After four long years of a surreal Trump administration, it seems much of America finally breathed a sigh of relief as his final moments as president came and went and Joe Biden was sworn in to take his place.
It comes after an extremely tense presidential campaign, punctuated by an unprecedented global pandemic which heightened the stakes even further. Even the election itself was a complete departure from the norm, with ballots being counted for days before it was eventually called for Biden.
In the past two months we’ve faced an outgoing president who consistently tried to discredit the election result with zero evidence, culminating in a deadly insurrection at the Capitol led by Trump supporters hoping to overturn the result.
It almost seemed like the day of Biden’s inauguration would never come, but here we are.
Kamala Harris’s swearing in was historic in its own right, as she took office as the first ever woman of African American and South Asian descent to hold the position.
In attendance were former presidents and first ladies – including Barack and Michelle Obama and Hillary and Bill Clinton – with Donald and Melania Trump notably absent.
For many people – from influencers to politicians – it was a truly exciting and emotional event.
It delights me to think that what feels historical and amazing to us today—a woman sworn in to the vice presidency—… https://t.co/tpx7w3nxqw— Hillary Clinton (@Hillary Clinton) 1611152399
Bruce and I are honored to be at the Capitol for the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. This is a great d… https://t.co/NzZRvpn0Yd— Elizabeth Warren (@Elizabeth Warren) 1611158837
It actually feels... unreal... to wake up and see the inauguration on TV? 🤯 I’m so excited. It truly felt like this… https://t.co/V72KCTL4mv— James Charles (@James Charles) 1611164169
I really had not anticipated how emotional today would be for me. It's as if for four years I had been carrying a b… https://t.co/XFrm0hl2Ow— Alex Andreou (@Alex Andreou) 1611161548
I am a fucking emotional wreck 😭— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@BrooklynDad_Defiant!) 1611161616
.@KamalaHarris, the first African American, Asian American, and woman to become Vice President, is sworn in by Just… https://t.co/haT3zSmOhF— Amy Klobuchar (@Amy Klobuchar) 1611161200
Biden addressed the nation for the first time as president by calling for unity, leaving people hopeful for a new beginning.
Today’s inauguration delivers a much-needed breath of fresh air to the American people. Tune in as we mark the star… https://t.co/Cl3cBnISpS— Nancy Pelosi (@Nancy Pelosi) 1611159582
A dove carrying an olive branch. May we all make peace with each other. https://t.co/NGbgKM9XiC— Lady Gaga (@Lady Gaga) 1611165640
Because Obama is the most recent former president there, can we all just pretend the last 4 years didn't happen?— Femi (@Femi) 1611164448
Fox News's Chris Wallace: "I thought it was a great speech ... I thought this was the best inaugural address I have… https://t.co/hpqSTUc9GW— Aaron Rupar (@Aaron Rupar) 1611164362
His speech was bookended by Lady Gaga’s rendition of the national anthem and Garth Brooks singing ‘Amazing Grace’. The event also featured Jennifer Lopez singing ‘This Land Is Your Land’ and poet Amanda Gorman giving a powerful reading, and people had a lot of thoughts.
So, what I'm getting is that Lady Gaga is now President of the United States. Yes?— Charlotte Henry (@Charlotte Henry) 1611165957
Do not underestimate what a big deal it was for @garthbrooks to do this. Knowing full well it could cost him. That… https://t.co/jhDNpt7my4— Kurt Bardella (@Kurt Bardella) 1611163293
Bernie Sanders – and in particular his choice of attire – also had a moment.
@keshiaerica @jstewarttt Bernie always been a mood!! https://t.co/7z3obkeQAn— TERRANCE (@TERRANCE) 1611164807
Both are my moods in winter 😄✨ 1.Super comfortable 2.Super Classy #BernieSanders #MichelleObama https://t.co/WSsOUcR77A— Pooja Mourya (@Pooja Mourya) 1611163749
Wait, is Bernie is wearing the same jacket from his meme at the inauguration? https://t.co/q0DtVNpZbB— Alan Johnson (@Alan Johnson) 1611157292
Me after doing Bernie memes and then reading about his mittens, embarrassed to have been rude. https://t.co/cFNjNTfShb— Caroline Moss (@Caroline Moss) 1611163526
The chairman of the Senate Budget Committee wearing his only heavy coat and gifted handmade mittens made from recyc… https://t.co/X409Yx0lwR— Sara Innamorato (@Sara Innamorato) 1611164654
And – because there’s always a meme – people revived the old classic: Joe Biden on Parcs and Recreation.
Today we are all Leslie Knope. https://t.co/ptarUSoDMN— Geeky Waffle Network (@Geeky Waffle Network) 1611153974
Thinking about how excited Leslie Knope must be— Thor Benson (@Thor Benson) 1611084544
My one wish is for Amy Poehler to reprise her role as Leslie Knope to react to today's inauguration. https://t.co/GX58Ls6Od6— Natalia Navarro (@Natalia Navarro) 1611155708
There’s no denying this was a historic and moving day in too many ways to count, so we’ll leave you with the words of the break-out star of the show, Amanda Gorman: “Somehow we weathered and witnessed a nation that isn't broken but simply unfinished. There is always light. if only we're brave enough to see it.”
MORE: After four, tumultuous years, we've reached the end of Donald Trump's presidency