Healing Conflicts and Sending Messages of Unity
Emphasizing the Restoration of Alliance Values
"No Lies for Power"
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on the 20th (local time).
President Biden officially began his term as the U.S. President at 12:00 PM that day. At the inauguration ceremony held on the outdoor stage of the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC, President Biden took the oath of office and delivered his inaugural address, outlining his future governance policies.
Becoming the oldest president in history, he rejected the division in American society that emerged during former President Donald Trump's administration and presented the task of unity.
Starting his inaugural speech, President Biden emphasized, "Today is a day of history and hope. It is the day of America and democracy. Democracy has prevailed."
President Biden appealed for unity to resolve the numerous challenges, stating, "There is no peace without unity," and "My soul is dedicated to uniting Americans," underscoring a new beginning. He especially promised to work for those who did not support him.
President Biden stressed, "It is okay to have different opinions from me. That is democracy. But there must be no division. I will be a president for all Americans."
He seemed conscious of the divided public opinion during the election process, strongly emphasizing, "No more dividing between rural and urban, conservative and progressive, Democrats and Republicans."
President Biden particularly insisted that misinformation must disappear. This is interpreted as a reference to conspiracy theories and false statements rampant during the Trump administration. He differentiated himself by saying, "There were lies for the sake of power. I will speak honestly."
Conscious of the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden said, "Let us join forces to get through this dark winter. It will probably be the hardest." He arrived in Washington DC a day earlier and held a memorial event for COVID-19 victims as his first schedule.
Referring to the Capitol riot that occurred on the 6th, President Biden said, "I will do my best to uphold and protect the U.S. Constitution," and strongly stated, "Such an incident must never happen again."
He also emphasized the position that the U.S. will actively engage in international issues and restore alliances. President Biden said, "To those watching from outside the U.S., the country has been tested and will become stronger. I will repair alliances and communicate with the world."
Contrary to concerns, the inauguration ceremony ended safely under the strict surveillance of 25,000 National Guard troops. Although there were warnings that supporters of former President Trump might attack state capitals, no unusual incidents occurred.
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