US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn into office on the steps of the United States Capitol on January 20, 2021, just like other American leaders throughout history but almost every other detail of Inauguration Day will be transformed by Covid-19 public health protocols.
In fact, Biden's inauguration team is urging Americans to stay home and watch history unfold on their television or digital screens. Pointing to the "unprecedented" public health crisis, the inaugural committee plans for an extremely small "footprint" of the in-person event that "honors and resembles sacred American traditions" and also keeps Americans safe.
Mr. Biden’s team released some broad details for the January 20 event on Tuesday. They’re proceeding with the plans without any assurances that outgoing President Donald Trump will participate.
"The 59th Presidential Inauguration will be a historic and exciting event that showcases the strength and diversity of our nation -- and one that every American can enjoy from their home," the Biden inaugural committee said.
Previewing the blueprint for a reimagined event, the team said plans are on to "honor the inaugural traditions Americans have always known": An outdoor swearing-in ceremony, a "reimagined" parade and "virtual celebrations" feature in the bucket list.
The President, who continues to make unproven claims of widespread voter fraud, has not yet told current and former White House aides whether he will attend Mr. Biden’s inauguration.
While many had assumed he would skip the event after his loss, some now do expect him to make an appearance for the sake of tradition, even if he tries to overshadow the event by, perhaps, announcing the launch of his 2024 campaign just before.
It’s still unclear whether other traditional inaugural events, such as a luncheon with members of Congress or a pre-ceremony tea with the outgoing president, will happen this time.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Biden will deliver an inaugural address that "lays out his vision to beat the virus,
build back better, and bring the country together."
Meanwhile, Inaugural Day merchandise - tees, mugs, socks, masks, coasters and blankets - have gone on sale on the official site.
