Biden was sworn in as the oldest U.S. president in history at age 78, with the U.S. Capitol surrounded by armed troops following a recent siege by a mob. In his inauguration speech, he emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming challenges and restoring the soul of America, calling for an end to division between red and blue, rural and urban, conservative and liberal. Biden stressed the need to open our souls instead of hardening our hearts to move forward as a nation. The inauguration ceremony was smaller and less celebratory than usual, with the National Mall covered in U.S. flags as a reminder of the pandemic. Biden spoke at the Capitol, where supporters of Trump had clashed with police in a violent attack on Jan. 6. Biden portrayed his inauguration as a triumph over those who tried to disrupt American democracy. The violence led to Trump's second impeachment by the Democratic-controlled House for incitement. Biden denounced the rioters who tried to use violence to silence the will of the people and stop the work of democracy. Jennifer Lopez performed "America the Beautiful" and "This Land Is Your Land" at President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony. Kamala Harris, the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, made history as the first Black person, first woman, and first Asian American to serve as vice president, sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump broke tradition by refusing to meet with Biden or attend his inauguration, a move seen as a departure from the peaceful transfer of power. Biden was sworn in as president with top Republicans and former presidents in attendance, while Trump left for his retreat in Florida without mentioning Biden by name in his final remarks. Biden takes office during a time of national unease, with multiple crises facing the country. He has promised immediate action, including a series of executive orders on his first day in office. Following a contentious campaign with Trump's unfounded claims of election fraud, Biden adopted a conciliatory tone, urging Americans who did not vote for him to give him a chance. Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and woman of color to be sworn in as vice president of the United States. Biden stated, "I pledge this to you: I will be a president for all Americans." Biden made a promise to fight equally hard for those who did not support him as for those who did, aiming to repair alliances damaged by Trump and be a reliable partner for peace, progress, and security. Despite not mentioning specific high-stakes disputes with North Korea, Iran, and China, he emphasized the importance of restoring America's global relationships. Biden's inauguration marks the pinnacle of his long career in public service, but he acknowledges the challenges ahead. On Trump's final full day in office, the United States reached two somber milestones in the pandemic - 400,000 deaths and 24 million infections, the highest numbers in any country. Many Americans are unemployed due to pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions. President Biden has promised to use the full power of the federal government to address the crisis, with a $1.9 trillion plan focusing on enhancing jobless benefits and providing direct cash payments to households. Lady Gaga performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Biden's inauguration. Approval of Biden's plan will be needed from a Congress that is deeply divided, with Democrats holding narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Harris was set to swear in three new Democratic senators on Wednesday, resulting in a 50-50 split in the chamber with her as the deciding vote. Biden is expected to quickly shift focus from the Trump era by signing 15 executive actions addressing various issues such as the pandemic, economy, and climate change. These actions will include requiring masks on federal property, rejoining the Paris climate agreement, and lifting Trump's travel ban on certain Muslim-majority countries. Despite Biden's ambitious agenda for his first 100 days, the Senate may be preoccupied with Trump's impeachment trial, which will proceed even though he is no longer in office. This trial could test Biden's commitment to promoting bipartisanship in Washington. In the final hours of his presidency, Trump granted over 140 pardons and commutations, including one for his ex-political adviser Steve Bannon, who faces charges for allegedly deceiving Trump supporters in a fundraising scheme for a border wall. Despite speculation, Trump did not pardon himself or his family members.