This is Donald Trump’s last full week as President of the United States – after which Democratic President-elect Joe Biden will take on the role.
The end of Trump’s Presidential reign has been tumultuous to say the least.
In early January, pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol Building to protest Joe Biden’s election win – and the President was impeached for his part in the whole affair.
Biden has vowed to bring ‘healing and unity’ to the divided nation once he starts his term.
So when is he due to take office?
When is Joe Biden’s Inauguration Day?
Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.
Inauguration Day marks the swearing-in of the newly elected President and will take place even if there isn’t a ‘new’ president and the incumbent is sitting their second term.
The inauguration has fallen on the same day for over 70 years.
Since 1937, it has taken place at noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) on January 20, the first day of the new term.
Even on the three occasions this date fell on a Sunday, the president was privately sworn in at this time, but the public ceremony was held the day after.
What happens on Inauguration Day?
The new President will take the Oath of Office, where they will recite to a Chief Justice: ‘I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.’
The well-known and often-repeated line of ‘So help me God’ is not actually part of the official oath, though it is often said after the oath has been taken.
It is thought Abraham Lincoln was the first President to say this line, and many others have followed.
Since the 1981 inauguration of Ronald Reagan, the inauguration has taken place at the west front of the United States Capitol facing the National Mall, the Washington Monument and the nearby Lincoln Memorial.
After being sworn in, the President will make their first official address of the term – referred to as the inaugural address.
Depending on the candidate, there could also be prayers, poems read out and performances from celebrity fans.
Beyoncé performed at Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration, country star Toby Keith sang at Donald Trump’s in 2017 and Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez will perform for Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris.
As coronavirus continues to cause tighter restrictions around the world, including the United States, the inauguration this year will be televised, and preceded by a 90-minute celebration of America hosted by Tom Hanks.
When does the next president take office?
Joe Biden will take office as soon as he is sworn in on his Inauguration Day.
He will be given the full powers of the president, and can get to work in implementing his policies.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2021/01/16/when-is-joe-biden-sworn-in-as-president-13911126/