Inauguration Day 2021: Obama, Bush and Clinton give message to Biden as Oval Office gets a revamp

Former President of the United States George Bush has arrived at the Capitol building alongside his wife Laura for Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Mr Bush, wearing a facemask, gave a brief wave to reporters before disappearing inside the Capitol building.

Barack and Michelle Obama have arrived at the inuguration as have Hillary and Bill Clinton.

On Twitter Mr Obama has congratulated the new soon-to-be President, he said: "Congratulations to my friend President @JoeBiden! This is your time."

The Independent’s Richard Hall is on the ground in Washington DC with latest updates below from Joe Biden’s inauguration:

We’re less than two hours away from a historic transfer of power. This was not a normal presidency, this was not a normal election and nor will this be a normal inauguration.

The streets around the Capitol are locked down to the public and downtown is a maze of roadblocks and checkpoints. But the sun is breaking through the clouds here in the capital as guests begin to arrive for the swearing in of Joe Biden.

At noon, after four years of chaos, the man who promised a return to normalcy will become the 46th president of the United States. He will be sworn in on the same steps upon which the supporters of the outgoing president tried to thwart the democratic process.

A short time ago we saw Donald Trump leave the White House on Marine One for the last time. Some 25,000 National Guard troops are here in the city to deter any violence, following warnings from authorities that extremists might target the event.

So far, there are no signs of any protests from his supporters.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have now arrived at the Capitol for the inauguration event.

Mr Biden and Ms Harris could be see walking up the steps with their spouses before entering the building where they will be met by their predecessors.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is at the inauguration wearing a striking pair of patterned mittens that he was apparently given on by a teacher two years ago.

Mr Biden earlier wrote a scathing tweet about Mr Trump’s presidency, he said: “Joe Biden will inherit from Trump: The worst economy since the Great Depression, the worst public health crisis in 100 years, massive wealth inequality, the existential threat of climate change, a racist immigration system. These unprecedented crises demand unprecedented action.”

The Obamas arrive onstage at the Inauguration 

Barack and Michelle Obama arrived onstage at the Inauguration to support Joe Biden as he is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. 

Mrs Obama made a show on social media for her choice of a maroon pant and top combination with a matching coat. 

This moment was especially important for the Obama administration given the Trump presidency came in response to Americans unhappy with the 44th president. 

Kamala Harris and her husband arrive to take their seats

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, who will become the nation’s first second gentleman, have arrived at the US Capitol stage to take their seats for the inauguration. 

Ms Harris made a point to honour two young Black American designers in her outfit today: Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson. 

Her outfit is a purple dress and matching coat. She said the outfit was "a nod to Shirley Chisholm, who ran for president decades ago and inspired her career."

Amy Klobuchar opens ceremony with a moving speech

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar opened the swearing in of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday. 

Her speech started with her acknowledging the riots that took place at the US Capitol exactly two weeks ago. 

“When an angry, violent mob staged an insurrection and desecrated this temple of our democracy, it awaken us to our responsibilities as Americans,” she said. “This is the day when our democracy picks itself up, brushes off the dust and does what America always does — goes forward.” 

"We pledge today to never take our democracy for granted as we celebrate its strength," Ms Klobuchar added.

She went on to state the historical significance of the incoming Biden administration, specifically when it comes to Mr Biden’s choice of vice president. 

“We celebrate our first African-American, first Asian-American, and first woman Vice President – Kamala Harris, who stands on the shoulders of so many on this platform who have forged the way to this day,” she said. 

“Little girls and boys will know that anything and everything is possible."

Bill Clinton photobombs George Bush as US leaders take selfies at Biden inauguration

Bill Clinton and George W Bush are still partying like it's 2000, writes Justin Vallejo. 

The pair are relived their peaceful transfer of power with "42" photobombing "43" as ex-president of the United States united at the inauguration of "46", Joe Biden.

Mr Bush, the only Republican ex-president in attendance, was posing with Democrat Jim Clyburn while Mr Bush hovered in the background before the inauguration officially began.