Inauguration Day in America

The inauguration of Joe Biden takes place today.

Biden will become the 46th president of the United States at 1:30 pm Newfoundland time.

The inauguration will take place amidst extraordinary political, public health, economic, and national security crises, including outgoing President Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election, which incited a storming of the Capitol, Trump's unprecedented second impeachment, and a threat of widespread civil unrest, which stimulated a nationwide law enforcement response.

Festivities were sharply curtailed by efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate the potential for violence near the Capitol.

The live audience will be limited to members of the 117th United States Congress and, for each, one guest of their choosing, resembling a State of the Union address.

Public health measures such as mandatory face coverings, testing, temperature checks, and social distancing will be used to protect participants in the ceremony.