Joe Biden was sworn in as the United States' 46th president on January 20, 2021, and he pledged to be a president for all Americans — even those who did not support his campaign.
"Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation," he said in his inaugural address.
Biden spoke shortly after Kamala Harris made history by becoming the country's first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president. He said Inauguration Day was a triumph for democracy.
"The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded," Biden said. "We've learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed."
This was a scaled-down inauguration unlike any we have ever seen.
The celebrations were cut back because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Biden's inaugural committee — trying to keep crowds to a minimum — urged Americans not to travel to Washington, DC. The National Mall was also closed to the general public because of security concerns related to the January 6 storming of the US Capitol.
This was the first time in 150 years that the outgoing president had boycotted his successor's inauguration. Donald Trump, still bitter about the election, skipped the ceremony and many of the time-honored traditions that come with the peaceful transfer of power. He departed Washington early in the morning, giving a speech at Joint Base Andrews before flying to Florida.
![Fireworks are seen above the White House at the end of the Inauguration Day events.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120222128-01-white-house-fireworks-0120.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden holds his grandson Beau inside the White House.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120235710-83-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Singer Katy Perry performs her song "Firework" during the celebrations.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120223027-04-white-house-fireworks-0120.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![National Guard members watch the fireworks from Black Lives Matter Plaza.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120230345-07-white-house-fireworks-0120.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden delivers remarks from the Lincoln Memorial during the prime-time "Celebrating America" event. "It is humbling to stand here in this place in front of these sacred words," <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_b6d418bf3ba02512f0a1668e1316381b" target="_blank">Biden said during the live television broadcast.</a> "Humbling out of respect to President Lincoln and the office we now share and humbling because of you, the American people."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120211704-81-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![White House press secretary Jen Psaki takes questions from journalists after Biden's inauguration. Psaki confirmed that she would hold daily briefings. She told the reporters in the room that she would butt heads with them sometimes but that "we have a common goal, which is sharing accurate information with the American people."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210121162329-21-week-in-photos-0120.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_b0e7cda38452246c6c2b8098317483e6" target="_blank">swears in presidential appointees</a> during a virtual ceremony. Biden told his new staff members they shouldn't be working for him unless they were serious about forcing change. "We have a chance to change things," he said. "That's the reason I got involved in politics. I really mean it. So you shouldn't be doing this unless you feel it."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210122103342-103-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/20/politics/executive-actions-biden/index.html" target="_blank">signs executive orders</a> in the Oval Office after his inauguration. "There's no time to start like today," Biden told reporters as he began signing a stack of orders and memoranda. "I'm going to start by keeping the promises I made to the American people."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210121094514-05-biden-executive-orders-0120.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden arrives at the White House for the first time as president.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120160120-47-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![While traveling to the White House, Biden <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_eee3c39030d47d9b4df3c492d5840414" target="_blank">exited the presidential vehicle and walked the last stretch with his family.</a>](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120153206-42-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden stops to talk with someone on the way to the White House.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120152122-40-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Members of the military walk past the White House during Biden's abbreviated parade.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120164247-59-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The drumline from the University of Delaware takes part in Biden's inaugural parade.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120164244-57-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Vice President Kamala Harris <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_5038a46c9c7d2b4bbca07ce4c1551f4c" target="_blank">walks with her family to the White House.</a>](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120151252-39-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Members of Howard University's drumline watch Biden's motorcade.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120153949-01-biden-parade.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden and Harris participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120135352-30-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![A band parades past the new president and vice president.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120132528-25-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden, Harris and their spouses leave the US Capitol after the inauguration ceremony.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120154803-43-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Three former US presidents and first ladies wait for President Biden during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From left are Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Laura Bush, George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120141203-31-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_488c3da95151027f486b70a32bc42e0d" target="_blank">signs three documents</a> after his swearing-in ceremony: his inauguration day proclamation, his nominations for the Cabinet and his nominations for sub-Cabinet positions.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120124917-19-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Keith Hodson pops a bottle of champagne on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120183627-66-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, follow former Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence after the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120152405-41-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Historical military attire is worn for the "pass in review," a tradition where the incoming president reviews a procession of military troops.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120133031-26-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Harris leaves after the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120143617-34-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Obamas leave the Capitol after the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120154806-45-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Jill Biden embraces her husband after his inaugural address.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210122103358-105-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![A man watches a live broadcast of the inauguration from Times Square in New York.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210122103401-106-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden delivers his inaugural address after taking the oath of office. "Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path," Biden said as he called on Americans to come together. "We have to be different than this. America has to be better than this."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120172721-81-biden-inauguration-biden-address.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Jackson Smith cheers as he watches the inauguration with his family at their home in Beverly Hills, Michigan.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120185246-70-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Biden family shares a hug at the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120123214-14-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Bidens walk out for the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120110142-10-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Harris is sworn in as vice president as her husband holds the Bible. Harris was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She wore the color purple <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_ce6f777c3f47c0f7d262b4ae26c0d62f" target="_blank">as a nod to Shirley Chisholm,</a> the first African-American woman to run for president.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120125518-20-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Kelsey Nix watches the inauguration from Manuel's Tavern, a bar in Atlanta.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120183715-67-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Guests are seated at the Capitol before Biden's swearing-in. The VIPs in attendance were spread out because of the coronavirus pandemic.