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Watch Live: Inauguration Day Ceremony and Events

Alana Wise
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Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, having defeated Donald Trump in an acrimonious, divisive election last November.

Biden was sworn in alongside Vice President Kamala Harris in an unusual inauguration ceremony, conducted amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis and heightened physical security risks.

Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President as his wife Dr. Jill Biden looks on during his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Kamala Harris sworn in
Kamala Harris is sworn as Vice President by U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor as Harris' husband Doug Emhoff looks on on Jan. 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Events for the day include:

  • Noon ET: Swearing-in ceremonies followed by Biden's inaugural address. (Follow live analysis of Biden's speech here.)
  • 2 p.m. ET: Wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery. Biden and Harris will be joined by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
  • 3 p.m. ET: Presidential escort to the White House followed by a virtual "parade" with scenes across the country.
  • 7 p.m. ET: Press briefing with Biden press secretary Jen Psaki.
  • 8:30 p.m. ET: Evening program hosted by Tom Hanks with musical performances by John Legend, Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake and more.

Follow live updates here.

Biden will come into office facing a public health crisis, a battered economy and deepened political rifts, as well as global concerns such as climate change. Still, he projects optimism, vowing to help heal the nation.

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As part of his promise to the American people, Biden has sought to make his Cabinet the most diverse in U.S. history, reflected in part by Harris, who will be the first woman, the first African American and the first Indian American to hold the office of the vice presidency.

Biden's election victory marked the end of the Trump White House era, which was plagued by personal and political scandals, two impeachments and a call to action at the U.S. Capitol that was answered by violent, pro-Trump insurrectionists. Trump is not attending Wednesday's ceremony.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit NPR.org.

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