"Democracy has prevailed," Biden said as he was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. The new president emphasised a need for the country to come together and be united.
Joseph R Biden Jr has been sworn in as president of the United States and Kamala Harris has become the first female Vice President in US history.
The new US president called for unity after the violent riot that took place at the Capitol Hill, stating that the will of the people had been heeded.
He began by signing a series of executive orders, moving to undo some of Donald Trump's policies just hours after being sworn into office.
They include an executive action calling for the US to rejoin the Paris climate deal and others that would see the previous administration's stance on immigration and race relations reversed.
After the inauguration ceremony, Biden and Harris went to Arlington National Cemetery where they participated with former US presidents in a wreath-laying ceremony.
Trump departed the White House earlier in the day, stating that it was an "honour" to serve as president.
Trump did not take part in the inauguration ceremony — becoming the first outgoing president to do so in 152 years.
Harris later oversaw the swearing-in of three new Democratic senators whose victories gave her party a majority in the Senate.
In securing a majority there and across a unified government, the Democrats can tackle the new president's agenda at a time of unprecedented national challenges.
Vice President Kamala Harris drew applause as she entered the chamber to deliver the oath of office to the new Democratic senators — Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock and Alex Padilla — just hours after taking her own oath at the Capitol alongside Biden.
The president attended a virtual ceremony swearing-in newly-appointed officials, taking a stern tone with them.
“If you’re ever working with me and I hear you treating another colleague with disrespect, talking down to someone, I will fire you on the spot," he said.
Adding "everybody is entitled to be treated with decency and dignity", something that he said had been missing "in a big way" in the last four years.
Euronews brought you a live blog to keep track of what was going on. Here's how events unfolded.
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Biden signs raft of executive orders putting end to Trump policies
The new president signed the orders just hours after taking the oath of office at the Capitol.Trumps letter to Biden was 'generous and gracious'
Biden's new press secretary Jen Psaki said the contents of a letter Trump left in the White House for his successor were "both generous and gracious".
She added that she was with her new boss when he opened it.
Biden has declined to share what was in the letter, but Psaki added: "I wouldn't take it as an indication of a pending call with the former president."
First White House press briefing for Biden's administration
White House press secretary Jen Psaki is delivering the first news briefing of Joe Biden’s presidency, a once standard part of past administrations that was largely sidelined during the Trump era.
Psaki said Wednesday that she will bring truth and transparency to the White House briefing room, a clear reference to her predecessors under President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration took an openly combative tone with the news media. Sean Spicer, who was Trump’s first press secretary, set the tenor four years ago by claiming that the audience at Trump’s inauguration was the largest in history, despite photographic evidence to the contrary.
BREAKING: Biden signs series of orders including one calling for the US to return to the Paris climate agreement
Wall Street hits record highs as hopes build for more stimulus
Wall Street marked the dawn of President Joe Biden's administration with stocks rallying to record highs as hopes build that new leadership in Washington will mean more support for the struggling U.S. economy.
The S&P 500 rose 1.4%, topping its previous all-time high set earlier this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq composite and Russell 2000 index of smaller companies also notched record highs, powered by gains in technology, communications, health care and most other sectors.
Democrats now officially control Senate
Vice President Kamala Harris drew applause as she entered the chamber to deliver the oath of office to the new Democratic senators — Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock and Alex Padilla — just hours after taking her own oath at the Capitol alongside Biden.
The three Democrats join a Senate narrowly split 50-50 between the parties, but giving Democrats the majority with Harris able to cast the tie-breaking vote.
European leaders congratulate US President Biden after inauguration
European leaders described the 46th President's inauguration speech as "inspiring" and said it was time to bring "conviction and common sense" to help rejuvenate their relationship with the US.
Watch: Amanda Gorman's 'Hill We Climb' poem wows inauguration audience
The poem, which she finished in the wake of the Capitol Hill riots, was about unity in the US.Still to come:
22.30 CET - Vice-President Kamala Harris swears in newly elected Georgia democratic senators.
- 23.45 CET - President Joe Biden swears in Day One Presidential Appointees in a virtual ceremony.
- Biden expected to issue several executive orders and swear in new officials in his administration.
- 00.01 CET (Jan 21) White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki set to hold a briefing.
- With no inaugural ball possible this year, Tom Hanks will host a "Celebrating America" TV event with virtual performances from Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, and John Legend among others.
In pictures: Joe Biden becomes the 46th US president
We've picked the best pictures of the day, from Trump leaving the White House for the final time to Biden's first speech as US president.BREAKING: Biden enters White House for first time as US president
Notably absent was his predecessor, Donald Trump, who travelled to Floria so was not present to greet Biden upon his arrival at his new residence.
Who is US vice president Kamala Harris?