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120105522-09-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden raises his right hand as he takes the oath of office.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210122083143-102-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden speaks from the West Front of the US Capitol.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210122072547-101-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Former President Barack Obama congratulates Biden after the swearing-in. Biden was Obama's vice president for eight years.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120124636-80-biden-inauguration-biden-obama-hug.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Amanda Gorman, the nation's first-ever youth poet laureate, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_5818ddd1619fe02d7f3b2b30bdfaf331" target="_blank">delivered a message of resilience</a> at the inauguration. "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," she said. "We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will become the future."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120134811-29-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Pennsylvania Avenue is blocked by security during the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120161001-89-biden-inauguration-scotus-justices.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Bidens kiss at the inauguration ceremony.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120165713-24c-biden-inauguration.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Bidens walk out on stage for the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120205648-80-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Officials transfer motorcade license plates ahead of the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120125812-21-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden's son Hunter attends the inauguration with his own son, Beau.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120185448-72-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Jennifer Lopez <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_55aa13d6beb945fb80524ae366fc8608" target="_blank">sings during the ceremony.</a> She performed "America the Beautiful" and "This Land Is Your Land."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120173356-55-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Lopez is escorted to the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120144035-35-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Guests stand for the National Anthem. At center is former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten. Buttigieg was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/politics/pete-buttigieg-transportation-secretary/index.html" target="_blank">Biden's pick for transportation secretary.</a>](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120123835-17-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Lady Gaga <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_2afed536d8e5c7afaeff8ab0f2996647" target="_blank">sings the National Anthem</a> in front of Vice President Mike Pence before Harris and Biden were sworn in.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120124105-18-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Harris smiles at her husband during her swearing-in.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120205516-78-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![A camera operator films the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120134654-28-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Bidens arrive to the swearing-in ceremony.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120104211-07b-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Bob Garrett stands for the Pledge of Allegiance while watching the inauguration in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Garrett, a sexton at the Market Square Presbyterian Church, hosted a watch party for the homeless.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120183741-68-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Marine Band plays at the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120145321-37-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton arrive for the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120141955-32-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![This year's inauguration was pared down because of the coronavirus pandemic. The National Mall was closed to the public.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120123718-72-biden-inauguration-wide-shot.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![US Sen. Bernie Sanders sits in the Capitol bleachers while waiting for Biden to be sworn in. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/21/us/inauguration-bernie-sanders-memes-jokes-twitter-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">The photo quickly became a meme.</a> Sanders ran for the Democratic nomination in 2016 and 2020.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120171238-65-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Harris hugs her husband before being sworn in as vice president.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120173333-54-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Bidens arrive at the Capitol for the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120204645-75-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![US Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, wears a face mask that reads "Come and Take It" as he arrives at the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120211805-01-ted-cruz-biden-inauguration-0120.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Guests arrive for the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120173229-52-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Former President George W. Bush, left, is joined at the inauguration by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120141956-33-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![US Rep. Terri Sewell wears a face shield after arriving at the inauguration. Her mask references Alpha Kappa Alpha, Harris' sorority.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120101455-03-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Supreme Court justices arrive for the swearing-in ceremony. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Stephen Breyer <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_c98047ce89b9376569ce57481aea1100" target="_blank">did not attend the inauguration</a> because of the health risks posed by the pandemic. Alito, Thomas and Breyer are also the oldest members of the court.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120161000-88-biden-inauguration-scotus-justices.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Harris greets former President Obama before the ceremony.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120205605-79-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Members of the Children's Workshop, an arts and science preschool in Seattle, pause in a sculpture while walking with flags they made to celebrate the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120183818-69-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden greets Lady Gaga, who was wearing a golden broach in the shape of a dove.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120104626-08-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Bidens walk inside the Capitol.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120204546-74-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Marine Band performs at the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120123833-16-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![President Donald Trump acknowledges his supporters after landing in West Palm Beach, Florida. He skipped the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120112217-12-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Pelosi arrives at the US Capitol.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210122103408-108-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Former presidents Obama and Clinton are seen at the inauguration, as well as their spouses and new Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120173258-53-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Marine Band conductor is seen in front of the Capitol during the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120162804-49-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman attends the inauguration. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_dca0aeba500491329b214e569faf7d68" target="_blank">Goodman has been hailed as a hero</a> after video emerged of him guiding the violent mob away from the Senate chamber earlier this month. He escorted Harris to the inauguration ceremony.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120133834-27-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden, Harris and their spouses wave outside the Capitol.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120094909-01-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Bidens hold hands before walking up the Capitol steps.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120101331-02-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![American flags are seen on the National Mall. The Presidential Inaugural Committee <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/19/politics/field-of-flags-biden-inauguration-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">planted more than 191,500 flags on the Mall</a> to represent the people who couldn't attend the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120130322-22-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Some of Harris' family members take a selfie before the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120095523-34-biden-inauguration.