Joe Biden took oath as the 46th President of the United States at the Capitol today. Kamala Harris, the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, also took oath as the new Vice President of the United States, becoming the first Indian-American, Black person, first woman, and first Asian-American to serve in the position.
"We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again…we will be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress and security," President Biden said during his inaugural address in a message to the global community. He also pledged to roll out emergency measures to tackle the pandemic and heal the divide the nation is facing.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump headed to Florida, giving a miss to the inauguration event. In his final remarks at Joint Andrews Base, Trump said, “We love the American people and again it has been something very special. And I just want to say goodbye, but hopefully it’s not a long term goodbye. We’ll see each other again.”
Congratulatory wishes poured in for Biden and Harris from other heads of state and world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"My warmest congratulations to Joe Biden on his assumption of office as President of the United States of America. I look forward to working with him to strengthen India-US strategic partnership," he tweeted. "Congratulations to Kamala Harris on being sworn-in as Vice-President. It is a historic occasion. Looking forward to interacting with her to make India-USA relations more robust. The India-USA partnership is beneficial for our planet."
Biden first ran for president more than 30 years ago. He was first elected to the Senate nearly 50 years ago. Harris’ was elected attorney general of California only 10 years ago and came to the Senate just four years ago.
Biden tweeted from the official @POTUS account for the first time today.
