presidential inaugural committee 2021
[16], The Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies chose the inaugural theme "Our Determined Democracy: Forging a More Perfect Union" to highlight the inaugural ceremony as a "hallmark of American governance and democracy" and stress the peaceful transition of power. Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies said in a statement that the ceremony's attendee size will resemble that of a typical State of the Union address. The 2021 Presidential Inaugural Committee Store is now closed. Marshals Service, Defense Department, Park Police, and D.C. Metro Police) and private companies (including a gas company, CSX railroad, and Amtrak). [116] The ceremony took place outdoors on the West Front of the United States Capitol, the site of every inauguration since Ronald Reagan's in 1981. [173], Celebrating America was a television special hosted by Tom Hanks that aired the evening of the inauguration across most major television networks and other cable and streaming outlets. Members of the Biden administration also assumed ownership of a number of institutional accounts, including @WhiteHouse, @FLOTUS for First Lady Jill Biden, @SecondGentleman for Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and @PressSec for White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. [18], On September 3, 2020, the Capitol Police Board announced that public access to the West Front of the United States Capitol would be restricted from September 7, 2020, to February 28, 2021, to "allow for the safe and secure construction of the Inaugural platform, stands, and other infrastructure necessary to support the event". [5], Compared to past inaugurations, the drastic reduction in crowd size at Biden's inauguration was expected to reduce costs. "[109][110] In keeping with tradition, Trump left Biden a letter of support in the Resolute desk. Festivities were sharply curtailed by efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate the potential for violence near the Capitol. [17][56], The Biden Inaugural Committee released an official musical playlist of 46 songs (symbolizing Biden as the 46th president) that was curated by disc jockey D-Nice and music label Raedio,[60] created by actress Issa Rae. [148] Harris recited the following: I, Kamala Devi Harris, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. JCCIC Chairman Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) notified the congressional community … Presidential-Inauguration.com is an unofficial guide to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration, so questions about logistics, tickets, official balls, the parade, comments about the Inauguration, and similar issues should be directed to official organizing groups such as the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural … In the speech, Biden repeated his campaign pledge to "fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did". "[158] His decision, for example, to reinstate American participation in the Paris Agreement via executive order, which Trump withdrew from, signaled his commitment to a global policy on climate change. [70] The committee recommended several volunteer activities aimed at improving people's economic, health, and social well-being,[71] including writing cards for those recovering from COVID-19, knitting sentimental items for the homeless, serving at "contactless" food and clothing donation drives, and participating in community cleanups. The Presidential Inaugural Committee … [95], Biden and his wife, Dr. Biden, spent the night of January 19 at Blair House, the President's Guest House—a custom for incoming presidents. The U.S. Marine Band (nicknamed "The President's Own") played a medley of patriotic music by Sousa, Bagley, and others; heralded the entry of dignitaries to the inaugural platform, including the performance of "Hail, America" to introduce then-President-elect Biden; performed "Hail, Columbia" (the official anthem of the vice president) to introduce then-Vice President Pence and after Harris was sworn in, and "Hail to the Chief" (the official anthem of the president) after Biden was sworn in. [32] A heightened security presence remained in the city through the end of the month.[33]. Unfortunately, following long deliberations and consultations with public health experts and the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the JCCIC will not be [So help me God. 2021 Presidential Inauguration . [64] In concluding the event, DJ Cassidy addressed viewers and sampled music. Here is the breakdown of the cost to watch the inauguration along with a stay for 3 nights in premiere hotels. [56], The Pledge of Allegiance was then led by members of the Girl Scouts. [58] Concluding the event, New York Congresswoman Grace Meng introduced Harris, who said that she "stands on the shoulders" of those who created opportunities for women, particularly African-American women, to participate and lead in politics. Historically, the Joint Congressional Committee Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) provides Members of Congress with a limited number of viewing area tickets to distribute. [137], Leo J. O'Donovan, a Catholic priest and former president of Georgetown University,[138][139] invoked the "gracious and merciful God" in praying for Biden and Harris to "care for the common good with malice toward none and with charity for all", and quoted Archbishop John Carroll, Pope Francis, and the Epistle of James. January 2021. [102][103] Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, landed on the tarmac in helicopter Marine One. The president-elect and vice president-elect formally launched their presidential inaugural committee and website last week. [65] Singer Michael Bivins made a video appearance and thanked viewers for their donations. [149], The presidential nuclear football, which can authorize a nuclear attack while away from a command center, was discreetly given to military aides of the new administration during the ceremony; however, Trump's absence did not change the automatic deactivation of his and Pence's nuclear access and activation of Biden and Harris's. [67] Mexican actor Jaime Camil then delivered a short address on immigration, and James Taylor performed "America the Beautiful", which he also played at the 2013 inauguration. 