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Inauguration Day: The defining images as Joe Biden becomes US president

The Independent takes a look at the day that the Biden era began

Louise Hall
Wednesday 20 January 2021 16:48 EST
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Joe Biden sworn in as 46th president of United States

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At noon on 20 January 2021, the tumultuous and divisive Trump term ended and Joe Biden, the former VP and longtime senator with working-class Scranton roots, became the 46th president of the United States.

The swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday was a stark reminder of the uphill challenges that the new president faces in office. 

Washington DC is surrounded by a ring of steel and troops reminiscent of a war zone following an insurrectionist siege at the US Capitol by a pro-Trump mob earlier this month. And the capital, normally packed with jubilant scenes on such a historic occasion, is strangely empty due to pandemic precautions.

Here, The Independent, takes a look at the defining images on the day that the Biden era began.

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