President Joe Biden’s Inauguration Day: Celebs and world leaders react
Joseph R. Biden Jr. has been sworn in as the 46th US president, with the promise to be a president “for all Americans,” including those who voted against him.
All eyes were on the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman and the first woman of color vice president, held at the US Capitol, the same building that was stormed by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6 in an attempt to overturn the results of the elections.
The much-scaled back affair sans former President Donald Trump was graced by former US presidents and their spouses, members of Congress and the Supreme Court and even former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen.
At least 25,000 members of the National Guard were deployed in Washington, DC to protect the ceremony, which implemented “vigorous health and safety protocols” because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the day of Biden’s inauguration, an outpouring of support streamed on social media—from world leaders to celebrities, most of whom congratulated the president and are hopeful that he will be able to unite and guide the country, which went through chaos and division for the past four years.
Former President Barack Obama, who attended the inauguration with wife Michelle, tweeted a photo of him and then Vice President Biden to send his congratulations, which he captioned succinctly, “Congratulations to my friend, President @JoeBiden! This is your time.”
Former President Bill Clinton sent congratulations to both President Biden and VP Harris and noted that he was honored to witness the ceremony that has “affirmed our democracy and celebrated what America stands for.”
Hillary Clinton, former US Secretary of State, posted a photo of VP Harris with her grandnieces Amara and Leela. In the caption, Clinton recognized the historical day for the country, having the first woman vice president sworn in. She also tweeted a photo of her with President Biden and his wife Jill with the caption, “So excited to call these two wonderful people ‘Mr. President’ and ‘Dr. Biden.’
Among the world leaders who were first to send in their congratulations were Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who both look forward to working with the new US president.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was Lady Gaga’s exuberant rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, and her scene-stealing Schiaparelli haute couture ensemble. Journalist Omar Jimenez tweeted, “If Lady Gaga didn’t have such and amazing voice, I would think she’s introducing the Hunger Games.”
Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman also captured the audience with her piece “The Hill We Climb,” written specifically for the inauguration of Biden and Harris, which talked about unity and togetherness and called for a better America. The 22-year-old also made history as the youngest known inaugural poet.
Martin Luther King III, son of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., summed up Gorman’s poem as what today is about: “healing, unity, and moving forward.”
U2 frontman Bono expressed in a tweet that he is hopeful that both Biden and Harris will calm and heal the battered and bruised country.
President @JoeBiden and Madame Vice President @KamalaHarris ?? It is our time to unite, heal, and get to work ❤️?? #Inauguration2021 pic.twitter.com/UEV1BUWHfg
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) January 20, 2021
Singer Demi Lovato, who has criticized former President Trump, is ready to move on and sent a message of hope and unity in her tweet on inauguration day.
Meanwhile, Oprah highlighted Kamala Harris in her Instagram post saying, "In tears watching this extraordinary women in the US and the world. Vice president @KamalaHarris."
President Joe Biden banner image screenshot from CNN