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When does it start? Is it on TV? Will there be music? Everything you need to know about the US inauguration

Joe Biden will be officially sworn-in as the 46th president of the United States today.

joe-biden-and-jill-biden-dance-at-commander-in-chief-ball President-elect Joe Biden with his wife Jill Patrick Kelley / PA Images Patrick Kelley / PA Images / PA Images

TWO MONTHS AFTER a resounding election victory, Joe Biden will be officially sworn-in as the 46th president of the United States today.

This year’s inauguration will be like no other, taking place amidst a global pandemic, so the crowds (or the lack thereof) won’t prove as controversial as they did four years ago.

The official transition of power will take place at noon local time (5pm Irish time), but Donald Trump has already said he won’t be there to pass the baton to his successor, becoming the first outgoing president not to do so since Andrew Johnson in 1869.

So who will attend Biden’s swearing-in? How will it adhere to Covid-19 restrictions? What will happen during the event? And who’s providing the entertainment?

Here’s everything you need to know…

Who’s going to be there?

Well for starters, the president-elect himself and wife, the soon-to-be First Lady and former Second Lady Jill Biden.

Vice president-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Craig Emhoff, who’ll become the first Second Gentleman in US history, will be there too.

And so will former presidents George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, alongside former first ladies Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama.

But 39th president Jimmy Carter won’t be there, the first inauguration he’ll miss since his own in 1977. That’s less to do with a Trump-style boycott, and more to do with the fact that he’s 96 years-old and is taking Covid-related precautions.

One other person who’ll be there is current vice president Mike Pence, who has publicly accepted the result of the election and will watch his successor be sworn into office.

Prez PA Images PA Images

How will the inauguration take place?

As in other years, Biden’s swearing-in will occur on the steps of the US Capitol building, but his team have called on people not to travel to Washington DC.

There’ll be no parades or crowds gathering along the National Mall (the location where aerial shots caused so much controversy the last time around).

Organisers have instead allocated just over 1,000 tickets for the event, one for each of the 535 members of Congress, all of whom can bring one guest.

biden-inauguration-rehearsal Military band members during a dress rehearsal on Monday AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

So there’ll be no performances?

Oh there’ll be performances alright. There just won’t be as many as there usually are.

Even though it’s a more scaled-down event this time, Lady Gaga has been called up (no, not literally) to sing the US national anthem. And Jennifer Lopez will also be performing in some as-yet-unknown capacity.

That’ll be it until the televised performances (more on that later).

Is there a theme?

You bet. If you followed the election or anything that’s happened since, you might be aware that Biden’s big pitch to the US is healing the country after four years of political turmoil and division under Trump.

With that in mind, organisers of the inauguration have opted for a theme under the banner “America United”.

To make up for all the people who won’t be in attendance, the Biden Inaugural Committee will have sections of the US represented in a different manner.

A public art display will feature 191,500 US flags and 56 pillars of light along the National Mall.

The former will represent “the American people who are unable to travel” to the Capitol, while the latter will represent every US state and territory.

biden-inauguration-flags Flags placed on the National Mall in Washington Alex Brandon / PA Images Alex Brandon / PA Images / PA Images

What’s the schedule for the day?

Briefly:

11:30am (4.30pm in Ireland): The inauguration ceremony will begin, including opening remarks by former Georgetown University president and Biden companion Father Leo J O’Donovan.

Shortly before 12pm (5pm in Ireland): Kamala Harris will swear her oath under the supervision of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (vice presidents are traditionally sworn into office first).

Around 12pm (5pm in Ireland): Joe Biden will raise his right hand and recite the oath of office under the supervision of Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.

He will say: “I do solemnly swear 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.”

Afterwards, Biden will deliver his inaugural address.

12:30pm (5.30pm in Ireland): The ceremony will end. But wait, there’s more…

3pm to 5pm (8pm to 10pm): The new president and vice-president will travel to Arlington Cemetery to lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by former Obama, George W Bush, Bill Clinton and their wives.

Biden will then receive a presidential escort back to the White House where he will give a quick inspection of the military.

senate-swear-ins Joe Biden swears-in then senator Kamala Harris in 2016 SIPA USA / PA Images SIPA USA / PA Images / PA Images

What can we expect from the inaugural address?

Biden’s first speech is expected to focus on appeals for Americans to reunite and to take on the Covid-19 pandemic with new seriousness.

He is also set to announce a dramatic shift away from Trump’s ‘America First’ ideology, taking the United States back to its traditions of alliance-building.

