds of 35 to 40 mph are expected during the ceremony, which will create a wind chill of 35 to 40 degrees

Here’s a look at the weather at the last few inaugurations:

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff attend mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC, with congressional leaders on January 20.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is wearing Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson, per a Harris aide. 

Christopher is a young Black designer, from Baton Rouge, and lives in New York City. Sergio is a Black designer from South Carolina.

The Second Gentleman is wearing a Ralph Lauren suit.

CNN’s Kate Bennett reports:

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Republican Rep. Beth Van Duyne, who represents a Texas district where Democrats were competitive, led a letter to Joe Biden signed joined by 16 GOP House freshmen, saying they look forward to working with him.

Some of the representatives who signed onto the letter include Madison Cawthorn, Barry Moore, Burgess Owens, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Peter Meijer, Ashley Hinson and Carlos A. Gimenez.

“The constituencies we represent showcase the variety of thought across our great nation,” the letter said. “Americans are tired of the partisan gridlock and simply want to see leaders from both sides of the aisle work on issues important to American families, workers, and businesses,” it added.

CNN’s Manu Raju reports from Capitol Hill:

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02:45 - Source: cnn

President Donald Trump made false claims from the first hours of his presidency to the last.

In his final speech, Trump falsely claimed that he got “almost 300” judges confirmed. In fact, he got 234 total judges confirmed to the Supreme Court, district courts and appeals courts, according to figures from Brookings Institution visiting fellow Russell Wheeler.

Trump also claimed that his number of judicial confirmations is a “record-setting number.” In fact, President Jimmy Carter appointed 261 judges, according to Wheeler — 39% of the available judgeships at the time to 27% for Trump.

Trump, exaggerating as usual, rounded his 74.2 million votes in the 2020 presidential election to “75 million votes.” He boasted that he set a record for a sitting president, which is correct, but he did not acknowledge that Joe Biden got over 7 million more votes than he did. 

Trump also said he passed the largest tax cut in American history. This is not true either in inflation-adjusted dollars or as a share of the economy. 

Trump did not explicitly say, as he normally does, that he is the one who got the Veterans Choice health care program passed — but he nonetheless suggested he is responsible for the program, taking credit for the ability of veterans to get reimbursed by the government for treatment from doctors outside the VA system. That initially happened because of the Choice bill President Barack Obama signed into law in 2014, though Trump did sign a 2018 law that modified and expanded the Choice program.

The sun rises as preparations are made at the Capitol on January 20.

President-elect Joe Biden just sent his first tweet of Inauguration Day, moments after Donald Trump left the DC area for the final time as president.

As is customary and in line with the tradition of previous first ladies, Jill Biden will be making an Inaugural attire donation to the Smithsonian. 

Her Inauguration Day attire will be from female American designers, a personal familiar with the matter tells CNN. 

According to the Biden transition team, the President-elect is wearing a navy suit and navy overcoat, both by American designer Ralph Lauren. Jill Biden was wearing an ocean blue wool tweed coat and dress by emerging American designer Alexandra O’Neill of Markarian.

US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams speaks in Washington, DC, on December 14, 2020.

In a tweet Wednesday morning, US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams confirmed reports the Biden team has asked him to resign.

“I’ve been asked by the Biden team to step down as Surgeon General. It’s been the honor of my life to serve this Nation, and I will do all I can to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve and maintain health,” Adams tweeted.

Asking Adams to resign represents a visible break by the Biden team with the Trump administration’s Covid response. Last month, President-elect Joe Biden announced he would nominate Dr. Vivek Murthy to be the next Surgeon General under his administration – a role Murthy held in the Obama administration.

It is unclear who will fill the job on an interim basis between the time Adams vacates the role and the time Murthy is confirmed by the Senate.

First lady Melania Trump speaks before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 20.

Melania Trump left a “short note of welcome” for Jill Biden, a source familiar with the matter tells CNN. It’s unclear where it was left or its exact contents.

President Trump also left a note for the President-elect, according to a person familiar with the matter.