Biden Inauguration 2021: Know What's Planned For The Big Day; Why Harris-Biden's Transition Will Be Like No Other?
A rehearsal for the ceremony was postponed due to security concerns and now scheduled on Monday whereas the planned 90-minute train ride by Biden and his team to Washington was also cancelled amid security fears.
Inauguration Day 2021: In a historic neck and neck battle in the US elections, Joe Biden claimed victory over Republican President Donald Trump in November 2020 elections. Earlier this month the Congress also confirmed the election of Joe Biden as President after a mob seized the US Capitol leaving 5 people dead. However, President-elect Joe Biden cannot officially make his move to the White House until inauguration day.
What is inauguration day?
The inauguration day signifies the event that marks the start of a new presidency, and it takes place in Washington DC. During the event the President elect Joe Biden will recite the presidential oath of office: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
After taking the oath, Biden will then take his place as the 46th president and the inauguration will be complete. It is followed with certain other events as well. Kamala Harris will become vice-president once she takes the oath of office, which usually happens just before the president is sworn in.
What happens on the day?
Biden, Harris and their spouses, along with former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and their wives, will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Biden will then receive a traditional presidential escort from 15th Street in Washington to the White House. Instead of the inaugural parade past a reviewing stand in front of the White House, organizers plan to hold a televised “virtual parade across America."
When is Biden's inauguration?
The inauguration day is to be held on 20 January, and the opening remarks are usually scheduled around 11:30 EST (16:30 GMT) and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in at midday. After that Biden will shift into the White House later in the day - his home for the next four years.
How tight is the security going to be?
On the inauguration day detailed security plans is devised and this time security will be tighter because the pro-Trump mob stormed the US Capitol on 6 January.
The FBI has warned of armed protests at state capitols across the US and in Washington DC in the days leading up to the inauguration, prompting officials to ramp up security and close off large sections of the city.
A rehearsal for the ceremony due on Sunday was postponed due to security concerns, Politico reported, and is now scheduled to happen on Monday.
On the other hand, a planned 90-minute train ride by Biden and his team from his offices in Delaware to Washington on Monday has also been shelved amid security fears, the Associated Press reported.
Will Trump attend the inauguration day?
Although it’s customary for the outgoing president to watch the next in line be sworn in. However, this year the outgoing President Donald Trump will not be present. "To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," Trump tweeted on 8 January.
The decision comes shortly after the president committed to an "orderly" transition of power to a "new administration" - the closest he has come to publicly conceding the race to Mr Biden.
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