"Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation," Joe Biden said in his inaugural address. He was sworn in as the United States' 46th president on Wednesday, and he pledged to be a president for all Americans -- even those who did not support his campaign. Biden spoke shortly after Kamala Harris made history by becoming the country's first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president. He said this Inauguration Day was a triumph for democracy. "The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded," Biden said. "We've learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed." This was the first time in 150 years that the outgoing president has boycotted his successor's inauguration. Donald Trump, still bitter about the election, skipped the ceremony and many of the time-honored traditions that come with the peaceful transfer of power. He departed Washington early in the morning, giving a speech at Joint Base Andrews before flying to Florida.
Biden raises his right hand as he takes the oath of office as he was sworn in as the United States' 46th president on Wednesday.
Harris is sworn in as vice president as her husband holds the Bible. Harris was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She wore the color purple as a nod to Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman to run for president.
Former President Barack Obama congratulates Biden after the swearing-in. Biden was Obama's vice president for eight years.
Three former US presidents and first ladies wait for President Biden during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From left are Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Laura Bush, George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton.
Biden delivers his inaugural address after taking the oath of office. "Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path," Biden said as he called on Americans to come together. "We have to be different than this. America has to be better than this."
Jennifer Lopez sings during Wednesday's ceremony. She performed "America the Beautiful" and "This Land Is Your Land."
Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem in front of Vice President Mike Pence before Harris and Biden were sworn in.
Biden signs three documents after his swearing-in ceremony: his inauguration day proclamation, his nominations for the Cabinet and his nominations for sub-Cabinet positions.
Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office after his inauguration. "There's no time to start like today, I'm going to start by keeping the promises I made to the American people."
