Joseph R. Biden Jr. was sworn in as the 46thh president of the United States on Wednesday morning, taking office during a profound economic, health and political crises.
President Biden promised to seek unity after a turbulent four years that tore at the foundation of American society. President Biden recited the oath of office swearing to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution” in a ceremony administered by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. 11 minutes before the authority of the presidency formally changes hands.
Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Vice President Harris’s ascension made her the highest-ranking woman in the history of the United States and the first Black American and first person of South Asian descent to hold the nation’s second highest office.
“This is America’s day,” President Biden said as he began his Inaugural Address. “This is democracy’s day.”
