'This is democracy's day': Biden sworn in as US President

Washington: Joe Biden has been sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, declaring in his first speech as Commander-in-Chief that "democracy has prevailed" in America after four years of Donald Trump's tumultuous presidency.

On the steps of the Capitol building, which was stormed by rioting Trump supporters a fortnight ago, President Biden called for Americans to "end their uncivil war" and see beyond their profound political differences.

Joe Biden has been sworn in as the 46th US President Credit: AP POOL

"This is America's day, this is democracy's day," Biden said in his inauguration speech on Thursday (AEDT). "A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve.

"We have learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile, and at this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed."

Trump, who falsely claimed the election had been stolen from him, left Washington DC for his home in Florida earlier in the day, making him the first outgoing president since 1869 not to attend his successor's inauguration.

Outgoing vice-president Mike Pence attended the ceremony, alongside former presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton.

Biden's inauguration ceremony was a dramatically pared-back affair because of security concerns and the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of thousands of cheering visitors from across the country, the National Mall was covered in almost 200,000 American flags.

To the relief of law enforcement authorities, who were embarrassed by the storming of the capital, the ceremony ran smoothly and without any security breaches.

"We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal," Biden said in his speech, continuing the theme of unity he has maintained since his Democratic primary campaign.

"Let’s start afresh – all of us. Let’s begin to listen to one another. Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path … We can stop the shouting and lower the temperature."

Biden called for Americans to reject "the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured".

"Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson: there is truth and there are lies, lies told for power and for profit," he said.

"And each of us has a duty and responsibility as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders, leaders who have pledged to honour our constitution and protect our nation and to defend the truth and defeat the lies."

Biden said Americans must seek to combat the "rise of political extremism, white supremacy and domestic terrorism".

During his speech Biden asked the nation to join with him in a silent prayer for the more than 400,000 Americans who have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

"Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this," Biden said, quoting Abraham Lincoln, America's 16th president.

"Together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear. Of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness."

In his speech, Biden acknowledged the significance of the fact his running mate, Kamala Harris, will become the first female vice-president in US history, as well as the first ever black and Asian-American vice-president.

Harris was escorted to the ceremony by Eugene Goodman, a Capitol Police officer who has been hailed as a hero for leading rioters away from the Senate chamber during the assault on the Capitol.

In the first tweet from his official presidential Twitter account, @POTUS, Biden said: "There is no time to waste when it comes to tackling the crises we face.

"That's why today, I am heading to the Oval Office to get right to work delivering bold action and immediate relief for American families."

Pop star Lady Gaga performed the national anthem at the inauguration ceremony while country music singer Garth Brooks sung Amazing Grace.

Before departing Washington, Trump told supporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland: "So just a goodbye, we love you.

"We will be back in some form."

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