Lawmaker Luncheon and White House Ball Likely to Be Canceled
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] President-elect Joe Biden of the United States is deliberating over the scale and format of the inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 20 next year due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
On the 21st (local time), The Washington Post reported that Biden's presidential inauguration will be an unprecedented spectacle due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WP, citing sources close to Biden, reported that unlike previous inaugurations that gathered over one million people, the number of attendees will be drastically reduced, masks will be mandatory, and social distancing will be enforced.
Additionally, individuals who will be in close contact with Biden must undergo COVID-19 testing.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) recently issued a statement prioritizing the health and safety of attendees.
Roy Blunt, Republican Senator and chairman of the JCCIC, told the WP, "This time, it will be fewer than 200,000 people."
Traditions such as lunch with lawmakers in the Capitol's Statuary Hall or the White House ball after the inauguration are expected to be omitted this time.
Some events, such as the National Mall concert held as a pre-event, will be broadcast online, and parts of the ceremony will be conducted remotely.
President Trump is expected not to attend Biden's inauguration, unlike previous presidents.
Because of this, Biden reportedly desires a dignified inauguration to establish legitimacy.
Although the inauguration inherently has a political nature, the WP reported that it will also show inclusiveness toward voters who did not support Biden.
Biden's team is devising ways to harness the popular energy seen in street dance parties held after Biden's election victory, despite COVID-19 restrictions.
For example, while limiting the number of people on the National Mall where the inauguration will take place, a parade on Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House is also under consideration.
Steve Kerrigan, who participated in former President Barack Obama's inauguration, said, "Various methods can be considered, but safety must be the top priority," adding, "Biden will want to demonstrate leadership and set an example for the American people."
Stage construction has begun on the west side of the Capitol, where inaugurations have been held in recent years, but there is also speculation that the location might change.
Biden is reportedly yet to form a 'Presidential Inaugural Committee.'
Traditionally, the presidential oath of office has been administered before the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, but this year the situation is uncertain.
Chief Justice John Roberts has been paying special attention to safety since COVID-19. He did not attend the White House swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
A Supreme Court spokesperson told the WP that it has not been confirmed whether Chief Justice Roberts will attend.
Meanwhile, some argue that the traditional inauguration should end because it involves enormous tax expenditures and is dominated by lobbyists who secure tickets and collect money.
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