On Jan. 20, 2021 former vice president Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. Vice President Kamala Harris made history as first female, first Black, and first South Asian to hold office.

Former president Donald Trump did not attend the inauguration, making him the first president in over 150 years to refuse attendance. Trump was in Palm Beach, Florida in his new residence after leaving the white house.

Social studies teacher Tracy Culcasi spoke on the difference between this inauguration and past ceremonies.

“The main differences were the precautions taken for safety and security… Obviously there was a large military presence with the national guard troops who were called up to protect the capital. While security at the inauguration is always very tight, this year was even more so,” Cuclasis said.

Culcasi continued: “Another main difference was the absence of the outgoing president, Donald Trump. While it is tradition for the outgoing president to attend the inauguration it is not required.”

Biden then signed his first executive orders as president, starting with a mask mandate on federal property. He began the process of rejoining the Paris climate accord and stopped the U.S. from leaving the World Health Organization. He halted the construction of Trump’s border wall along with other immigrantion ban reversals.

Biden signed a total of 17 executive orders on his first day as president, moving in the steps of his 10 day plan. This plan includes topics such as Covid, economic relief, healthcare, and equity.

At the inauguration the national anthem was performed before the ceremony by Jennfier Lopez and Lady Gaga. There was a second musical performance by Garth Brooks with the Marine Band.

Amanda Gorman a 22 year old poet was the youngest poet to ever perform at a presidential inauguration. Her poem titled “The Hill We Climb” highlighted the importance of unity, a major theme of Biden’s campaign.