This will begin with the new president ordering the US back into the Paris climate accord from today (although this may not form part of his speech).

What security measures are in place?

Given events in the Capitol building earlier this month, security around Washington has been beefed up to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

Biden will take the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol under the protection of more than 20,000 National Guard soldiers. Checkpoints and large zones closed to ordinary citizens mean there will be only a smattering of guests at the ceremony itself.

In a sign of the times, the country’s acting defense secretary said on Monday that the military and FBI are vetting those National Guard troopers, who carry automatic weapons, in case any of them pose a threat to security.

biden-inauguration National Guard troops reinforce the security zone on Capitol Hill J. Scott Applewhite / PA Images J. Scott Applewhite / PA Images / PA Images

What will Trump be doing?

Avoiding all coverage of the inauguration presumably.

Later this morning, the 45th President will depart for his base in Florida from the White House early, in order to benefit from full presidential travel privileges up to the last minute.

It’s unclear whether Trump will host Biden and his wife for the customary courtesy visit at the White House prior to the handover.

After he leaves Pennsylvania Avenue, Marine One will take Trump from the White House to Joint Base Andrews to catch Air Force One – the presidential plane that, from 12pm, will no longer be his to use.

According to a Bloomberg report, he is also organising a military sendoff for himself at Andrews, watched by a crowd of invitees.

Trump’s political future looks bleak from then on: he is facing an historic second impeachment vote and innumerable court battles, with comeback is dependent on finding new ways of mobilising his base.

A Senate trial over his role in events at the Capitol this month could begin as soon as this week.

If the Senate votes to convict Trump, he could subsequently be prevented from holding political office again, he could be prosecuted and he could have his Presidential pension removed.

Where can I watch the day’s events?

If you’re a traditionalist with access to a TV, the ceremony will be covered on pretty much any rolling news channel.

For an Irish angle, RTÉ will be broadcasting events on RTÉ One and online from 3.30pm, fronted by Six One co-anchor Caitríona Perry and Washington correspondent Brian O’Donovan.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, BBC is also covering it, or if you want a more local flavour, US networks MSNBC and CNN will be broadcasting the ceremony too.

And if you’re not near a TV, you can watch a live feed of Sky’s coverage via Youtube here.

Wait, what was that you said earlier about televised performances?

Oh yes. Given the global pandemic, the celebrations and parades which usually accompany inaugurations will be replaced by a 90-minute TV special called “Celebrating America”, hosted by Tom Hanks.

The show, which will kick off at 1.30am Irish time, will see performances from musicians including Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Jon Bon Jovi and Ant Clemens.

Biden and Harris are also expected to speak on the programme, which will be broadcast live on US networks CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC and MSNBC, and stream on platforms like Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and Amazon Prime Video.

26th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards-arrivals-los-angeles Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson Javier Rojas / PA Images Javier Rojas / PA Images / PA Images

What’s the weather forecast?

At the time of writing, the outlook is for partly cloudy conditions but no rain and temperatures of 5 degrees.

- With reporting by AFP 2021

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18 Comments
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    Mute gary kelly
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:24 PM

    The man has had nearly every Victorias secret model going. He deserves an Oscar for that alone.LEGEND!!!!

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    Mute Mick
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:46 PM

    He was fantastic in Blood Diamond. If Denzel got one for Training Day then Leonardo Di Caprio deserves several.

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    Mute Mark Ryan
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:51 PM

    well said.. Training day was absolute drivel…… But it wasn’t the acting densel got it for that year which is a shame, as it tarnishes his award….

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    Mute Richard Cynical
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    Oct 24th 2015, 7:37 AM

    just give the man an Oscar

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    Mute gordon kennedy
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:27 PM

    Should have got the gong for django.. He was immense in that..

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    Mute Karol Doran
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 9:33 PM

    He stole the show. Incredible performance.

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    Mute Supernova
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:18 PM

    How he hasn’t got an Oscar yet is beyond me, he should be in with a shout out his year with this film look epic. Watched beasts of no nation on Netflix last night, and the supporting actor, just a kid (Abraham attah) deserves an Oscar for his performance, best child acting I’ve ever seen.

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    Mute Margaret Daly
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:26 PM

    last one seen shutter island. brilliant!

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    Mute mike litoris
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:29 PM

    He should have got an Oscar for basketball diaries.

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    Mute Alan O'Driscoll
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:34 PM

    What film would ya give him the oscar for though? Whilst I love pretty much all of his work, I don’t think I’ve seen him in a quintessential Oscar role until this one.

