Joe Biden Becomes 46th President of US, Urges Ending 'This Uncivil War'

amala Harris made history as the first woman, Black woman and Asian woman to be sworn in as vice president.

Former US President Donald Trump did not attend the inauguration, becoming the first president since 1869 to skip the swearing-in of his successor.

In his inaugural address, Biden called for unity. "Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path," the new president said. "We must end this uncivil war."

Biden also pledged to "repair our alliances and engage with the world once again."

"We'll lead, not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example. We'll be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress and security," he added.

He used his inaugural speech to send a message to the rest of the world about the US.

"Here's my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested, and we've come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again," he said

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the supporters of Joe Biden were barred from watching the inauguration from the national mall, replaced by 200,000 flags representing all 56 American states and territories.

Among those present were three former presidents of the United States: Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush along their spouses.

US Vice-President Mike Pence was also the only official from the Trump administration that attended the ceremony, skipping Trump's farewell military salute event at Joint Air Force Base Andrews.