Inauguration Day Recap

     Today was the day. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States (and the world took a collective exhale). The day started bright and early with the Trumps departing the White House for the short ride on Marine One to Joint Base Andrews with one final exaggerated show at the expense of the American taxpayers. The president was hoping for a large crowd at his send off so much so that he allowed guests to bring up to five people. That goal fell short when only a measly 200 people showed up. Even his Vice President didn’t show. Instead, Mike Pence attended the inauguration with his wife. Staying on brand, Trump promised that he would be back in one way or another before taking off on Air Force One to the beautiful melody of his campaign playlist which of course included the iconic tune that is YMCA.
     Meanwhile, back in Washington, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, their families, and members of Congress participated in a church service before the days festivities began. While they were in service guests began arriving at the capitol building where just two weeks before a violent mob  of Trump supporters stormed the building in an attempt to stop the electoral count and potentially harm lawmakers. The guest list included all the living presidents, Bush, Obama, Clinton, and their wives with the exception of the Carters. Due to COVID-19, Jimmy Carter and his wife decided not to travel to Washington. He spoke to the president-elect the night before Inauguration Day. This was the first inauguration the Carters have missed in forty-four years. While this was a presidential inauguration, many called it D.C. fashion week for the outfits worn by all attendees were showstoppers. Particularly by the First Ladies, Jennifer Lopez, and Lady Gaga. Even Bernie Sanders was trending for awhile.
​     The actual inauguration began at about 11:00. Amy Klobachar gave the opening speech along with the chair of the inaugural committee. Lady Gaga sang the National Anthem, J Lo sang America the Beautiful, Garth Brooks sang Amazing Grace (there was some controversy surrounding this performance), and a poem was read by Amanda Gorman. Shortly before the official changeover of power at noon, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took the oath of office. The Trump administration finally comes to a close to the relief of pretty much everyone. Here’s your fun fact of the day. Because Trump left for Florida before noon, a nuclear football had to travel with him to Mar-a-Lago. At noon, that football was deactivated and another in Washington was activated for Joe Biden, meaning there was two nuclear footballs in action yesterday.
     After taking the oath, President Biden delivered his inaugural address. The speech highlighted the divisions within the country and didn’t sugarcoat the work that must be done to rebuild. The speech was well-received and a stark contrast to the one we heard four years ago. Following the inauguration. The President , Vice President, First Lady, Second Gentleman, and the three former Presidents traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After that, the White House was their next destination. A little while after they arrived the new Vice President presided over the reconvened senate and swore in three new democratic senators. This gave democrats the majority. President Biden signed 17 executive orders including a mask mandate on federal property and some methods of public transportation. He also officially put the U.S. back in the Paris Climate Accord. He also revealed that former President Trump left him a “generous” letters. Letters were also left for Vice President Harris, the First Lady, and the White House press team.
     Speaking of press, daily White House press briefing have returned. Press Secretary Jen Psaki gave the first briefing in the press room last night at 7:00 pm EST. I think she did a great job and many other people also agreed. They couldn’t help but compare her to former press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and it was a welcome change. During the briefing, the first cabinet secretary was confirmed by the senate. Avril Hanes was confirmed as Director of National Intelligence shortly after 7:00 pm EST last night. The night was capped off with an epic prime time concert called Celebrating America. It was probably the funnest thing I’ve ever watched and you need to find clips online if you missed it.
      This day was so much fun and I think really just hit the reset button for the whole country. I’m looking forward to covering what happens over these next couple months and I hope you’ll stick around for the ride.