1 Network During the Inauguration of Joe Biden", "World leaders congratulate Biden on becoming president", "How world leaders are reacting to Joe Biden's inauguration", United States Army Military District of Washington, Presidential Proclamation – "A National Day of Unity", Trump White House Archives — Briefings and Statements, Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, Republican reactions to Trump's election fraud claims, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Inauguration_of_Joe_Biden&oldid=1011071656, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from January 2021, Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Activating more than 25,000 National Guard forces into the city—which may have been the highest, Installing "non-scalable" seven foot-high. The congressional luncheon, a tradition witnessed since the 1897 inauguration of William McKinley, was canceled due to public health concerns, the first time since the 1977 inauguration of Jimmy Carter. [156][154], Biden vocalized his opposition to disinformation and politicians who seek to gain from its weaponization—a passive reference to Trump, who frequently made false or misleading statements while in office. [56] Alonzo then introduced actor Nik Dodani, who emphasized the importance of Biden's inauguration, and civil rights activist Janet Murguía, who spoke of the political successes of women of color in the 2020 presidential election. The inaugural committee did not list any of the amounts that these 959 donors had given as of Dec. 31, the end of the period covered in the voluntary disclosure. [159], Biden also discussed the historical significance of Harris's ascension to the vice presidency, recounting the movements for civil rights and women's suffrage that permitted African Americans and women to participate in politics; he celebrated their inauguration as a "triumph" for democracy, affirming a peaceful transfer of power exactly two weeks after the violent storming of the Capitol. [91] Politicians Stacey Abrams, congresspeople Jim Clyburn, Cedric Richmond, Joyce Beatty, Senator Cory Booker, and Senator-elect Raphael Warnock appeared. [146] Biden's inauguration marked the first time a Catholic Chief Justice administered the oath to an incoming Catholic president. Deputizing up to 4,000 local law enforcement officers from across the nation via the Marshals Service. [4] Another 1,000 people, often choirs and musical guests, are traditionally situated on risers above the platform, but these were not used at full capacity for this event. Fax: 512-473-0514 [140] Lady Gaga then sang the national anthem and Georgia firefighters' union leader Andrea Hall led the Pledge of Allegiance, using American Sign Language in addition to speaking. [43] Presidential historian Timothy Naftali noted that the ceremony was significant because Congress had decided on Inauguration Day in 1921, almost 100 years prior to Biden's, to bury an unidentified soldier who died in World War I at the plot. Contact Us. [181] NPR attributed the lack of violent protests to several factors: the Justice Department's targeting of rioters from the storming of the Capitol; protest organizers warning of "false flag" events staged by law enforcement to "gather people for potential arrest"; and the banning or removal of social media profiles, groups, pages, and applications, such as Parler, associated with political extremism and fringe movements. [75] Musician Aloe Blacc performed his song "My Way";[77] cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed Air and Simple Gifts, a composition he also performed at the 2009 inauguration in the presence of then-Vice President-elect Biden;[78] Andra Day performed her song "Rise Up"; BeBe Winans sang Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech;[79] Alejandro Fernández and band Maná performed "Decepciones";[80] and Chesca and Diane Warren performed "El Cambio", which was frequently played during Biden's campaign. [167][168] The Virtual Parade Across America, organized by the Biden Inaugural Committee, was hosted by actor Tony Goldwyn, reflecting the "diversity, heritage, and resilience of the country" in the event's musical acts, poets, dance troupes, and more. [106][84], Trump delivered short remarks at a podium bearing the presidential seal, telling his supporters "we will be back in some form". [65] Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, then joined via video link to thank supporters and list the issues they will face in leading the nation. fax: 202-225-5955 [118] Only around 3,000 people were to be permitted into the secure perimeter areas,[119] and the total live attendance for the scaled-down event was to be just over 1,000 people,[120] with guests seated both on the inaugural platform and in front of the platform. "[139], Biden was sworn in on a Bible that has been in his family since 1893—the same one he used during his senatorial and vice presidential swearing-in ceremonies—held by his