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Marine One flies past the Capitol as President Trump leaves for Joint Base Andrews.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120205407-76-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Former President Bush and first lady Laura Bush arrive at the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120145322-38-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Name tags for seating assignments are organized before the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210122103405-107-biden-inauguration-unf-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![US Marines prepare to usher guests at the Capitol.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120090818-21-biden-inauguration-capitol.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Bidens attend Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120141007-23-biden-inauguration-bidens-church.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Trump supporters wave to Trump as he returns to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120192856-73-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![President Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews to head to Florida.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120135535-20-biden-inauguration-trump-air-force-one.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Marine One flies past the Washington Monument as Trump left the nation's capital.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120204951-64b-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Trump gives a farewell speech before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews. "I will always fight for you,"<a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_c7d52b0352ef4bfed902fd3b12d8a24b" target="_blank"> he said in front of a crowd of family and friends.</a> "I will be watching. I will be listening, and I will tell you that the future of this country has never been better. I wish the new administration great luck and great success. I think they'll have great success. They have the foundation to do something really spectacular."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120085535-20-biden-inauguration-trump-jba.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![People watch Trump's farewell at Joint Base Andrews. Holding the phone in the center is US Rep. Lauren Boebert, one of the Republicans who voted against the counting of Electoral College votes for Biden.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120092120-25-biden-inauguration-trump-crowd.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Trump acknowledges his children and other family members on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120144209-36-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Trump departs the White House aboard Marine One.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120084427-17-biden-inauguration-marine-one.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Trump waves as he boards Marine One at the White House.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120131816-11-biden-inauguration-trump-marine-one.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![White House staff members carry boxes to Marine One before Trump left the White House.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210122103354-104-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![A reporter prepares for the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120161642-48-biden-inauguration-unf.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden, Harris and their spouses attend <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-inauguration-dc-security-01-19-21/h_4e72c7d0832d0f82653410c80f08c00b" target="_blank">a Covid-19 memorial</a> the night before the inauguration. It paid tribute to Americans who have died because of the pandemic.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210120080752-35-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, second from right, and members of the House Democratic leadership hold a Covid-19 memorial on the steps of the US Capitol on the night before the inauguration. At right is Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. On the left are US Reps. Pete Aguilar and Katherine Clark.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119202554-29-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![There were 400 lights illuminating the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in tribute to the more than 400,000 people who had died from Covid-19 in the United States.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119181212-25-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Biden tears up in New Castle, Delaware, as he speaks about his late son Beau before heading to Washington, DC, on the day before the inauguration. Biden said he was proud to be delivering <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-inauguration-dc-security-01-19-21/h_a7f0252ff11d798238c580e29f0cb89e" target="_blank">his send-off remarks</a> from the National Guard Center in New Castle, which is named after Beau Biden. "I only have one regret: that he's not here, because we should be introducing him as president," Biden said.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119142523-12-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The sun sets over the White House on the final night of Trump's presidency.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119213657-33-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The National Mall is filled with flags on the day before the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119152146-13-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![National Guard members walk on the US Capitol grounds on the day before the inauguration. The Pentagon <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/15/politics/pentagon-national-guard-inauguration/index.html" target="_blank">authorized up to 25,000 National Guard members</a> to help secure the event.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119134205-02-biden-inauguration-unf-0119-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Media members practice camera positions at the entrance to the inauguration stage.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119154042-14-biden-inauguratiomn-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Members of the National Guard rest outside of the US Capitol on the day before the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119154053-15-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![A broken window is seen at the Capitol, which was still showing damage from when pro-Trump rioters breached the building on January 6.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119202600-30-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![A television reporter works at the Capitol on the day before the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119154056-16-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![A man walks past a home in Washington, DC, that was decorated in support of Biden and Harris.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119220458-34-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Chairs are spread out at the Capitol so that VIPs would be able to socially distance during the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119154100-17-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![People take photos of a police dog posing with an officer outside the Capitol.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119211936-32-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Preparations are made at the Capitol ahead of the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119202627-31-biden-inauguratino-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Singer Jennifer Lopez poses for photos outside the Capitol on the day before the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119163321-19-biden-inauguration-unf-0119.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Lights are displayed above the National Mall two days before the inauguration, paying tribute to all the Americans who have died from Covid-19.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119135002-11-biden-inauguration-unf-0118-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![Members of the National Guard are positioned within a security perimeter that includes the Capitol, the White House and the National Mall.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119192917-28-biden-inauguration-unf-0118.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![US Marines are posted on the East Front steps of the Capitol.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119131518-04-biden-inauguration-unf-0118.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![National Guard members sleep inside the Capitol Visitor Center.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119131513-01-biden-inauguration-unf-0118.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![The Peace Monument is seen behind a fence on the grounds of the US Capitol.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119134959-09-biden-inauguration-unf-0117.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![ATMs are boarded up in Washington, DC, two days before the inauguration.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210119134211-07-biden-inauguration-unf-0118-restricted.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)
![American flags are illuminated on the National Mall.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210118192328-01-field-of-flags-0118.jpg?q=w_1576,c_fill)