Two weeks after a violent mob attacked the U.S. Capitol, President Biden was sworn in as the oldest U.S. president at the age of 78. He emphasized the need for unity in his inauguration speech, stating that overcoming challenges and securing America's future requires more than just words. Biden called for an end to the division between political parties and urged people to open their souls instead of hardening their hearts. The inauguration ceremony was smaller and less festive than usual, with the National Mall adorned with U.S. flags instead of crowds of supporters. President Biden spoke at the Capitol, where a violent attack by Trump supporters occurred on Jan. 6, asserting that his inauguration proved that democracy had prevailed over the attackers. The violence led to Trump's second impeachment by the House for inciting the riot. Biden condemned the attempt to disrupt democracy through violence. Jennifer Lopez performed "America the Beautiful" and "This Land Is Your Land" at President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony. Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate and the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, made history as the first Black person, first woman, and first Asian American to serve as vice president. She was sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the court. Trump broke tradition by refusing to meet with Biden or attend his inauguration, going against the peaceful transfer of power. Instead, he gave a final speech as president, did not mention Biden by name, and then flew to his retreat in Florida. Top Republicans, including Vice President Mike Pence, attended Biden's inauguration, along with former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton. Biden takes office during a time of national unease, with crises including the pandemic, economic downturn, climate change, and racial inequality. He has pledged to take immediate action, including issuing a series of executive orders on his first day in office. Following a contentious election campaign marred by Trump's unfounded claims of election fraud, Biden adopted a conciliatory approach rarely seen from his predecessor, urging Americans who did not vote for him to give him a chance. In breaking news, Kamala Harris made history by becoming the first woman and woman of color to be sworn in as vice president of the United States. Biden declared, "I pledge this to you: I will be a president for all Americans." "I assure you that I will advocate just as fiercely for those who did not support me as for those who did," Biden stated. While his comments were mainly focused on domestic issues, he also expressed a commitment to rebuilding international alliances strained by Trump, and vowed to lead as a reliable partner for peace, progress, and security. Despite not mentioning specific conflicts with North Korea, Iran, and China, Biden's inauguration marks the culmination of a long career in public service, including time in the U.S. Senate and as vice president under Obama. However, he now confronts challenges that would test even the most seasoned politician. On Trump's final full day in office, the United States reached two grim milestones related to the pandemic: 400,000 deaths and 24 million infections, the highest numbers in any country. Millions of Americans are unemployed due to pandemic-related shutdowns. President Biden has promised to use the full resources of the federal government to address the crisis, with his main focus being a $1.9 trillion plan to increase jobless benefits and provide direct cash payments to households. Lady Gaga performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at President Biden's inauguration, but the success of Biden's plan will depend on approval from a divided Congress. Harris was set to swear in three new Democratic senators on Wednesday evening, resulting in a 50-50 split in the chamber with herself as the deciding vote. Biden is expected to quickly move on from the Trump era by signing 15 executive actions on issues such as the pandemic, economy, and climate change. These actions will include requiring masks on federal property, rejoining the Paris climate accord, and lifting Trump's travel ban on certain Muslim-majority countries. Despite Biden's ambitious plans for his first 100 days, the Senate may be preoccupied with Trump's upcoming impeachment trial, which will proceed even though he has left office. This trial could test Biden's pledge to foster bipartisanship in Washington. In his last hours in office, Trump granted over 140 pardons and commutations, including one for his ex-political adviser Steve Bannon, who is facing charges for allegedly deceiving Trump supporters in a fundraising scheme for a border wall. Contrary to speculation, Trump did not pardon himself or his family members.