President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris will be sworn in on the West front of the U.S. Capitol building, on 20 January 2020. After they take their oaths of office, President-elect Biden will deliver an inaugural address.
Here are the main events of Biden’s inauguration day:
- Night at Blair House -
Biden and his wife Jill have spent Tuesday night in the lavish Blair House, located opposite the White House on Lafayette Square, that the US government uses to host special guests and visiting dignitaries.
- Religious services -
On Wednesday morning Biden, a devout Catholic, will attend Mass at St Matthews church in Washington, and has invited Congressional leaders from both political parties.
Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressman Kevin McCarthy will represent the Republicans, while Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi will also attend, sources have told AFP.
- Taking the oath -
Biden will then travel in a motorcade to the Capitol, the site of the January 6 riot by supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump, where the inauguration ceremony gets underway at 11am (5pm Luxembourg time).
He will be sworn in after Vice President-elect Kamala Harris takes her vow, then will give his inaugural speech, during which he is expected to outline his vision to tackle America’s multiple crises and his plan to “build back better.”
The National Mall that runs from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial will be closed due to Covid-19 fears and because of tight security stemming from the January 6 attack.
Lady Gaga is due to sing the national anthem, while Jennifer Lopez is also set to give a musical performance.
As is custom, the newly inaugurated 46th US president will then dine with members of Congress in the Capitol building.
- Arlington National Cemetery -
In the afternoon, Biden will head to Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Trump, who is shunning the day’s events, will not be there.
- White House -
From Arlington, Biden will travel by motorcade to the White House and is expected make the last part of the journey on foot and enter his new home surrounded by a military cordon. Biden is due to sign his first executive orders shortly after arriving.
- Honouring the pandemic’s victims -
At 8:25 pm, Biden and Harris will give a speech at the Lincoln Memorial, honoring the 400,000 people that have died from Covid-19 in America.
Shortly after, actor Tom Hanks will host a show called “Celebrating America” that will be broadcast on all major US networks.
Jon Bon Jovi, the Foo Fighters, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake and Luis Fonsi are among the guests expected to perform.
Here is an overview of today’s programme timings:
Local time Luxembourg time
0900 1500 The Bidens attend church service (Arrival 1345 GMT)
1030 1630 PEOTUS arrive at Capitol
1113 1713 PEOTUS enters front stage (Preceded by VPE Harris)
1144 1744 Swearing in at the West Front, followed by inaugural address
1307 1907 Pres Biden signs Nomination Papers
1317 1917 Presentation of Gifts
1340 1940 Troop Review - Motorcade to Arlington Cemetery
1415 2015 Wreath Laying
1445 2045 POTUS and VPOTUS departure
1515 2115 Motorcades join parade (approx. Timing)
1530 2130 Enters WH, Virtual Pgm begins
1645 2245 Parade Wraps
2030 0200 Evening concert “Celebrating America” (ends at 0230 GMT
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