wife. [15] The committee hired Stephanie Cutter and Ricky Kirshner, who produced the largely virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention, along with Glenn Weiss to organize the inaugural programming. ", as well as "Fortunate Son", "Funeral for a Friend", and "Billie Jean". [68] Musical act Fall Out Boy performed their song "Centuries" in a pre-recorded video. truth". [153] [151] Biden composed the speech with the assistance of speechwriter Vinay Reddy, senior advisor Mike Donilon, then-incoming Secretary of State Tony Blinken, and chief of staff Ron Klain. [22] Typically, presidential inaugurations cost about US$100 million. [3] Public health measures such as mandatory face coverings, testing, temperature checks, and social distancing were used to protect participants in the ceremony. [65], Two days before Inauguration Day, January 18, 2021, was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday that recognizes Dr. King's birthday. [155][154] Near the conclusion of his speech, Biden held a moment of silence for those who died in the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden and his inaugural committee encouraged Americans to engage in acts of community service and organized over 2,500 virtual or socially distant volunteer events in 56 U.S. states and territories in partnership with AmeriCorps. [65] Singer Barbra Streisand then joined to congratulate Biden and Harris, calling for them to "restore the health" of the United States and world; she also performed her rendition of "Happy Days Are Here Again", an American standard. But heightened security may remain", "Security footprint grows in nation's capital ahead of inauguration", "Up To 25,000 Troops Descend On Washington For Biden's Inauguration", "Guard troops pour into Washington as states answer the call", "Army Secretary Says A 'Non-Scalable' 7-Foot Fence Is Going Up Around U.S. Capitol", "New Warnings of Violence as Security Tightens for Inauguration", 12 National Guard Members Removed From Inauguration Duties Amid Extremist Threats, FLIGHT ADVISORY NATIONAL SPECIAL SECURITY EVENT 2021: Presidential Inauguration Events, "Airlines ban DC-bound travelers from checking firearms ahead of inauguration", "Biden team postpones inauguration rehearsal due to security threats", "Biden plans 'America United' inauguration theme", "Ahead of the inauguration, much of D.C. closed off like never before", "Entire National Mall to close on Inauguration Day", "Metro closing 13 stations ahead of Inauguration Day in DC", "Metro to close 13 stations for a week amid threats of inauguration violence", "Amtrak issuing travel advisory in D.C. area for Biden's inauguration", "MARC Train suspends all services leading up to Inauguration, beginning Sunday", "Airbnb to cancel all D.C. reservations during inauguration week as security in the city is tightened", "Hotel Workers' Union Calls for DC Hotels to Close During Inauguration, but That Seems Unlikely", "US Postal Service removing mailboxes for security reasons ahead of inauguration", "Virginia-DC bridges to close to enhance Biden inauguration security", "Secret Service reopens bridges connecting communities east of Anacostia River", "Meet the Resistance Revival Chorus, Where You Can Sing Out Your Political Frustrations", "See Black Pumas Perform 'Colors' for Biden-Harris Inauguration Welcome Event", "Biden lands 2020 endorsement from Atlanta Mayor Bottoms", "Joe Biden, Kamala Harris Share Inauguration Playlist With Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, and More", "From TV to Music Mogul: How Issa Rae Is Giving Artists A Leg Up", "Joe Biden and Kamala Harris drop a playlist for your inauguration watch party", "Biden inauguration announces virtual concert 'We the People' on Sunday", "Cher tells Joe Biden 'this is your time' as virtual show kicks off Inauguration Week", "Performers Fete Joe Biden And Kamala Harris At Inauguration Week Kickoff Concert: "This Is Your Time," Says Cher", "will.i.am Launches $5 Million "American Dream Fund" for i.am Angel Foundation to Expand Access to STEAM-Focused Education", "Carole King, James Taylor & More to Perform at Joe Biden's 'We the People Concert, "Barack Obama Presidential Inauguration: full schedule", "Biden volunteered in Philly to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day", "Biden inaugural festivities to feature national day of service on MLK Day", "Biden Inauguration Committee Encourages Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day", "President-Elect Biden Volunteers at Philabundance for MLK Day of Service – NBC10 Philadelphia", "Biden calls Americans to volunteer on MLK Jr. Day", "How to Watch 'United We Serve: A Celebration of the National MLK Day of Service' With Aloe Blacc, Chesca & More", "Joe Biden's Inauguration United We Serve Concert Lineup Includes Diane Warren, Chesca, Andra Day And Yo-Yo Ma", "I Barack Hussein Obama Do Solemnly Swear...", "Biden-Harris team hosts star-studded 'United We Serve' celebration for MLK Day", "Spanish Acts Get a Moment at Inaugural Events", "Biden inauguration theme will be 'America United, "Parade viewing stands dismantled near White House as Biden team seeks to discourage inauguration crowds", "The Latest:The Latest: Pence headed to Indiana after Biden inauguration", "Watch Live: Biden leaves Delaware for final time before inauguration", "Biden's plan for Inauguration Eve: Lights, church bells for COVID lives lost", "Empire State Building among hundreds to light up in Biden inauguration coronavirus tribute", "Washington National Cathedral to toll its bell 400 times to honor those lost to coronavirus", "Watch Japanese Breakfast Play "Everybody Wants to Love You!"