Joe Biden Inauguration – President’s grandson Beau steals show as UK PM Boris Johnson hails ‘fantastic’ new POTUS
JOE Biden vowed to be "a President for all Americans" as he was sworn in as the 46th US President of the United States.
He is now experiencing his first full day as POTUS following a day and evening packed with ceremonial events.
In a powerful inauguration address at the Capitol yesterday. Biden declared that "democracy has prevailed" but warned that "disagreement must not become disunity" and vowed to unite a divided America.
But it was his eight-month-old grandson Beau who really stole the show as he was filmed dancing to Lovely Day while held in the President's arms inside the White House.
Meanwhile UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed Biden's presidency as a “fantastic thing for America" as he tried to cement close early ties with the new White House regime.
Follow our Inauguration Day live blog below for the very latest news on Joe Biden's swearing-in
JOE BIDEN 46TH US PRESIDENT
Quick recap: Joe Biden has today been sworn in as the 46th President of the US, after his Vice President, Kamala Harris, took the oath of office.
Joe Biden has said that this is “America’s day, this is democracy’s day… America has risen to the challenge."
He said the will of the people has been heard, and that “democracy has prevailed”.
Biden also mentioned that while Washington’s “hallowed ground saw violence a few days ago, the peaceful transition of power has been carried out”.
After alluding, too, to the deadly Covid pandemic, Biden vowed to aim for ‘unity’.
Biden spoke about the “ugliness of racism” and admitted that “victory is never assured” despite the country's current struggles.
“Enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward," he advised.
PIC OF AMANDA GORMAN GIVING RECITAL MINS AGO
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman speaks at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Credit: Getty Images - Getty ACKNOWLEDGES INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND 'PEOPLE AROUND THE GLOBE'
Rev Silvester Beaman asks people to reconcile with each other, including their forebears.
REV SILVESTER BEAMAN 'RECONCILIATION'
The Rev talks about "loving the unlovable" and caring about the vulnerable, and extending opportunities to those "locked out".
He also talks about making friends with enemies, and Americans stopping raising arms against each other.
The Rev refers to humanity, "beyond the difference of color, creed and ideology", while "preserving the land".
PRAYER GIVEN
Rev. Silvester Beaman is giving a special prayer, mentioning the Bidens, and the Vice-President's family.
AMANDA GORMAN EMOTIONAL RECITAL
Amanda Gorman, 22, is the youngest poet to recite at a presidential inauguration.
She is still giving her recital of The Hill We Climb at Joe Biden’s swearing-in.
Her powerful voice talks about 'rising', 'rebuilding' and looking after the country, when people surge for the light, and Americans are 'brave' enough to emerge from the 'shadows'.
GARTH BROOKS SINGING AMAZING GRACE
AMAZING GRACE
A poignant version of Amazing Grace is being performed by Garth Brooks.
The sun is shining upon the inauguration crowd as the star asks people at home and in the audience to join him in the main verse.
LOVE AND HEALING
Joe Biden continues his theme of the importance of healing, and says the America's liberty at home will again be a "beacon to the world".
He says it is a "task of our time" but everyone "loves their country... thank you America".
Biden is loudly applauded before joining his family.
AMERICAN ANTHEM
Joe Biden talks about the American Anthem, concentrating on the part that says "America, America, I gave my best to you".
He says the story of "this great nation" goes on.
Biden talks again about the need to heal, and vows to defend the Constitution, America and democracy.
BECOME THE NATION WE CAN
Joe Biden says the US can "become the nation we can" as he bows his head in prayer.
He says that despite the attack on democracy, the coronavirus, climate in crisis, and America's role in the world, the US "will be tested - it is time for boldness.
"I promise you we will be judged by how we resolve these cascading challenges of our era."
WORLD IS WATCHING
Joe Biden pointed out that the "world is watching".
"America has been tested, we will repair our alliances, and we've come out stronger for it. We will engage again.
"We will lead by the power of our example," he added.
WAY TO JOE
"I will be a President for ALL Americans," Biden says and he urges Americans to unite and help one another through the covid crisis.
"We're entering what may the the toughest and deadliest period of this virus".
"We must meet this challenge as one America... we WILL get through this together," he adds.
STAND IN THEIR SHOES
Joe Biden urges people opposing other views to "stand in their views".
The President says the country can be more prosperous despite disagreements, and that "we need each other.
"We are entering the deadliest phase of the virus. I promise you this... joy cometh in the morning. We will get through this together."
TIME TO HEAL
Biden declares "I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as those who did."
He asks those who oppose him to hear him out but, if they still oppose him after doing so "so be it, that's democracy".
"Disagreement must not lead to disunion," he declares.
OPPORTUNITY AND 'THE TRUTH'
Joe Biden says "there is truth and there are lies".
Citizens and leaders - who are pledged to honor the Constitution must defat the lies".
He spoke to those hit hard by the pandemic who are "worried about their jobs" and about "what comes next...I promise you I get it."
Biden said we have to "end this uncivil war".
"We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts," he adds.
'HEAR ME OUT'
Joe Biden has asked for everyone to "hear me out" and said that disagreement must not lead to people fighting against each other.
He added that he would fight for those who disagreed with him, as those who supported him.
CAPITOL SCENE
Biden uses the Capitol building - built during the American Civil War - as a symbol of a nation rebuilding from crisis.
He declares he wants to "restore the soul and secure the future of America"
JOE BIDEN SPEAKS ABOUT PROTEST
Joe Biden alluded to the January 6 protest at Capitol Hill, but then quickly praised his Vice President.
He added that while people had tried to drive democracy from the sacred ground it would "never happen, not today, not ever".
'WE WILL SUCCEED'
Joe Biden hails the ";better angels" who have seen America through crisis such as Civil War, World Wars and 9/11.
"This is our historic moment of crisis challenge," he says as he insists "we must meet this moment as a UNITED States of America".
'FIGHT RESENTMENT AND HATRED'
Joe Biden has called on Americans to unify and fight "resentment and hatred".
Talking of his hopes for the future, he said he hoped that together, we can "rebuild the middle class and fight racial inequality".
'UNITY'
Biden evokes the spirit of Abraham Lincoln to declare his commitment to unity.
"My whole sole is dedicated to this... bringing Americans together".
He declares extremism, lawlessness and violence have no place in modern America and insists racial justice will be achieved if Americans work together.
'THIS IS A GREAT NATION'
Biden declares America as a nation of "great people"; but admits the country still has far to go.
"People in our nation have been more challenged... than in the times we're in now," he says.
He declares "the dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer".
'THANKS TO MY PREDECESSORS'
Joe Biden thanked past Presidents as he took to the stage for his first speech as POTUS.
Possibly referencing President Trump he added: "Whether or not they are in attendance."
'DEMOCRACY HAS PREVAILED'
Joe Biden hails the success of democracy as he makes his inauguration speech.
He strikes a message of positivity and says the best of America is still ahead of it.
He also makes a point of thanking Vice President Mike Pence.