The top ranks of American politics have historically been dominated by men, almost all of them white. That's now coming to an end.Amanda Gorman, youngest inaugural poet in US history, praised after reading
Joe Biden implores Americans to unite in first speech as US president
US President Joseph R Biden Jr implored Americans to come together in an inauguration speech that highlighted several challenges he faces including the COVID-19 pandemic and rise of white supremacy.Biden and Harris inspect military troops on steps of US Capitol
It is a moment where the new Commander-in-Chief reviews military troops and includes a procession of ceremonial military regiments.
After the review of troops, the president and vice president will join former US presidents at a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Watch: Donald Trump leaves the White House for the final time
Trump, who departed the White House shortly after 14:00 CET with his wife, Melania, said it had been "a great honour, the honour of a lifetime" to serve as president.President Biden signs first documents at US Capitol
Biden was surrounded by Vice President Kamala Harris and congressional leaders.
What happens next for the president and vice president?
US President Joe Biden will now review the military troops before joining former Presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton at Arlington Cemetery for a wreath laying ceremony.
Later on Wednesday, the US president will go to the White House. There will be a virtual inaugural parade and television special in the United States to celebrate the new administration.
Biden is also expected to sign several executive actions reversing Trump policies on issues ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration, and the environment.
He is expected to sign the Paris climate accord and rejoin the World Health Organisation on his first day in office.
Symbolic transfer of power from former VP Mike Pence to VP Kamala Harris
Former President Donald Trump did not attend the ceremony and left the White House earlier in the day.
Reverend Dr Silvester Beaman delivers the benediction
"We will mourn our dead. We will befriend the lonely, the least and the left out," he said.
"We will love the unloveable, remove the stigma of the so-called untouchables," Beaman said.
He talked about extending opportunity and making friends out of enemies.
Beaman is reverend at the Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, Delaware.
American poet Amanda Gorman performs
'Democracy has prevailed': Biden emphasises unity after he is sworn in as president
"We've come so far, but we still have far to go. We'll press forward with speed and urgency," he said, stating there was much to repair, restore and gain.
Citing the deaths lost due to COVID-19 and racial justice, he set out the priorities of his administration. He added that they want to defeat the rise of white supremacy and domestic terrorism.
Biden emphasised the importance of "unity":
"My whole soul is in this. Bringing America together. Uniting our people. Uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause."
Biden said he wanted to make America "once again" the leading force for good in the world.
He called for lowering the temperature in the country. He said that this was a historic moment and that "unity" was the path forward.
"We must meet this moment as the United States of America," Biden said, stating that the country had never failed. He called for people to show respect and listen to each other.
"I believe America is better than this."
He called for people to show tolerance and stand in other people's shoes.
"My fellow Americans in the work ahead of us we're going to need each other... to persevere" during the pandemic, facing it as "one nation."
"It's time for boldness for there is so much to do," Biden said, stating that people needed to master this hour to pass a better world to our children.
"I will defend the Constitution, I will defend our Democracy," he said.
Joseph R Biden Jr has been sworn in as president of the United States
Kamala Harris has been sworn in as Vice President of the United States
Kamala Harris was sworn in by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Sonia Sotomayor.
Lady Gaga sings the US national anthem
The singer had supported Joe Biden during his campaign. That was followed by a reading of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Father Leo J. O’Donovan delivers an invocation at the inauguration
He called for people to care for one another, especially the least fortunate among us.
He said he asked for an "understanding heart" from the new president. O'Donovan is a friend of Biden's.
Senator Roy Blunt says inaugural ceremony 'commonplace and miraculous'
Republican Senator Roy Blunt said that he viewed the ceremony as "commonplace and miraculous".
"Americans have celebrated this moment during war, during depression and now during pandemic," Blunt said.
"We renew our commitment to our determined democracy forging a more perfect union," he said.
Blunt said the assault on the Capitol showed people that the government is fragile and resilient. The pandemic, he said, has been a big challenge to a free society.
He said the new administration brought with it a new beginning.
'Have we become too jaded?' Senator Amy Klobuchar implores Americans not to take democracy for granted
In the first speech of the ceremony, Senator Amy Klobuchar said the capitol riot "awakened us" to the responsibility Americans have.
She spoke about the US Capitol as a symbol of democracy, stating that generations of Americans have given their lives for the country.
"It falls on all of us... to take up the torch of our democracy not as a weapon of political arson but as an instrument for political good."
She implored people not to take democracy for granted.
Presidential inauguration ceremony kicks off
The ceremony will include several traditions including an invocation, the pledge of allegiance led by Andrea Hall, the National Anthem by Lady Gaga, a poetry reading by 22-year-old Amanda Gorman, a performance by Jennifer Lopez and a benediction.
Both the president-elect and vice president-elect will be sworn into office by 18:00 CET.
Vice President Mike Pence has arrived at the ceremony
Pence will be representing the outgoing Trump administration. Donald Trump will not be attending the inauguration and has left Washington for Florida.
Watch the Biden inauguration ceremony live
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris wave from the steps of the US Capitol
Former US presidents and Congressional leaders arrive at Biden inauguration
Other Congressional leaders have also arrived at the ceremony including Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, and Kevin McCarthy.
