Preparation for the inauguration ceremony (Photo: Bloomberg)

The inauguration ceremony formally marks the beginning of a new presidency. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic still raging and a recent assault on the Capitol threatening the stability of the US, Biden’s inauguration ceremony, held under the theme “America United,” is expected to take place safely thanks to tight security. Armed National Guard troops have been deployed in the vicinity of the ceremony to prevent any possibility of the disruption by demonstrators. The security deployment began a week ahead of the ceremony. Bridges, bus lines, and subway routes to the city center have been shutdown. Security checkpoints have been set up in major streets, and every passing vehicle is being checked. The entire city is basically sealed off for the security of the ceremony.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inauguration ceremony has been down-scaled to just 1,000 guests. Celebrations will be held online and there will be no parade from the Capitol to the White House. In place of inaugural halls, a special TV show will be held instead, featuring the President’s and Vice President’s speeches and musical performances. Trump will be the first outgoing president to refuse to attend the inauguration of his successor since 1869. Vice President Mike Pence will attend the event to express his support for a peaceful transition between the two administrations.
2020 is a year in which the US has experienced extreme political and social divisions. Biden's inaugural speech is expected to call for a healing of divisions, which will be the new administration's biggest challenge before moving on to other targets.