What to expect on Inauguration Day

Safety precautions in place for Inauguration Day are ramped up after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. capitol on Wednesday

Wikipedia

January 20, 2021 President Elect Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated at Capitol Hill as the 46th President of the United States of America.

Josie Cable, Opinions Editor

On January 20, president elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. And although traditional events are already in place for Inauguration Day, things are going to look different this year amidst the pandemic—especially as President Donald Trump’s false election claims have led to violent riots at the U.S. Capitol.

The day-long affair traditionally takes place at the Capitol in Washington D.C, where a few different events are put in place.

At around noon both the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect will take the oath of office, a promise to the American people that they will do what’s best for the country.

“The official way of doing this is to say: ‘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,” explains BBC.

After being sworn in, the new president is official and will give their inaugural speech. This address sets the tone for the presidency as the president explains their plans for the future. The day then ends off with an Inauguration ball and parade.

In the past hundreds of thousands to more than millions have shown up to witness the inauguration. However because of COVID-19 this year will look quite different. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) predicts that crowds at the ceremony and parade could be small compared to past Inaugurations.

“It’s going to be less than 200,000, that’s for sure,” Blunt said.

During this unpredictable year, it’s still unknown how the ceremony will change. However the importance of safety is greater this year, and changes will be made to even if it means leaving out traditional aspects.

Following the riots that ensued on Wednesday, Trump has condemned the attacks and urged his supporters against pushing any further. Several groups, however, have warned of further protests online, some as early as January 17, and have even threatened further violence.

 In response, the secret service and other federal agencies are preparing heavy security to ensure safety during the inauguration.

“The safety and security of all those participating in the 59th Presidential Inauguration is of the utmost importance,” the Secret Service said in a statement Thursday.

Trump will not be attending Biden’s Inauguration. Though this is rare, it is not the first time a president has skipped the swearing in of their successor.

“It’s totally his decision, and it’s of no personal consequence to me, but it is to the country,” Biden said. “I really worry about the image we’re presenting to the rest of the world.”