Invitations have been reduced by the pandemic and security has increased due to the Capitol riot, but Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th president of the United States next week will still have plenty of pomp.
The National Mall will be closed to keep people away, so we will all be spared another comparison of the crowd size, especially since Trump’s Twitter has been disabled. The threat of violent protests by Trump supporters who deny the elections and the presence of 20,000 National Guard soldiers will prevent anyone from forgetting Trump’s turbulent leadership, or lack thereof.
The FBI has warned of armed protests in all 50 state capitals and the TSA is moving to restrict weapons in checked baggage.
Here are others important things to know about the event:
What’s different this year? Very. Biden planned to make a statement when he arrived in Washington via Amtrak from Wilmington, Delaware, where the train station bears his name – a testament to the days when he was a senator and used to make the round trip home to be with his children. This is turned off. He’s staying the night before at Blair House, across from the White House, instead of a hotel.
Usually, members of Congress obtain a series of tickets to distribute at will. This year, each of them gets +1. The public is being encouraged to stay away and the National Mall will be closed. There will be no public parade from the Capitol to the White House, but a virtual parade bringing people from all over the country.
The inaugural balls – they are usually multiple and the new president makes a brief appearance in several – will be replaced by a TV show produced with stars like Hanks and Justin Timberlake. This will be very similar to the opening of Covid.
What will Biden say? Pay special attention to Biden’s references to his predecessor, who will soon face an impeachment process during his inaugural speech.
Who will be at the opening ceremony itself? All normal VIPs, members in and out of the cabinet, legislators and Supreme Court judges are likely to attend, as is the vice president who is leaving Mike Pence. Trump does not. It is rare, but not unprecedented, for a president to skip the transfer of power.
Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga will add some showbiz sparkle to the ceremony, which will still take place on the US Capitol’s West Front, looking at an empty mall, a demonstration of defiance to the people who broke into the Capitol on January 6, perhaps. But also a reminder that this is a very unique start for a new administration. See More information.