Stage is set as attendees arrive at the presidential inauguration
Many members of Congress have already arrived and taken their seats at the ceremony.
The Marine Corps band has already begun playing music at the event.
Heavy security in Washington as new president set to take office
It comes after the January 6 riot at the US Capitol by Trump supporters who claimed the election was stolen.
Here are some photos of the security in Washington where the downtown is locked down for the ceremony.
Lady Gaga arrives at the US Capitol where she will perform for the inauguration
Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell attends mass with Biden
Republican lawmakers attended mass with Joe Biden ahead of his inauguration, in a show of support as the outgoing president refused to attend the inauguration.
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was photographed near McConnell at the mass.
Trump follows tradition and leaves a letter for Joe Biden
The contents of the letter have not been revealed.
Trump has not conceded publicly and did not say Joe Biden's name in his farewell remarks.
Trump has also not followed typical traditions and will not be attending Biden's inauguration.
Biden attends service in heart of Washington DC ahead of inauguration
France 'eager to build' strong relationship with Biden
"We have colossal objectives and challenges to take up together," Attal said, joining the voices of several "relieved" European leaders speaking out ahead of the Biden inauguration.
"The commitments of Joe Biden to reintegrate the Paris climate agreement are very important. So it is absolutely inspiring for the work we'll have to do with the United States in the coming months," he added.
Joe Biden to attend mass as Trump leaves on Air Force One
The incoming US president attended mass at St Matthew's Cathedral in Washington as Donald Trump's plane took off for Florida after his brief remarks on the tarmac.
The president-elect is joined by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as well as a bipartisan group of lawmakers including both Senate leaders, Republican Mitch McConnell and Democrat Chuck Schumer, as well as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy.
'It is my greatest honour' to have been your president, Trump says in final remarks
"This has been an incredible four years," Trump said, as he thanked his family and aides. "It's been something very special."
He called being president his greatest honour, and wished the "new administration great luck and great success".
Trump said they had the "foundation to do something really spectacular" despite the pandemic, in remarks that suggested he would take credit for any future economic successes.
"I hope they don’t raise your taxes, but if they do I told you so," Trump said, touting his economic policies, and tax reform.
Trump has arrived at Andrews Air Force base where he receives military sendoff
“It’s been a great honour, the honour of a lifetime," Trump said as he left the White House.
Joe Biden set to attend mass in Washington DC ahead of inauguration ceremony
Donald Trump officially leaves the White House
Donald Trump prepares to leave the White House
Trump revokes lobbying ban in one of final acts in office
The action releases members of his administration from an ethics pledge and five-year ban on lobbying their former agencies.
President Bill Clinton had signed a similar executive order before leaving office, allowing aides to go back to lobbying after leaving the administration, according to the AP.
Brussels transport system waves goodbye to Trump
EU Council reaffirms 'strategic importance' of US partnership
"We share values, common interest, cultural and historical ties and a geopolitical reality," Michel said hours before Biden was set to take over as US president.
"Together, we must stand as the bedrock of the rules based international order working for peace, security, prosperity, freedom, human rights and gender equality: values harshly challenged in the world."
What Biden means for the fight against climate change
The soon-to-be-inaugurated President-elect has already announced that he will recommit the US to the Paris Agreement.
In July, the new president also announced a $2 trillion (€1.65tn) proposal for reducing America’s dependence on fossil fuels, while creating new eco jobs to help strengthen the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic.
READ MORE ON BIDEN'S ENVIRONMENTAL PROMISES
In pictures: US presidential inaugurations
Photographic records of the ceremony throughout the 19th century onwards — from Abraham Lincoln to Barack Obama — offer a powerful testimonial of the changing times.
Indian village celebrates Kamala Harris ahead of inauguration
Trump's most memorable moments in office
What's next for UK-US relations
German President 'greatly relieved' about Biden's presidency
"We look forward to having the US as a vital partner at our side again on many fronts: as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together in a spirit of solidarity, tackle climate change at the global level, and address security issues, including arms control and disarmament, as well as many conflicts that require urgent attention," he added.
China is 'committing genocide' on Uighurs: Pompeo declares
"The so-called genocide and crimes against humanity committed by China in Xinjiang are outright sensational false propositions and malicious farce concocted by certain anti-China and anti-communist forces represented by Pompeo."
Biden to overturn Trump policies within hours in office
Read more here.
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'New dawn' for EU-US relations: Commission chief
She notably praised Biden's commitment to bring the US back into the Paris Agreement for the climate.
"We must make sure that messages of hate and fake news can no longer be spread unchecked. We must impose democratic limits on the untrammelled and uncontrolled political power of the internet giants," she said.
Trump's farewell to the nation
“Another administration would have taken three, four, five, maybe even up to 10 years to develop a vaccine. We did in nine months," he stated.
Five ways the Biden inauguration will be different from previous ones
Donald Trump pardons former strategist Steve Bannon
Bannon is accused of using millions of dollars raised from thousands of investors to build a wall along the southern border to pay his own personal expenses and the salary of a close associate.