What You Need to Know About the Inauguration

On Wednesday, January 20, Joe Biden will take the presidential oath of office, becoming the 46th president of the United States. Kamala Harris will be sworn in as the nation’s new vice president. She will be the first woman—as well as the first Black American and the first South Asian American—to hold that office, the second-highest position in the federal government.

What happens on Inauguration Day? Why is it taking place on January 20? Here’s what you need to know about this historic day.

The inauguration ceremony, which takes place in Washington, D.C., will begin around 11:30 a.m. on the East Coast, when Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem. Around noon, Biden will recite the oath of office (below) outside the U.S. Capitol, marking the official start of his presidency. It’s the same pledge every U.S. president has made, beginning with George Washington at the first inauguration in 1789. Biden will be sworn in by John G. Roberts Jr., the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Harris will be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Normally, hundreds of thousands of people pack into the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to witness an inauguration. But this year, in part to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, the National Mall will be closed to spectators. Organizers are urging Americans to stay home and watch the ceremony online or on TV instead. You can see the ceremony live on YouTube or on major TV networks, including ABC and CBS.

Still, about 1,000 people will attend the inauguration in person, mostly members of Congress and their guests. Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton will be at the ceremony as well, along with Vice President Mike Pence. President Donald Trump has chosen not to attend. 

Typically, a series of parties—known as inaugural balls—are held the evening of a president’s inauguration. But this year, the balls have been canceled to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Instead, a televised 90-minute celebration will take place beginning at 8:30 p.m. on the East Coast, hosted by actor Tom Hanks. 

The TV special, called “Celebrating America,” will feature appearances by celebrities including Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, and John Legend, as well as remarks from both Biden and Harris. It will also honor some of the everyday citizens who have helped their fellow Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic, including teachers, nurses, and other essential workers. 

After the inauguration, the new president and vice president will begin the work of governing. Biden is expected to announce a series of executive orders in the coming days, including ones aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19, helping Americans who are struggling financially, and tackling climate change.