On Jan. 20, 2021, the United States presidential power was transferred from Donald J. Trump, to Joseph R. Biden.

Despite violence at the U.S. Capitol weeks before, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took their oaths of office at the Capitol, Wednesday, in front of former U.S. presidents, congressional leaders and former Vice President Michael Pence.

“This is America’s day, this is democracy’s day,” Biden said in his first words as the 46th President if the United States. “Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause. The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.”

Former president Trump was not in attendance for the inauguration ceremony, as he boarded Marina One before the inauguration and addressed the nation from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for the final time as the 45th president.

“It’s been something very special. We’ve accomplished a lot. We got so much done that nobody thought would be possible,” Trump said. “Have a good life. We will see you soon. Thank you.”

While Trump broke tradition of attending the presidential inauguration, he reportedly left a letter for President Biden at the Oval Office, according to FOX News. 

While the inauguration festivities carried on as normal, the security measures were increased in both the streets of Washington D.C. and within the grounds of the Capitol. 

“On this hallowed ground where just a few days ago violence sought to shake the very foundation, we come together as one nation under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries,” Biden said. “As we look ahead in a uniquely American Way… we set our sights on a nation we know we can be and must be.”

More than 25,000 National Guardsmen from across the country were called into D.C. and when the FBI raised concerns of an attack coming from within, each Guardsman was vetted days before the ceremony, with two individuals being removed because of suspected ties to a militia group.

As of this writing, there has been no disruption to the inauguration ceremony.

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