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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:36 PM

    He should have got one for Wolf of Wall Street, epic film.

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    Mute Supernova
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:41 PM

    he studied the YouTube video of “the drunkest man in the world” before doing the drunk/drug drinking scene lol

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    Mute Alan O'Driscoll
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:42 PM

    Yeah, immense film but not really an oscar performance. His performance in that is never gonna be better than the McConaissance in Dallas Buyers club.

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    Mute Karol Doran
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 9:35 PM

    He should have gotten best supporting oscar for his role in Django Unchained.

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    Mute Colm Connolly
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 11:43 PM

    no Christopher waltz fulles deserved his oscar from the same movie

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    Mute Alan Walsh
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:11 PM

    It looks claaaaaaaass

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    Mute Beachmaster
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:29 PM

    Jesus, give him an Oscar before he does something silly.

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    Mute Jamsey
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:34 PM

    Before??? Did you read the article?? The lad has gone full “Daniel Day Lewis”….

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    Mute Eamonn Connaghan
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 9:08 PM

    Never, ever, go full Daniel day Lewis.

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    Mute ChocSaltyBallz
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    Oct 24th 2015, 12:51 AM

    ain’t nottin but a ting ain’t nottin but a ting

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    Mute Eugene Walsh
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 9:04 PM

    Should a got ozzie for this boys life . A mediocre movie but his acting at that age alongside De Niro and the kicking De Niro gave him was pretty intense

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    Mute burner
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:32 PM

    ditto for wolf of wall street

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    Mute John Collins
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:33 PM

    He should have gotten the Oscar for Revolutionary Road and Django Unchained. Also, eating bison liver isn’t a big deal.

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    Mute Pedro Brasco
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    Oct 24th 2015, 9:00 AM

    Ya but eating raw bison liver is a big deal.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:26 PM

    The poor divil! I sincerely hope his wage helps dull this dreadfully traumatic experience.

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    Mute Declan O'meara
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 11:32 PM

    Had the pleasure of meeting him once in new York city , very down to earth guy and no bull shit out of him either , very witty

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    Mute .
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:13 PM

    He should try acting

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    Mute mike litoris
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:51 PM

    When he’s finished riding his supermodel girlfriend on a private yacht,hopefully he’ll take the time to log into the journal and read your comment. That will get his motivation for success going.

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    Mute Padraig Piarais Mac AnTsaoir
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 9:16 PM

    Mike, if you were here, I would munch on you till dawn.

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    Mute Alan O'connor
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:42 PM

    Inarittu is a total fraud. 21 Grams, Babel, Birdman. The emperor wearing absolutely no clothes. I suspect this will be drivel as well. I like DiCaprio but his quality control is gone to the dogs lately.

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    Mute Karol Doran
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 9:37 PM

    Nonsense. I can’t remember him ever doing a poor movie. He produces non stop quality performances.

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    Mute William Boyd
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 10:27 PM

    Have to agree with Alan about the director a bit like that Wes Anderson another emperor with no clothes.

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    Mute Paddy
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 11:49 PM

    I like the grand Budapest hotel in fairness.

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    Mute William Boyd
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    Oct 24th 2015, 12:18 AM

    From a personal perspective Paddy for me it was like pulling teeth with a pliers without anesthetic.

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    Mute Gary Kennedy
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:13 PM

    Anything for an Oscar

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    Mute Neil Cash
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    Oct 24th 2015, 9:58 AM

    I know a lot of jokes are made about Leo’s failures at Oscar level but regardless he does have one of the most impressive backlog of film around – this looks to continue that with this. I really like him and hope this gets him the Oscar nod

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Oct 23rd 2015, 8:29 PM

    Dances With Bears?

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    Mute M
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    Oct 24th 2015, 7:28 AM

    Fassbender as Jobs willl be a condender too, he looks like he nails the role

    9
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    Mute Kate Reddin
    Favourite Kate Reddin
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    Oct 24th 2015, 9:01 AM

    He was nominared for best supporting actor in “whats eating gilbert grape”. He should have won for definate but didn’t and that was 20 years ago. He is constantly snubbed at the oscars so they must have a problem with him. The only film he wasn’t amazing in was titanic and I don’t blame him for that

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    Mute Robert Allen
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    Oct 24th 2015, 8:32 AM

    Superb actor

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Oct 24th 2015, 10:32 PM

    Is he mad?

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